How to Write a Formal RSVP to an Invitation

Regardless of the type of invitation, there is a formality which can be followed. RSVP is an acronym for the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît" or in English, "please respond." There is an elaborate history behind the invite and RSVP dating back to before electronic communication existed in order to establish credibility and reliability of manual communication. The following article will dig up a bit of this RSVP etiquette and tell you how to write a formal RSVP to an invitation.

Instructions

1. Decide if you would like to RSVP. Is this the type of invite which you are likely to accept. In addition, is there some sort of social expectation that you will accept the invite. Once you have made this decision, you will have to politely respond in one way or the other. The RSVP is not simply to accept, but also to deny an invite.

2. Check your calendar to see if you are available. If you are then you are able to move to the next step. If you are unavailable, you will need to weight the value of the outstanding appointment. For instance, "Is your orthodontist appointment more important than your sisters wedding?" In addition you should consider the possibility of moving the existing appointment to accommodate both or even moving something into the spot to give valid reason for denial.

3. Be short, but polite. The invitee is no doubt preparing for the occasion and can't be bothered with questions and complications from the attendee. If you are denying the invitation, it is important to make it clear that you are 'unable' to attend and not to insinuate that you are 'unwilling.' It is important to send the RSVP even if you are not going to attend in order to give thanks for the invite.

4. If you are going to attend, RSVP with a short sentence thanking them for the invite. Tell them how many people will be attending, how long your stay will be and if applicable, what you will have to eat in the case of a dinner party or a reception of some sort. It is acceptable to request special dietary needs, but be aware of the situation. It may call for you to make your own special accommodations.

5. Be sure to send the RSVP as quickly as possible so that the host or hostess can make proper preparations. Don't assume that because an invite comes early that you have plenty of time to RSVP. The host or hostess may be planning a secondary invite.

Resources

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