Did you RSVP?

By Alexander Oneil

Did you RSVP?   May people see the initials “RSVP” on an invitation and don’t know what they really mean.  Some people think it means to call the host only if you will not be attending the event.  Otherwise, it’s okay just to show up at the party. However, RSVP stands for “Respondez, s’il vous plait”-which means “Respond, please.”

We’ve all seen the RSVP line on an invitation with a phone number and a contact name.    The goal is for people to call to inform the host whether or not he or she will be attending the event.  Responding to this request allows your host to better plan for her event.  The amount of food, place settings, hospitality gifts, chairs and tables can all be determined by the response the host receives when she asks for you to RSVP.

So what if people do decide just to show up?  What if the host didn’t order extra meals or chairs for those who didn’t RSVP?  Now the host may be uncomfortable because she has to make accommodations or either inform people that there’s no room in the inn.

It only takes a few minutes to call, mail in the card, or e-mail to let someone know that you will or will not be attending their event.  Wouldn’t you want someone to do the same for you?

June 19th, 2009 by Yolanda D. Young | Posted in Customs | (0)