RSVP Meaning: What Does RSVP Mean?

RSVP is often seen on envelopes. Whether it is an invitation for a birthday party, a wedding, or even baby shower invitations, it is invariably present. But after reading the card and taking in the details of the occasion and the venue, we often ignore the small four letters typed in the corner. In fact, most people do not understand what does RSVP mean on invitations. Here is the answer to the golden question: What does RSVP mean?

What Does RSVP Mean on an Invitation?
RSVP is the abbreviation of four French words. Thus, RSVP means 'répondez s'il vous plaît'. This phrase literally translates as 'Respond if you please' or even simply, 'Please respond'. This tradition was started by the French people. The French are well-known for their etiquettes. In fact, they are even credited with coming up with various etiquettes that are followed to this day.

So now that the question, what does RSVP mean has been answered, the next logical thing to ask is whether one should respond to an RSVP on an invitation.

Why is it Important to Respond to an RSVP?
The whole point of writing RSVP on any invitation card is that, a person invited can respond to it. This response is expected, irrespective of whether the person is planning to attend the function or not. It is good manners that the person responds, as there are many factors that the host has to consider while throwing a party for any occasion. These includes the number of guests coming, planning the food quantity to order from the caterer, issues related with booking a hall large enough to accommodate the guests, managing and booking guest houses for the invitees, planning the seating arrangement, etc.

How to Respond to RSVP?
Thus, RSVP meaning 'please respond' necessitates a response from the invitee. There are certain ethics to be followed while responding to party invitations with RSVP on it. These are as follows:

• Firstly, decide whether you are planning to go for the occasion or not. If you decide to go and then don't show up at the last minute, it is considered very rude.
• Once decided, please take the courtesy to respond. Often the invitation cards have small cut out paper sheets and envelopes where one can reply and post back their response.
• However, if there isn't any paper or envelope to respond in, then get a paper and envelope to write your reply and post it.
• Depending on who has invited you (an elderly couple or a young and newly married couple), you can decide the tone you wish to use in your response. You may make it a formal letter if it's a wedding invitation, or you may just scribble a simple 'Yes!' if it's your friends baby shower you're planning to attend.

Hence, now that you know what RSVP means, it would be in your and the host's interest if you get down to responding to that invitation lying on your table. It is always courteous to thank your host and respond to his invitation even if it's not feasible for you to attend. This will ensure that your host does not assume that you're either blissfully ignorant or downright rude. You may also like to know more on thank you notes.

So if you wish to be invited for future weddings, birthdays and events, it's best to respond to that RSVP on your invitation card!