Greetings and Happy Tuesday! This year seems to be a year of weddings, parties and showers! We’ve hosted a few and been invited to a few. All of the invitations say, RSVP. RSVP? What does it stand for and what does it mean?
Technically, rsvp means “Respondez s’il vous plait” in French. Translated means please respond. So why don’t people always respond? Well, I’m not sure! Perhaps because our culture has gotten more relaxed and less formal than in years past. However, sending a RSVP is easier than ever in this world of technology. Often times, a simple text message or email will do.
Most of the time an invitation comes with a date and request, such as please RSVP by August 1, etc. If I know either way if we can accept or decline, I try to do it right away. Mostly so I don’t forget! And letting the host know as soon as possible allows them to get a firm count of guests so they have plenty of food, drinks and in some cases seats.
I was about to say this is especially important for a wedding, but it’s really important for any party or occasion. Also sometimes if the number of guests is tight, it’s nice to know if someone can’t make it, then you can extend the invitation to someone else. (Such as a graduation, where seating is often limited.) Below is the invitation for the Bridal Shower my sisters are throwing for my future daughter-in-law. They simply requested a response via text or phone call.
Responding to an invitation is not only courteous, but it’s just plain good manners. I know how I feel when I’m hosting a party or dinner. There is so much preparation ahead of time and knowing well in advance how many guest to expect is a huge relief. And attending showers and parties is also good manners. My Mother always made my sisters and me go to every baby shower, bridal shower, wedding, birthday party etc. when we were growing up. She explained that not only did they invite us because they wanted us there, but also one day when we were in a similar situation, they would come for us. And it’s true!
So, I’m making a concerted effort to RSVP in a timely manner myself! We received a wedding invitation yesterday along with an RSVP card. I will complete it and pop it in the mail this afternoon. It’s nice the envelope is already stamped and addressed too. I simply need to check the “accepts” box and add our names. Easy.
I’m in the process of choosing the invitations to our son’s rehearsal dinner this November. So far I found several that I really like on Minted.com. The nice thing about Minted is they will address the envelopes and the response envelopes for you at no extra charge. You simply add the names and information to the address book online and they will complete them for you! Totally worth it for me. I will order matching RSVP cards and envelopes to accompany the invitations. I’ll be sure to include a deadline for the response so we can let the restaurant know an exact number of guests prior to the rehearsal dinner.
Another option for the response cards is a place where guests can choose their entree for the rehearsal dinner or reception. This is especially important if certain folks have food allergies or dietary restrictions.
I love the cards that give you the option to “happily accept” or “regretfully decline”. Or, “delighted to attend” or “declines with regret”. It sounds so nice either way, right?
I still have a few weeks to choose which invitations and response cards we want to order for the rehearsal dinner. The etiquette book suggests mailing them three to six weeks prior to the event. I think I’ll err on the side of caution and allow the maximum amount of time. So, next time you get an invitation, be sure to RSVP ASAP! They will love you for it, I promise!
Thank you for stopping by! xoxo Dell
