When you receive an invitation, it’s important to follow certain etiquettes when responding. These etiquettes serve practical purposes, such as confirming the guest list and ensuring the event is comfortable for everyone. In the USA, sending an RSVP (which stands for the French phrase ‘Répondez S’il Vous Plaît‘, meaning ‘Please Respond’) is common practice. If you receive an invitation with an RSVP request and are unsure whether or how to respond, here are some guidelines:
Always respond to an RSVP request, whether it’s in an invitation card, email, or message. Regardless of whether you plan to attend the event, your response helps the organizer plan accordingly, particularly for food and seating arrangements. Ignoring an RSVP request usually implies that you will not attend the event.
Should I always respond to RSVP?
Yes, you should always respond to an RSVP if it is mentioned in the invitation. Your response lets the organizer know whether to arrange food and other provisions for you. If your plans change after you’ve RSVP’d, it’s important to inform the organizer to avoid unnecessary excess in food and refreshments.
In most events where an RSVP is requested, responding indicates that you will attend. Not responding typically implies that you will not attend. Therefore, be sure to respond if you plan to attend. If there is no request for an RSVP in the invitation, it is generally acceptable not to respond.
A new trend in many events is the request for “regrets only” instead of an RSVP. This means you should only reply if you cannot attend the event. In this case, no response is necessary if you plan to attend. However, you should notify the organizers if you cannot attend such an event.
How should you respond to RSVP for not attending?
If you are unable to attend an event, it’s important to respond to the RSVP politely. Begin by thanking the host or organizer for the invitation, expressing your gratitude and appreciation for being included. You might say something like, “I’m honored to be invited and appreciate you thinking of me.”
Next, explain why you cannot attend. Be honest and straightforward, avoiding false excuses. Provide a simple and concise reason without going into excessive detail. For example, you might mention a prior commitment, a family emergency, or a sudden illness.
Your host will likely understand if you provide a valid reason for not attending. Last-minute responses might include unexpected situations like a family emergency, sudden illness, or transportation issues. However, if you know from the outset that you won’t be able to attend, it’s courteous to inform the host as soon as possible.
Is it considered rude not to respond to an RSVP?
Yes, it can be very rude not to respond to an RSVP, depending on how strict or lenient the host is. Some hosts take RSVP responses very seriously, while others might be more flexible and follow up with guests who haven’t responded. However, it is your responsibility to confirm whether you will be attending. Therefore, make sure you provide a response to the RSVP.
