I hope your weekend was amazing. If it was anything like mine, you had your hands full. I hosted a wedding shower for my niece who is getting married in April. We are so excited she found “The Mr. and he is right for her.” This shower brings me to another topic of discussion that seems to be the No.1 most asked question regarding proper manners. What is the proper etiquette for RSVP? I could climb on top of my roof and yell the correct responses but I will share them with you in this post and hope you can hear me screaming the answers.

What is RSVP?
RSVP derived from the French language and means, “Répondez, s’il vous plaît,” or, “Please reply.” Can it be any simpler than that? Not responding to this request makes me hotter than a firecracker. I am ashamed to admit that I have been one of those invited guest who failed to notify the host that I would or would not attend after being graciously invited to the party. It’s just plain rude and unacceptable.
When do you RSVP?
It is critical to RSVP within 24 hours of the receipt of the invitation. This lets the host know that you are excited to attend and you appreciate being included. Don’t get caught in the trick bag of waiting to respond. It’s easy to forget with our busy lives and responding immediately prevents the host from feeling that you are waiting around for a better offer to come along. The best way to respond is by phone. Please do not leave a voicemail. They can sometimes be unreliable. An email or text is acceptable as long as you receive a response from the host confirming your RSVP. If you are not able to confirm within 24 hours, call the host anyway and let them know. Be sure to make a commitment to notify the host on or before the deadline.
Tip: Not responding to an RSVP is the fastest way to be removed from future invites.
How Do I reply?
Follow the instructions listed on the invitation. That’s why they are provided. Don’t come up with your own rules and regulations, it’s not your party.
May I Bring a Guest?
I’m guilty of this too but this is an absolute NO and let me repeat myself, NO!
May I change my answer?
Yes, however, declining afterwards should only occur in the case of an emergency i.e. illness, death of a family member or an unavoidable situation that cannot be re-scheduled. Changing a “no” to a “yes” should only be made if the host is agreeable and before the deadline.
Being a no show is absolutely unacceptable.
What makes a gracious guest?
Remember to thank the host before leaving the party and add a little icing on the cake with a follow up the next day expressing your appreciation.

Entertaining brings so much joy to all and with these few tips on proper RSVP, we will make our host feel appreciated and keeps us on the guest list. Who doesn’t love a great party? Let’s all step up our game when it comes to RSVP request. Please and Thank you.

Source- Emily Post and Manners Mentor


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