What Does RSVP Mean on an Invitation?

Let's clear the confusion over the phrase "RSVP".

Also, check who to really invite to your wedding.

Finally, the debated meaning of the ever-elusive RSVP is revealed! This tip is for both hosts and guests alike because there seems to be a lot of confusion about the meaning of the term RSVP. Often, guests will see those letters on an invitation and not be sure what they're supposed to do about it. No one wants to be rude and not respond accordingly. There are times we as guests don't have the correct answer.

RSVP is a simple mystery that is not overly complicated. Explaining the acronym can help decode the confusion over the phrase "RSVP". You will never find yourself questioning what the phrase RSVP means and can proudly share the information with friends. Most importantly ignoring a RSVP does have its consequences.

The Problem

Many people have experienced the frustration that even when they put a RSVP request on an invitation, guests don't do anything about it. This problem is an especially common frustration among those who are planning a wedding.  Some hosts might skip asking for a RSVP but this could lead to many issues for the host. The biggest problem is that a host can't estimate how many guests plan to attend their party without an RSVP. What causes our friends and loved ones not to RSVP? Could it be as simple as a misunderstanding about what this acronym means?

What RSVP Means

The term RSVP comes from the French expression "répondez s'il vous plaît", meaning "please respond".

If RSVP is written on an invitation it means the invited guest must tell the host whether or not they plan to attend the party. It does not mean to respond only if you're coming, and it does not mean respond only if you're not coming (the expression "regrets only" is reserved for that instance). It means the host needs a definite head count for the planned event and needs it by the date specified on the invitation.

Why It's Inconsiderate Not to RSVP

Many people don't RSVP because they don't want to disappoint the host. This attempt to spare their loved ones feelings usually causes more trouble than a simple no. An incomplete list of respondents can cause numerous problems for a host including difficulty in planning food quantities, issues relating to minimum guarantees with catering halls, uncertainty over the number of party favors and difficulties in planning appropriate seating, among other things. Until you host your own parties, it's difficult to imagine the frustration that ensues from inadequate responses to a RSVP.

Sometimes people don't send a RSVP by the requested time because they are unsure if they will be able to attend and don't want to commit to an answer. If this is your situation it's best to be honest with the host about your situation. The only way they can help make accommodations for you is if they know you need them.

So the next time you see RSVP on an invitation you receive, please call your host and respond promptly. Your host will be eternally grateful.

The appropriate response to a RSVP should be:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Brown,

Adam and I are looking forward to attending the wedding of Charles and Elizabeth on August 9, 2017. We look forward to sharing in this happy time with you.

Sincerely,

Original post by the spruce.com, emphasis by the knot and Miles team.

8 important To-Dos for the Week of Your Wedding (That Are Easy to Forget!)

Sometimes last year, I shared 17 things to do 48 hours to your wedding. In case you missed it, check here. This post is an update on it.

Even though your contracts are signed and sealed, you still need to make sure there is a proper checkup till appropriate delivery is made.

You're a week away from saying "I do"—and trust me, I know you're so ready. But with seven days to go, there are a few seemingly small but important tasks that need to be checked off your list so they don't fall through the cracks. You don't want to be at the altar ready for your ring bearer to produce the ring and then realise that there's no ring, right?
Here are 8 steps to avoid such Mishaps:

1. Overcommunicate With Your Vendors

To make sure everyone is on the same page (so they don't need to call you or your point people on the day-of) call every single wedding vendor and confirm, then re-confirm each arrangement you have with them, including, but not limited to:

* Giving the reception site/caterer final head count. Include vendors, such as the photographer or band members, who will expect a meal. Ask how many extra plates the caterer will prepare.

*Supplying the location manager with a list of vendor requests such as a table for the DJ or setup space needed by the caterer or Live band.

* Giving the ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus contact numbers.

* Calling car rental company for pickup times and locations.

2. Designate Your Various Point People

You don't want your caterer calling you while you're getting your makeup done. To avoid that, designate point people for every situation, including:

* Ceremony items: If you're using rings, throwing extra bouquet, reading a speech...have one of your attendants make sure all items are at the altar ahead of time.

*Money: Write checks and/or talk to the wedding hosts (usually your parents) about any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception.

*Reception questions: Introduce your reception site manager to your consultant or maid of honor for questions or problems during the reception.
*Miscellaneous questions: Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding—usually your planner, maid of honor or bridesmaid.

3. Take the Time to Pack Properly

This is going to be the one occasion where you probably should care deeply about what's in your suitcase. Whether you're getting married five minutes down the street or you're leaving for your honeymoon a day after the reception, taking the time to pack thoughtfully for each event that week is crucial. (We know all too well what happens when you wake up at 5 a.m. to pack with bleary eyes! Mismatched bathing suits and missing deodorant, anyone?) Do you have your beauty emergency kit? Your bikinis and lingerie that was gifted to you at your shower? Your day-of present and note to your partner? Knowing you have everything you need will definitely minimize any stress.

4. Schedule Any Beauty Appointments

Your fingers will likely be texting all week, which makes it even more crucial to keep your nails fresh. Make any minor beauty appointments you want done that week. Think: a mani-pedi, waxing, massage, blowout and facial. This goes for your groom too—make sure his hair is trimmed and face is shaved (if that's the look he's after).

5. Arrange Help for Any Guests Who Need It

If you have any ill or elderly guests coming to your wedding, it will be meaningful for them to know you're so glad they can attend. Show your love by making sure they have proper transportation to and from the airport/park and your wedding events and that they have a comfortable place to stay. You can ask family members, friends or attendants to help with any pick-ups and drop-offs.

6. Hand These Items Off

Getting married also means having a lot of important things to distribute among your family and attendants.

- Give your marriage license to your officiant.
- Present attendants with gifts at the rehearsal dinner.
- Present parents and each other with gifts.
- Give wedding bands to the best man and the maid of honor to hold during the ceremony.
- Give the best man the officiant's fee envelope to be handed off after the ceremony.
- Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, favors and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer and/or reception site manager.

7. Have Your Wedding Attire Ready to Go

Make arrangements at your bridal salon or local cleaners to have your wedding dress steamed and don't try it on after it's been steamed or else it'll wrinkle again. Store it in the garment bag from the bridal salon and hang it in a closet in a smoke-free and pet-free room. (You can lift the skirt out of the bag—just make sure to put a clean sheet on the ground below it first.) Also have an attendant pick up the groom and groomsmen tuxes.

8. Deliver Welcome Baskets

Whether it's you or an attendant, deliver your welcome baskets for guests to the hotel concierge. Make a list of names, delivery instructions and any additional information you have to prevent any mix-ups.

Image credit: Pinterest




Original post by Ivy Jacobson of the Knots.com, emphasis by Miles team.