The Meaning: The term RSVP comes from the French expression “réspondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “please respond.”
What it does not mean: RSVP does not mean, “respond only if you are coming,” nor does it mean, “respond only if you are not coming.” “Regrets only” is the term for the latter instance.
The Importance of RSVP: responding to an invitation assists in --
• Planning for minimum requirements for hotel room blocks
• Planning for banquet halls and breakout room requirements
• Planning for printed material
• Planning for place settings
• Determining the number of servers and bartenders required
• Planning for food and beverage quantities
• Planning for swag bags and/or party favors
• Determining dance floor size requirements
• Floor plan layout
• Finalizing programs
and much, much more…
6 RSVP Etiquette Tips:
1. If an invitation includes an RSVP, all guests are obligated to respond by the specified date on the invitation.
2. If there is no “reply by” date, the general rule of thumb is to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt.
3. If a social invitation does not include an RSVP, it is still considered polite to respond accordingly.
4. All business and/or non-profit events require a response. If you are making a charitable contribution but not attending the event, RSVP appropriately and do not attend unannounced.
5. In keeping with today’s Greening efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, an invitation may come via email (try Evite). You are still obligated to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt if there is no "reply by" date.
6. For the more formal events that choose to send invitations via snail mail but opt to set up an RSVP online (try My RSVP Live), telephone, or a personalized website, be sure to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt if there is no "reply by" date.
Who Should RSVP?:
1. If you are sending a representative(s) to corporate and non-profit events, the RVSP should specify whom and/or how many are attending on your behalf.
2. For social and private events, all invitees must RSVP.
3. If the invitation allows for extra guests, and you intend on bringing additional people, be sure to indicate how many extra people will be accompanying you. Typically, it is polite to add no more than 2 extra people per invitation.
Final Tips:
• Be sure to communicate all last-minute changes.
• Be sure to communicate any conflicting events and respond by the specified date.
• Be sure to communicate any special dietary requirements well in advance. Remember, this is different from dietary preferences.
• Arrive on time.
• Dress appropriately and in keeping with the theme of the event. (i.e. Black-tie, formal, business etc.)
• Network and Enjoy!
Sample Invitations, RSVP cards, and favors:
(click on the text below the image to be linked to the sample's corresponding site)
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