RSVP

Process by which people are asked to respond to an invitation

(Learn how and when to remove this message)

RSVP is an initialism derived from the French phrase "Répondez s'il vous plaît",^[1] meaning "Please respond" (literally "Respond, if it pleases you"), to require confirmation of an invitation. The initialism "RSVP" is no longer used much in France, where it is considered formal and old-fashioned. In France, it is now more common to use "Réponse attendue avant le ...", meaning "[Your] answer is expected before ...". In addition, the French initialism "SVP" is frequently used to represent "S'il vous plaît" ("Please").^[2]

Variations

The phrase "RSVP, regrets only" or "Regrets only", is a popular modern variation that implies "if you do not reply, that will be taken as an acceptance." More specifically, if most invitations can be assumed to be accepted, a "regrets only" RSVP will reduce the communication required by both the host and the guests. The phrase "Regrets only" refers to the assumption that a declination will be worded with some variation of "We regret we cannot attend ...".^[3]

Before sending the RSVP invitation, the host may mail out a "save the date" card to advise the date and location of the celebration. This may be used when the event will be held considerably in the future and/or in a distant location to allow for travel plans, such applies to weddings, christenings, or any other important events.^[4]

Modern-day RSVPs

In recent years, digital RSVPs have become common, particularly for wedding invitations.^[5] In this context, the initialism seems to have loosened its tie to its original meaning. Some people use the phrase "Please RSVP",^[6] which is a case of RAS syndrome (redundancy) or a pleonasm, as "s'il vous plait" means "please".^[7]