Please RSVP

What Does RSVP Mean on an Invitation?

Answer

This is a simple answer. RSVP stands for the French phrase, 'rŽpondez s'il vous pla”t' or, in English, 'respond if you please.' This request appears on invitations for parties, weddings, and other social gatherings. It's considered polite to respond to such a request in a timely matter so the host can prepare for the appropriate number of guests.

RSVP is not normal in our culture, in fact I believe that it is new (maybe it has become famous in the past 10 years, but it's not like it has been around since forever). I somehow think that it is about time for us to be familiar with the terms and conditions of R.S.V.P.

Nobody expect you to be able to pronounce the french accent of respondez s'il vous plai't or something, but here's a thing or two you can learn and act accordingly upon receiving your invitation

1. Always acknowledge the sender that you have received the invitation.

2. If you need time to make arrangements, please take it into timely manner.

3. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS respond with YES (with plus one or not; if this option is offered) or NO. NEVER say 'ok we'll see', 'I'll confirm later', 'I'm not sure but I'll try my best' etc

4. Never burden the party host with your issues. 'Let me see if I can get anybody to babysit my baby, I'll make it to your party'. NOBODY wants to know your problem.

5. You don't have to wait until the very last minute to confirm. If you are sure that you can or cannot attend the minute you were invited, make confirmation pronto.

6. If you respond via card (that is usually provided by the host) please double check by texting/calling the host. You know snail mail isn't that reliable.

7. If you respond for one seat, DO NOT present with a plus one (or more).

8. If you have confirmed your attendance but somehow you cannot make it, PLEASE release your seat. Inform the host that there was unforeseen circumstances and you may not be able to attend. This may not be favorable by the host but at least you're doing something. Most of the time the host will believe that you have make your ultimate effort to attend but you are still not able to.

9. If you have released your seat don't take it back. Don't bother the host with your fickle mind.

10. ALWAYS present to event that you RSVPed. And do not attend the event that you have responded with no OR that you do not respond. Do not just assume that there will always be extra seat.

Since this has become a modern culture for weddings, help the host to optimize the cost so they can enjoy their big day with open heart and clear minds. Afterall, we are to attend weddings to share the Barakah of the good occasion, isn't it?

Feel free to share this with your friends. Spread positivity :)