The Swaying Queen

So? What does R.S.V.P really mean?

We tend to associate the term RSVP to options in social media and cloud meeting as “Yes”, “No” and “Maybe”. All in just one click. But back in the day, that word was given so much social weight every time people are receiving countless exquisite invites. That four-letter word was either plainly type-written or embossed at any part of the card, and failure to send a response will put you in social peril.

Going back to the question. What does R.S.V.P mean? it is an abbreviation of a French phrase “Repondez Sil Vous Plait”, or in English conversation it means “Reply, if it pleases you‘. The French people uses it an imperative, and there is no way the phrase will give you an option – in short- they don’t use it as an option. That’s how straightforward this peoople are. of speech. Eventually, it was imported by the English socialites in the 1800 as one of the manifestation of classiness during balls and other royal invites.

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Responding to an RSVP event?

Everyone are into social media and e-replies, and receiving physical invites are not a common thing nowadays. Whether it is a formal dinner party in a high-end restaurant or a casual get together in a cozy cafeteria, it is an act of good manners if we are going to respond to an RSVP invites and be sure to respond before the deadline.

There are many ways to inform the host. You can call, send an SMS, a personal letter or an electronic mail to confirm your attendance on the event. However, if it will be a “regret only“, make it clear to the host that you won’t be able to make it.

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Filling out the RSVP as a guest?

Should you be invited to a debut, wedding or event that includes an RSVP card, make sure to fill it out and mail it back to the sender before the deadline. Or you may also deliver it electronically. Aside from your name, your either “yes” or “no”, and your meal of choice, there were times when they provide a place on the response card to write an optional message. Responding is a nice gesture to show excitement about the upcoming event. But even if you have to RSVP “no” you should still leave a note as a response. Explain the reason why you can’t attend, offer them a “goodluck”, “congratulations” or “best wishes”, and let them know you look forward to seeing them soon when your schedule permits.

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Setting the deadline?

If it happens that you are the one planning an important event, it is crucial to set a deadline for RSVPs. The rule of thumb is, it should be two to three weeks before the RSVP deadline. This will give them enough time for the invitees to make time to respond, an ample time to reform their schedules and be prepared to the event. Lean closer to the three-week mark for formal events and at least a two-week mark for casual events like barbecue dates and BYOBs (bring-your-own-beer).

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If they don’t RSVP?

We can’t deny the fact that even if we put RSVP on the invitation, there is always a possibility that there will be guests or invitees who won’t even bother to respond in time -or not at all. If this happens, you will need you send a courteous RSVP follow-up. Make sure to keep your message in a lighter tone to avoid any awkwardness and let them know that you are looking forward for them to attend the event. You need to make them realize that they are accounted from the start of the planning.