Why an RSVP is Considerate & Necessary

There is a challenge in planning events that we notice in the event planning/special event venue business. Gathering RSVPs for a wedding, reception, or other special event is a challenge. So today, we issue this message for everyone.

At some time, you, dear reader, will find yourself to be on a guest list for a special event. This event has been planned down to the tiniest detail with great care and thought to the guest experience. This event has been in the mind of the guests of honor (bride, groom, birthday girl, birthday boy, birthday man or woman, etc.) for many years. They have imagined all of the aspects of the event that will make it perfect in their mind. They have carefully selected the food, the flowers, the table decorations, the colors, the party favors, the drinks, the desserts and more. They have designed the backdrop for photos, they have written the music playlist with care, and they have selected all of the most special people in their lives to celebrate with them. If you receive an invite, you are one of those 

special people. That should say something to you right there.

Let us be candid. RSVP to the event early and change your RSVP if your plans change.

The most common reason we hear people struggling to RSVP is that planning months in advance is difficult. It’s hard to know what your plans will be 3-6 months from now. Let us encourage you to look at it differently. Make your decision about attending the event now, and those plans are set for you. Everything else that comes up between now and then will fall around the plans for this special event you have already committed to attend.

3 Reasons an RSVP is necessary

1. An RSVP lets the host know how many people are attending the event to account for expenses.

2. An RSVP lets the host know who will celebrate with them.

3. An RSVP is a reciprocal act to let the host know that you are grateful to be invited to their special occasion.

An RSVP lets the host know how many people are attending the event to account for expenses. 

With the average cost per person attending a wedding ranging widely between $120-256, it’s essential for a host to know who is attending their wedding or other event. The cost per person to attend the wedding or special event includes items like name cards, appetizers, meal, drinks, dessert, and party favors. To leave an invite without an RSVP is simply rude. It sends the message that you can’t be bothered to commit when the host is spending quite a bit of money on each guest.

An RSVP lets the host know who will celebrate with them. 

Consider that these large-scale events have been dreams in the minds and hearts of hosts for years. An invitation reflects the place you hold in the heart and mind of the host. Your RSVP lets them know they can expect to celebrate with you because you don’t want to miss their special event.

An RSVP is a reciprocal act to let the host know that you are grateful to be invited to their special occasion.

You have received an invitation. You reciprocate by RSVP to let them know you will definitely attend or you regretfully decline. Think about a time when you invited people to an event they could not attend. For whatever reason, you may have felt disappointed. Now think of a time when you invited people who never confirmed their plans to be yes or no. That is equally disappointing, but also frustrating.

RSVP in the way it is requested. If an email RSVP is sent, reply with email. If a mailed RSVP is sent, reply with the card enclosed. Whatever the form of communication, reply with that same form. If you are unsure of your availability, a phone call or text to communicate that you are working toward an answer is always polite. The host can put you on a maybe list and follow up with you later if needed. If you RSVP that you will attend, but later change plans, it’s important to notify the host that you cannot attend after all. It’s rude to RSVP yes and then not show up.

RSVPs are polite responses to invitations to special occasions. RSVPs generally take a matter of seconds and are a considerate way to treat friends who invite you to their special event.