Modern Manners: RSVP

Guest blogger Lisa Hoffman of Ceci New York shares her expert tips on how to handle the modern day R.S.V.P. Having created incredible bespoke invitations for sophisticated brides, corporate clients and A-list celebrities such as Katherine Heigl, Diddy and Billy Crystal, Hoffman reviews the proper etiquette for responding to your gracious host.

Whether it’s a wedding, a dinner party get together or a fabulous gala, when you receive an invitation it means it’s time to R.S.V.P.

From the French phrase, “Répondez, s’il vous plaît,” R.S.V.P. simply means, “Please reply.” These four letters are signaling your host’s need to know if you’re attending or not. Your head count matters, so make sure to reply as soon as possible, ideally within a day or two of receiving an invitation.

At Ceci New York, we always create reply cards and envelopes, that match the design of the invitation, to make it easy for our client’s guests to respond on time. The wording used to solicit a response can range from classic to modern. Some of our favorites include (see examples in the photo gallery above):

Kindly reply by (enter date)

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Please join us for the following festivities.

We hope you can join us to celebrate.

Remember, when there is a reply card, make sure you include the full names of you and your guest so your host has that information for the event. But, how should you respond if there is no enclosed card?

Below is an easy guide that will ensure your name stays on the guest list!

RSVP is on invite but no separate response card included:
- send a personal handwritten response to the host to the return address on the mailer envelope.

RSVP by phone number:
- call and make sure to speak to a person – answering machines are typically unreliable.

RSVP by email:
- it’s totally acceptable these days to save time money (and a tree) to accept or decline electronically through email.

Regrets only:
- this means reply only if you cannot make it. If your host doesn’t hear from you, they are expecting you to show up.

No reply requested:
- Not typical and remember, it is always polite to let someone know your intentions!

Lisa Hoffman, Founder and Creative Director of Ceci New York (22 West 23rd Street, Fifth Floor Penthouse, 212-989-0695), is a world renowned graphic artist and award winning designer of invitations. To set up an appointment, contact info@cecinewyork.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Ceci New York

Modern Manners is an ongoing series with experts in the industry who share their tips on how to be a polite guest and a gracious host in today’s social scene.