In Pakistani wedding invitation cards, you often see the word RSVP. You might think it’s a special mention of the host. Or the bride or groom family members who would be waiting to welcome you on the occasion, isn’t it?
But that’s not true.
Actually, RSVP is a French proverb which is an abbreviation for répondez s’il vous plaît, which means “please reply.” Or it can also translate to “respond, if you, please.”
You must have seen the name of the person, email or contact number under RSVP. The purpose of RSVP is to seek your reply to confirm your presence at the event.
It’s a must to respond to RSVP to let know the couple if you would be attending the event as they need to make the arrangements accordingly. There’s also a deadline to respond. After that, it’s not right to respond to RSVP as the couple might be assuming your attendance.
In some cases, there’s written ‘regrets only” which means you only need to reply if you aren’t attending the event. While in other cases, your confirmation or decline of the invitation is important for the couple to know.
So, how to respond to RSVP?
Previously, there used to be a card attached with the invites that mention the details of the event and you need to check boxes whether you accept or decline it and then you need to send it back to the host. But now, you can send your response via email or contact no.
Also, you don’t need to mention the reason. Either accept it or decline by saying that you have some prior commitments.
Usually, in RSVP it’s clear who’s invited for the wedding. If it’s named for one person then it’s not right to bring additional guests with you. However, if you are invited with your family including your minor children, then you can take them along.
If there are details mentioned for the number of guests, follow the instructions and respond accordingly.
A good and most appreciated practice is to inform the host if you aren’t attending the event so they don’t remain hanging for your attendance.
A polite no is better if you aren’t available on the invited dates.
So, now will you be responding to RSVP?
To conclude, this is a great practice to ensure that the host isn’t burdened on their big day and also to avoid the waste of food and space.
We hope, in Pakistan, this RSVP practice becomes common so more people can be burden-free on their big day.
I prefer books and diaries more than phones and Facebook. Soulfully connected to Pakistan. And I passionately believe that I can change the world through blogging.
