RSVPs

Respondez S’il Vous Plait” = please respond or respond please = yes, I need to know if you are coming or not!

I’ve planned lots of parties for myself, my friends and work. They’ve ranged from super informal to black tie galas. The one thing I will never understand is the lack of responses when you ask people to RSVP. Whether it’s a phone call, an e-mail or mailing back a pre-stamped postcard, I don’t understand the difficulty.

I know this is something every bride and event coordinator struggles with, so with that being said, I don’t think I’ll ever understand the lack, or procrastination of RSVPing. I mean, these responses aren’t just for my benefit, I need to know what meal you want so I can tell the caterer, I need to know if your coming so I can get a chair for your butt and put you at a table. I need to have the correct number of tables and centerpieces and favors!!

Some brides have gotten creative- the first 5 RSVPs get a prize or the last to RSVP gets called out at the wedding (although I hope this is only a threat).

You should always respond to an invitation. It is polite. It is kind. Most of all it is necessary! Here are a few tips just in case!

• When in doubt, RSVP, never assume a host knows you are coming.
• If the invitations says “Regrets only” then you only need to respond if you will not be attending.
• Pay attention to the deadline, we already went over this, but hosts set them for a reason!
• If you RSVP “yes” then show up.