Meaning of RSVP: Have you received or seen an invitation with RSVP before? Do you know what RSVP really means?
RSVP is usually included in an invitation. Unfortunately, most times, both hosts and guests do not even know what RSVP means.
Most people do think that RSVP means “Rice and Stew Very Plenty” which is not true, but today, I will tell you the real meaning of RSVP.
In this post, we will clear out such confusion.
What Does RSVP Mean
The term RSVP comes from the French expression “répondez s’il vous plaît”, and it means “please respond.”
If RSVP is written on an invitation, it means the invited guests are to tell the host whether or not they will honor the invitation.
RSVP does not mean that you should respond only if you have the intentions of honoring the invitation.
It also does not mean you should respond only if you do not have the intentions of honoring the invitation.
Hence, when you receive any social invitation, whether you will attend or not, courtesy demands you respond and tell the host whether you will attend the social gathering or not.
You respond to an RSVP either by phone call, if phone number is given or by email if an email address is give, or whatever other means provided.
RSVP, Regrets Only
The phrase “RSVP, regrets only”, or simply “Regrets only”, is a popular modern variation that implies “if you do not reply, that will be taken as an acceptance.”
When you receive an invitation to a social gathering and the invitation card contains “RSVP, regrets only”, or simply “Regrets only,” it means you are to reply only if you will no accept the invitation by attendance.
If you receive “RSVP, regrets only”, or simply “Regrets only”, and you do not reply, it means you accepted and will attend the invitation.
Save the Date Cards
Prior to sending the RSVP invitation, the host may mail out a “save the date” card to inform the guests of the date and location of the celebration.
This may be used when the event will be held a considerable time in the future or in a distant location to allow for travel plans.
Why It’s Crucial to RSVP
Replying to an invitation is an ultimate necessity, as to whether you plan to go or not. It’s sure that the couple faced some challenges when choosing who to invite. Simply stated, every wedding guest creates expenses. The cost per person will always be taken into account when determining the overall budget. Therefore, the fact that you received an invitation can imply that someone else did not.
In light of this, it’s only fair to let the newlyweds know if you plan to attend. If for whatever reason you are unable to go, they might be able to invite someone from their list of “maybes.” On the other hand, you must inform them as soon as possible if you want to attend their big day.