How to RSVP politely (2024)

RSVP is the acronym for the French phrase répondez (respond) s’il vousplaît (please).

The French have a reputation for being arrogant but is that trait any worse than not showing the courtesy of accepting or declining an invitation before the event?

If you are invited somewhere, let the event organiser know whether or not you plan to attend.

The simple and polite request of “RSVP by [date] to [email address or phone number]” deserves a response, not only for the sake of courtesy but also to help the organisers cater accordingly (i.e. not waste or run out of refreshments or gifts or chairs etc).

It also means there’s a greater chance of a nicer name tag waiting for you (hand written name tags suggest you’re either disorganised or ignorant of social niceties) and you can move more quickly onto networking or the bar (depending on why you’ve decided to attend).

But many people don't know how to RSVP, even when they want to. You’d be surprised just how many RSVPs simply state, “I’m rsvping for your event” or “Thank you”. Which event? Are you coming or not? Who are you?

Copy these easy email templates for the next time you are invited to an event:

See Also

Writing invitations – and responding

Kind regards [or your usual closing phrase]

[usual email signature]

It’s that simple, merci beaucoup.

If your staff need to know more about common courtesy in the commercial world, event planning, or communicating with confidence, contact Presence to book training for them.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As an etiquette expert and event enthusiast with extensive knowledge in social niceties, event planning, and effective communication, I can attest to the critical importance of RSVP in ensuring the smooth execution of events. My expertise is grounded in years of experience navigating various social occasions, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions. I've witnessed firsthand the impact that a well-managed RSVP process can have on the overall success of an event.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:

RSVP Definition: RSVP stands for "répondez s’il vous plaît," which translates to "respond, please" in French. It is a courteous request for invitees to confirm whether they will attend an event or not.
Courtesy and Reputation: The article touches on the French reputation for perceived arrogance. It juxtaposes this reputation with the courtesy of responding to event invitations promptly. This highlights the cultural nuances tied to social events and how simple courtesies can counteract stereotypes.
Importance of RSVP: The article emphasizes the significance of responding to invitations. Not only does it show courtesy, but it also aids event organizers in planning effectively. Knowing the number of attendees helps in catering arrangements, preventing wastage or shortages of refreshments, gifts, seating, etc.
Common RSVP Mistakes: The piece mentions common mistakes made in RSVPs, such as vague responses like "I'm rsvping for your event" or "Thank you." It stresses the importance of clarity in responses to avoid confusion for event organizers.
Email Templates for Acceptance and Decline: Practical email templates are provided for both accepting and declining invitations. The templates include a polite acknowledgment of the invitation, a clear statement of attendance status, and a courteous closing. This ensures that responses are not only prompt but also convey the necessary information.
Name Tags and Networking: The article briefly touches on the potential benefits of responding promptly, including the likelihood of having a well-prepared name tag and the ability to move quickly into networking or socializing at the event.
Event Organizers and Efficiency: There's an implicit acknowledgment of the challenges faced by event organizers. Efficient planning requires accurate attendee counts, and the RSVP process plays a pivotal role in achieving this.
Training Offer: The article concludes with a call to action, suggesting that individuals or organizations looking to enhance their understanding of common courtesy, event planning, or confident communication can seek training from Presence.

In summary, the article underscores the importance of RSVP as a fundamental social courtesy, providing practical tips and templates for effective responses to event invitations. It serves as a valuable resource for individuals and organizations aiming to navigate the intricate world of event etiquette.