RSVP and its meaning

Have you ever noticed “RSVP” in the birthday invitation or baby shower invites? Have you seek for an event nearby or online, you may be asked for RSVP?

From birthday invitation to weddings, small events to big corporate events, invitations do mention RSVP. Let us understand what does it mean?

What does RSVP mean?

RSVP stands for répondez s’il vous plaît. It is a french word abbreviation that means “Respond please” or “Reply, please”.

It is used to confirm the presence/attendance to an event such as wedding, baby shower, bridal shower, and birthday parties.

How to use RSVP?

Below are the few examples:

• Join us to Celebrate Emiley’s first birthday party. RSVP to Mom +1-1234-567-890
• Are you attending the event this weekend? RSVP by Tuesday.

Ways to Receive RSVP from Guests

Email/Phone

To collect RSVPs from the guests, do mention either your email address or phone number in the invitation. This way, guests will connect you and give confirmation to the party.

Ideal for: Events, Birthdays, baby shower etc

How do you respond to an RSVP?

Whenever you receive a first birthday invitation or any event invite, it is a good practice and a formal gesture to respond it, if it mentions RSVP.

To respond to the RSVP, look inside the invitation, the host may given RSVP details (phone/email). Use the communication mode as mention in the invite and confirm your presence to the upcoming party/event.

If you are attending the event, email the host with your name and confirmation “Yes”. If you cannot attend it due to certain reason, reply with no and the reason behind it. End the note with a best wishes for the party. If you are unsure of attending the party/event, respond with a “maybe”.

When should you make the deadline for RSVPs?

For a wedding party, RSVP deadline should be set two-three weeks prior to the wedding day. This way you can give more space to yourself to organise the event efficiently.

What to do when guests dont respond to RSVP?

Adding RSVP to the invitation does not guarantee people will respond to it. As a quick responce, guests could answer “maybe”. In this scenario, it is a good practice to follow-up RSVP. If you have sent printable invitations to the guests, it is ideal to text/call them for confirmation. For emails/mobile Evites, you can use the same communication channel for follow up.