I have my knickers in a knot about guests not responding to an RSVP request when someone takes the time to send them an invitation to a party, celebration, wedding or other event.  It astounds me how many people think it’s perfectly ok to ignore an RSVP request. 

I don’t know how many stressed brides and party hostesses I have worked with who spend hours chasing invited guests for their response to an invitation.  Whether it is your intention to attend the event or not, it’s simply rude not to take the time to respond, when the hosts have spent the time to invite you to their celebration.

RSVP is taken from the French phrase “Répondez s’il vous plaît” that translates to “please respond” or literally “respond, if you please”.  Even Wikipedia’s definition has etiquette in mind: It is standard practice to reply to an RSVP request whether confirming attendance or declining.

Ideally, I’d love to have every guest respond to an RSVP request with a handwritten note or card to an invitation, but I know this is probably outrageously old-fashioned of me!  Honestly, I don’t have the time myself to do this always, but I do try especially for important events such as weddings.  Otherwise, a well worded email or a phone call to the host is also acceptable.  

This is the simple rule my mother taught me and I will teach my kids:  no matter what your response, respond on or before the date listed on the invitation.  Don’t ever leave a stressed out bride or hostess with the extra stress of having to chase you for your reply to their invitation.  That is rude.  Simply rude.

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn