- What Does RSVP Mean?

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What is r s v p

RSVP Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster.

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You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings , which can also be found in the footer of the site. A small and beautiful envelope appears in your mailbox. No, this letter is far more important. As you scan the page, one part leaps out: RSVP. When you tear open the invitation and start reading, you need to pay close attention to the RSVP section. Usually, this part of the invitation will be a separate card, which you will need to send back to the soon-to-be newlyweds.

It may include additional information, such as meal options and the name of your plus-one. In some cases, there may be no card at all, just a mailing address or email address instead.

In any case, you will need to write to the couple stating whether you plan to attend their wedding or otherwise. Now that we understand the meaning of RSVP, let's dive into the actual response. If the to-be-weds included a pre-printed response card, they already did most of the heavy lifting for you. All you need to do is fill in the blanks with accurate information. Alternately, the response card may be blank. If there is no prompt to guide your answers, be sure to include your full name and any additional guests attending with you.

Things get a bit trickier if there's no RSVP card included. Check the invitation or wedding website for further details or clues, like an email address or phone number for text replies. Responding to an invitation is an absolute must, whether you intend to go or not.

The chances are that the couple had to make some rather tricky decisions when creating the guest list. Put simply, every wedding guest costs. The price-per-head will always factor into the overall budget. So, the fact that you got invited may mean someone else did not. With that in mind, letting the couple know whether you will be attending is plain good manners. However, life is full of surprises. You may find that your plans change and you need to tell the couple that you can no longer attend.

Handling this matter delicately is key. Keep in mind that they will have already made arrangements ahead of time. As soon as you know that your circumstances have changed, reach out to the couple. While you want to avoid an overly complicated explanation, you should include a reason.

Include a sincere apology as part of this message. Be certain to tailor this letter or email to your circumstances and be as earnest as possible. Responding to invitations promptly is polite.

Much of the time, RSVP cards will include a line that tells you when you need to respond by. If you already know whether you can attend or not, go ahead and let the couple know. Instead, keep things short and snappy. We would like to accept with pleasure the kind invitation to your wedding on Saturday, July 25 at 1. We gleefully look forward to the event. Kind wishes,. While the above example works for most circumstances, you may want to jazz things up.

See the following example:. Thank you so much for including us in your wedding plans. We accept with pleasure the kind invitation to your wedding on Saturday, July 25 at 1. We cannot wait to celebrate your big day with you! The golden rule here is not to overexplain the situation. Be sure to state that you have a prior engagement and wish the couple well. We would like to thank you for the kind invitation to your wedding on Saturday, July 25 at 1. Regrettably, we will be unable to attend due to prior commitments.

We wish you the best on your special day! Needless to say, you may need to add more information to your personalized RSVP letter or message. If the couple has asked what meals you would like or for other details, you can include them here.

Of course, you may also need to include the RSVP card and check the appropriate boxes too. Read the invitation fully and ensure that you follow the instructions down to the letter. While many couples will provide an exact date to respond to the RSVP by, there may not always be a deadline included.

If the timeline is not specified, it's expected that you send your response at least a month prior to the wedding day. Remember, sooner is always better. At its core, an RSVP will simply inquire about the status of your attendance.

However, some couples may ask you to select your food preferences or even pick a favorite song you hope to hear on the dance floor.

An online RSVP may be sent through an email or even shared through a text. In most cases, a couple will expect you to respond through a section on their wedding website where you can also find helpful information like the registry, the venue's address, or hotel blocks. Follow the prompts to submit your response—and save the link to refer to later just in case.

Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. By Charlotte Grainger. Charlotte Grainger. Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer in Sheffield, England. Her specialties include lifestyle, relationships, health, and nutrition. Brides's Editorial Guidelines. When does a wedding RSVP need to be returned by? How do online RSVPs work? Related Stories.