This is a dispute I've had with a friend. She says you only have to reply if you accept the invitation. I say you need to reply when you are declining too. Who is right?
2007-03-09 20:36:01 · 16 answers · asked by Carrie Ann 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Yes, you need to reply either way. RSVP is there for a reason. You are right, you're friend is wrong.
2007-03-09 20:38:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
RSVP means to to respond whether you are coming or not. It's usually used for larger events. It enables the host to determine how much food he or she needs. If you invite 100 and only 70 respond (regardless if it is yes or no) then you take the remaining 30 and estimate that 25% of the "no" will indeed arrive. So the host can pretty much count on 7 to 8 persons definitely will be coming in addition to those who did respond
If it is a smaller event (baby shower/bridal shower) then usually the host(s) puts on the invitiation something to the effect of "favorable replies: call Mary: and will list the phone #"
2007-03-10 08:08:42 · answer #2 · answered by BMD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How does one not accept an invitation? What kind of invitation are you referring to? Verbal? Written? Either way, you are getting an invitation that the person asking is waiting on a reply from you on. You need to reply even if it is a 'no' at the time you are asked. That would be a reply. Hope this helps!!
2007-03-10 05:03:53 · answer #3 · answered by roritr2005 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With RSVP, a reply is requested either way. An invitation may say "Regrets only", in which case you should reply if you are NOT coming.
2007-03-10 04:42:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right. You need to reply either way. This way, the person taking care of the event knows exactly how many people to plan for, especially when it's a dinner party.
I would find it really annoying if people didn't bother replying and then just decided to show up.
2007-03-10 12:28:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either way, of course. The person who sent out the invitation needs to know how many are coming.
This determines how much food and beverages, and party necessities they'll need to provide.
If you don't respond, the host may provide more than needed just in case you might come, which is a waste.
2007-03-10 09:52:48 · answer #6 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct. RSVP translates to "please reply". That means either way. If you don't reply, a host has no idea if you're coming or not. Often times charges to the host are "per person" and an accurate head-count is crucial.
2007-03-10 04:49:16 · answer #7 · answered by thankamy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you need to reply either way, unless the RSVP specifically states otherwise ie. RSVP only if....
2007-03-10 04:39:03 · answer #8 · answered by thankyou "iana" 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's polite to rsvp either way. This way, the host / hostess knows for sure you received the invite. It's you aknowledging that you were invited, but are sory you cannot make it.
2007-03-10 09:53:34 · answer #9 · answered by kari w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its just a different standard of etiquette
your way is more courteous because then the host is not waiting for your reply and can better plan the event, however they will figure out either way. I'd go with your way if someone is trying to be polite.
2007-03-10 05:24:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋