How To RSVP To A Party

Learn how to RSPV to a party so that you can easily respond next time you receive an invitation. We are talking about how to RSPV and examples of wording you can use.

Have you ever received an invitation to a birthday party, baby shower, or even a wedding and not sure the proper way to respond? In this post you will learn how to respond to a RSVP, wording you can use, and why it's important to respond.

What does RSVP mean?

RSVP are the initials for "Repondez s'il vous plait" which is a French phrase meaning "Please respond." This simply means that the host of the party would like to know if you will be attending or not.

Giving the host or event organizers a response is not only polite but important so that they can get a head count to plan for food, drinks, and activities.

How to RSVP

There are many different ways to RSVP. Some might require a simple "Yes" or "No", while others might need a more personal touch. Let's start by reviewing ways you might be requested to reply and then appropriate wording to respond.

How RSVP responses might be requested

1. No Response - Starting with the easiest response, no response needed. You might find some invitations don't have any RSVP information or could even state no RSVP is required. It still would be a wonderful idea to reach out to the host to thank them and let them know if you will be attending.
2. Phone number - If your invitation has a name and a contact number you can choose to call or text your response.
3. Text - The ease of texting makes it fast and easy to respond and also makes it easy for the host to keep track of who is coming.
4. Evite - Evites, or online party invitations, can be sent via email or text messaging. They are a form of online RSVP. There are different formats, however most will have a Yes or No option.
5. Email - Emails are another popular way to receive an invitation. Most will ask to RSVP to the email address.
6. Regrets only - This type of RSPV requires you respond only if you are not planning on attending the event.
7. In person - Occasionally you will be able to RSVP in person. You can verbally let them know if you will be able to join the event or not.

Why it's important to RSVP and to RSVP by date

Many invitations will request that you respond by a certain date. This is required for many reasons like ordering food, letting the party venue know an accurate headcount, ordering party favors and more. It is important that you respond by the given date.

Even if there is no "respond by date" on the invitation, it is important to RSVP for many reasons like:

• Location - Many venues will require a head count because they charge per person or only allow a certain number of people. This often comes up for a child's birthday party and weddings.
• Food - You don't want to have too much food or too little food so knowing how many party guests you will be having helps to estimate the amount of food needed.
• Favors - Often party favors are given out at kids birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, and weddings. Knowing how many people will be attending is important when purchasing the favors.

How to RSVP via text

Text messages tend to be short, so a quick, concise response is perfectly fine. Here are some example wordings for RSVP via text:

Yes answer - "Good morning Rachel. Thank you so much for inviting Elle to Ava's birthday party. She can't wait to help celebrate Ava. Looking forward to seeing you."

Other ways to confirm you will be attending:

• "(Child's Name) is able to attend."
• "(Child's Name) is so excited to help celebrate. See you at the party"
• "Looking forward to attending the party."
• "Thank you for inviting us to your celebration. We are excited to join you."

No answer - "Good morning Rachel. Thank you so much for inviting Elle to Ava's birthday party. Unfortunately, Elle will be out of town and won't be able to attend. Best wishes!"

Other ways to politely decline an invitation:

• "I'm so sorry but (Child's Name) is not able to attend."
• "Thank you so much for the invitation but we won't be able to join you."
• "(Child's Name) is so sorry to miss the party. We have a prior commitment that day."

Not sure answer - "Good morning Rachel. I am not sure if Elle will be able to make it to Ava's party. I will let you know as soon as possible."

• "Thank you so much for the invitation. I will need to check my work schedule to see if I am able to take off. I will respond as soon as possible."
• "Thank you for thinking of me and inviting me to your party. I'm not sure if I will be able to make it but will let you know as soon as possible."

How to RSVP via email

If you are sending in your RSVP by email you can also keep the response to a short note. Be sure to clearly state if you will be attending the event or not. You can use many of the above examples for wording.

One thing to keep in mind with email is that your response might vary depending on who is sending the invitation. If it is formal, respond with a "Dear (Host Name)" and close with "Sincerely, (Your Name.)" If it is casually worded, feel free to send a more casual RSVP back.

How to RSVP via card

Many formal events such as a wedding, will have a formal RSVP response card that is included with the invitation. Simply check "Yes" or "No". Sometimes no will be called "Regrets". You may also find that the RSVP card has a place to check your meal preference. Mail the RSVP card back before the due date.

How to RSVP if you are past the due date

Oh no! You accidentally forgot to RSVP by the RSVP deadline date. It is still encouraged and the polite thing to RSVP or reach out to the host.

You will want to offer an apology and check to see if you are still able to attend. Since some circumstances require an exact number of people, you can't assume that the invitation still stands.

How to cancel a yes RSVP

Life is uncertain and sometimes things come up at the last minute which would prevent you from not being able to attend a party or event when you responded yes. An example that happens often is a child gets sick, a baby sitter cancels, or something comes up with work.

It's a good idea to reach out to the host as soon as you know you won't be able to come. It is not necessary to provide personal details but be sure to apologize that you won't be able to make it. Above all, remember to be honest and appreciative of the invitation.

RSVP Tips

• If possible, try to send your RSVP reply within 24 hours of receiving an invitation.
• When RSVPing, be sure to double check that you have the correct contact information for the person collecting the responses. Sometimes that person might be different than the person who sent the invitation.
• If you have a dietary restriction or food allergies, be sure to include that information in the RSVP so that the party host will have meal choices to suit your special needs. This is especially important for dinner parties and weddings.
• Don't forget to add the event date to your calendar. This will help you remember when the party will be held so you don't forget.

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