RSVP Etiquette

Jan 13

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Have you ever hosted a fabulous party and to your surprise, a handful of unexpected guests arrived? Well dear readers this has happened to me a time or two so I can relate! I co-hosted a beautiful baby shower with my girlfriends last year, and as we all cooed over the precious little outfits and plush blankets for the sweet bundle of joy, the doorbell continued to ring, and nearly 10 unexpected guests arrived (they declined to RSVP). Of course we warmly invited them in and had planned ahead (always better to have too much!) so there were plenty of sparkling champagne and delicious petit fours. However, often times not RSVP’ing – say to a wedding for instance – can put the host or hostess in a bit of a pinch since an accurate headcount is needed before the nuptials take place. To help you shine like the gracious guest that you are and have your friends and family fawning over you for always RSVPing on time, follow these quick RSVP etiquette tips. Enjoy!

 

Quick Tips

RSVP Etiquette

•••

Always, always, always RSVP

Once you receive an invitation, RSVP ASAP (before/by the date listed)

If you can’t confirm your attendance by the RSVP date, contact the host and ask if you can have a bit more time before you RSVP

If the invitation says “regrets only,” you only need to RSVP if you cannot attend

Double check the invitation before you RSVP for yourself and someone else (don’t assume you have a +1!) and avoid asking if you can bring a guest

RSVP in the way listed on the invite; For example, if the invite requests you call a phone number to RSVP, call the number instead of texting

If you RSVP’d “yes,”  uphold your commitment; if you need to cancel (due to illness, a family emergency, etc.), let the host know ASAP

If you RSVP’d “no,”  and plans change, stick to your initial response as you don’t want to put the host or hostess in an awkward position

If you’re RSVP’ing to a wedding, consider writing a thoughtful note to the bride and groom on the back of the response card

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