- An acronym derived from the French phrase Répondez s'il vous plaît, meaning Please reply.
- It is a request for the recipient of an invitation to confirm whether they will attend the event.
Explanation
Origin
- Adopted into English from French etiquette customs in the 19th century.
- Used on formal invitations for events like weddings, dinners, and parties to help hosts plan for catering, seating, etc.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Informal (often for casual digital invites):
- You in?
- Lmk if you can come (Lmk = Let me know)
- Polls on social media (e.g., Going? Yes/No)
Formal:
- The favour of a reply is requested.
Situational Appropriateness
- Used on invitations ranging from formal (weddings) to semi-formal (organized parties, dinners).
- Less common for very casual get-togethers where headcount isn't critical.
- Appropriate in both written and spoken contexts when referring to the need to reply.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might not know the French origin or the meaning of the acronym.
- Some might not understand the importance of replying by the deadline for planning purposes.
Examples
- Please RSVP by June 1st.
- The invitation requests an RSVP.
- Don't forget to RSVP to the party.
Dialogue
Anna: Did you get the email invitation for Maria's birthday dinner?
Ben: Yeah, I saw it. Looks nice.
Anna: Don't forget to RSVP by Friday so she knows the numbers for the restaurant.
Ben: Oh right, thanks for the reminder. I'll reply now and say yes.
Social Media Examples
- Facebook Event: Don't forget to RSVP so we can get a headcount! Click 'Going' or 'Can't Go'.
- Evite Invitation Title: You're Invited! Please RSVP by [Date].
- Wedding Website: Kindly RSVP using the form below by [Date].
Response Patterns
- Confirmation of attendance: Yes, I'll be there. / Count me in!
- Declining attendance: Sorry, I won't be able to make it. / Regretfully, I cannot attend.
- Asking for details before replying: Sounds fun! Who else is going? / What time does it start?
- Action: Actually replying via the requested method (email, phone call, clicking a link).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The host may follow up with guests who haven't replied by the deadline (Just checking if you received the invitation and plan to RSVP?).
- Guests confirm their attendance or send their regrets.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a call to action included in an invitation. Discussing an invitation that requires an RSVP could be part of a conversation, however.
Intonation
- Spoken as the letters R-S-V-P.
- Usually neutral, as part of giving instructions or information.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood by most generations, especially those accustomed to formal invitations. Younger generations might see it less often with the rise of informal digital invites but generally know what it means.
Regional Variations
- Universal in English-speaking regions where Western invitation etiquette is followed.