How to Respond to an Invitation

Respond to an invitation promptly.

RSVP derives from the French term "Réspondez S'il Vous Plaît," which translates to "please respond" in English. The purpose of an RSVP is to advise a host whether or not invited guests will attend his celebration. Failing to RSVP leaves the host to speculate about the number of guests he needs to plan for having. When you receive an invitation that requests an RSVP, do so in the manner and time frame specified.

Instructions

1. Determine if you are able to, or want to, attend the event.

2. Check the invitation to see if a response is required. If the invitation says "Regrets Only," you need to respond only if you are not attending the function. The host will assume that anyone who did not respond will be present.

3. Choose a method for responding and follow the instructions provided with the invitation. Formal invitations, like wedding invitations, almost always come with an RSVP card to fill out and return. Most other invitations indicate a number to call and a date to call by. An email response is an acceptable method of responding to an email invitation.

4. Respond promptly. Keep the RSVP deadline in mind and make sure that you respond on or before that date. You can respond as soon as you definitely know whether or not you can attend. The earlier you RSVP the more time the host will have to prepare for the event.

5. Give a definite answer. Do not RSVP with a "maybe." Wait until you know for certain before you RSVP. If you are still uncertain at the RSVP deadline, call the host and explain the situation or decline the invitation altogether.

6. Inform the host of the number of people attending. If your invitation was addressed to more than one person, you need to let the host know who is accepting and who is declining the invitation.

7. Be courteous, polite and to the point when you RSVP. The host only needs to know whether or not you are attending, not the reasons you cannot attend. Thank the host for the invitation when responding, even when you are unable to attend. You can write, "Thank you for the invitation, however we are unable to attend" or, "We are so pleased to be included, and we will be there."

References

• Emily Post: The Continuing Importance of RSVP