R.S.V.P. stands for the French phrase Répondez s’il vous plait. In English, it means please reply. This phrase is added to guest invitations when hosts want to know whether or not you are able to attend their event.
It doesn’t mean please reply only if you will come. And it doesn’t mean please reply only if you aren’t coming (“Regrets only” is used for that). It simply means please reply either way. So, why then, is it so difficult to get people to respond to invitations which request their reply?
I can’t tell you how many parties I have personally thrown and have requested a reply response, only to be surprised at just how many people do not reply. I am sure there are many different feelings on this topic, but I am of the strong opinion that if someone takes the time to invite you to be a guest at their event, the least you can do is let them know whether or not you plan to attend. Not only does it follow social etiquette rules, it is also essential for the host to know how many guests plan on attending so that accommodations can be made for adequate food, drinks, seating, space, party favors, and among other things.
Unfortunately, many people don’t seem to realize the importance of a reply until they themselves have been the host of a sizable event. One recent mother-of-the-bride said to me that after the difficulty she just went though in trying to get responses to the wedding invitations, she feels like contacting every host that she failed to reply to over the years and to offer them a sincere apology. Wouldn’t it just be easier to reply in the first place?
So next time you receive an invitation that requests a reply, won’t you Répondez s’il vous plait. Who knows, maybe you will start a trend.
About the Author
Donna Tomz is the owner and founder of Social Sense, an event planning solutions company. She created Social Sense in 2004 as an avenue to express her creativity and passion for event planning. Donna has a natural ability to organize and translate a vision into the hundreds of miniscule details required to make that vision a reality. Her enthusiasm and creativity combined with a practical nature enable Donna to create unique yet efficient and effective events.
Social Sense is an event planning solution company specializing in business, bridal and social events. They offer an array of services including full and partial event planning, on-site event management and event consultation. Contact Social Sense today for your free initial consultation at www.socialsense.org or 832-527-6106.
