what is the latest time you should respond to rsvp?

Question

I have to go to a party that i can't go to, but was a bit slow in saying so to the host. would it be rude to just tell them on the day itself?

Answer 1

Whether it is to a wedding, a dinner party, shower or gala event, an invitation comes with some important obligations. Here’s a quick guide to keep you on the guest list.

1. RSVP
From the French, it means “Répondez, s’il vous plaît,” or, “Please reply.” This little code has been around for a long time and it’s definitely telling you that your hosts want to know if you are attending. Reply promptly, within a day or two of receiving an invitation.

2. How do I respond? Reply in the manner indicated on the invitation.

* RSVP and no response card: a handwritten response to the host at the return address on the envelope.
* Response Card: fill in and reply by the date indicated and return in the enclosed envelope.
* RSVP with phone number: telephone and make sure to speak in person – answering machines can be unreliable.
* RSVP with email: you may accept or decline electronically.
* Regrets only: reply only if you cannot attend. If your host doesn’t hear from you, he is expecting you!
* No reply requested? Unusual, but it is always polite to let someone know your intentions. A phone call would be sufficient.

3. Is that your final answer?

* Changing a ‘yes’ to a ‘no’ is only acceptable on account of: illness or injury, a death in the family or an unavoidable professional or business conflict. Call your hosts immediately.
* Canceling because you have a “better” offer is a sure fire way to get dropped from ALL the guest lists.
* Being a “no show” is unacceptable.
* Changing a ‘no’ to a ‘yes’ is OK only if it will not upset the hosts’ arrangements.

Answer 2

Telling them today won't be much help since they've probably already finished plans and bought the food....but it would be better than just not showing up. I'm thinking though that an RSVP is asking for a response either way and they probably assume that you're not coming if you didn't reply. If someone puts "Regrets Only" on the invitation then they assume that you are coming unless you contact them to tell that that you're not...so you might be ok.

Answer 3

It's being considerate: As soon as you know whether or not you intend to go, you should tell the host. This is so they can plan on the right amount of food or space they need for the event.

Answer 4

They usually put a date to rsvp by. If you don't, leaving it to the last minute isn't very considerate.

Answer 5

I think about Maybe 5 days before would be nice