Have you sent Invitations to the guests you want to attend your birthday party or wedding? Are you looking for an RSVP to order your caterer and make an estimation of your expenditures?
An RSVP is a response from the guest's side In which our invitees will tell you whether they will attend your wedding or birthday party. Getting feedback to understand how many guests you should expect is necessary and helpful. But Getting RSVPs from invitees is no less than a headache. Some guests might expect an immediate response, but others have not responded.
With this type of attitude, you would need an estimation of where you should spend your money. What if you have arranged food and chairs for fifty people, and on the party day, the total guest count would be a hundred? So this would be an awkward situation for you, and you want to avoid this. It is why some etiquette must be followed by both sides, guest and host.
So let's dive into this article to learn about some etiquettes of Invitation/ etiquettes of RSVP. What should be the time frame which the guest and host should follow?
What is Etiquette for Invitations?
When it comes to sending invitations to guests, Invitation etiquettes refer to a set of guidelines that should be followed when inviting guests to an event. The Invitation Should set the tone of your party, whether formal or casual, in the mind of guests so that they prepare according to the occasion.
Some of the guidelines that the host must consider before making an invitation are;
- Tell the guests why, where, when and how you will arrange an event. Like time, date, purpose, venue etc.
- Use words sparingly, and use the appropriate language according to your relationship with the invitees.
- Set an RSVP deadline.
- Send invitations on time.
- You can also include other instructions that might be necessary for the guests.
What is RSVP Etiquette?
The word RSVP is from the French language that is an abbreviation of "répondez s'il vous plaît," which means "please respond." Here are some proper etiquette guidelines to follow when responding to an invitation;
- Please respond to the Invitation before the deadline, ideally within two or a day after receiving it.
- RSVP as the host requests via phone call, email or text message.
- Your response should be clear about whether you will attend the party.
- Do not ask for extra guests, as everyone has specific budget limitations.
- After you have responded to the Invitation, do not assume to change your plan at the last moment.
Is there any specific time frame for RSVP at Birthday Invitation?
Whether it's your friend's wedding invitation or your uncle's birthday party in another city, you must RSVP as soon as possible. The ideal time frame for RSVP is immediately two days or 24 hours after you have received the Invitation.
What if your host arranged a party for a hundred people, but the people would be fifty at the event? As we already discussed in the introduction section, the main purpose of RSVP is to determine the number of guests, how many chairs need to be arranged, order the bottles of wine and pre-book a marriage hall. That is how important it is to RSVP within a given time limit.
But if you cannot respond at the given time frame, you can directly call the host. You can tell them you can't make a schedule according to the party date and that you tell them two or a day before the event.
When to Send "Save The Date" for a Party?
Are you going to plan a party and want to send a pre-invitation reminder to the guests "?Save the Date "is the best option for this purpose. You can save the date for your guests at least six months before the event if it's a wedding celebration.
The things which you might consider while sending save-the-date cards are;
- It should provide enough time for the guests to plan and prepare properly.
- If you will make arrangements for a destination wedding, save the date cards at least six to eight months earlier r.
- Send the date and location in cards where you will celebrate the party.
- Make sure you're save the date does not fall with any other celebration occasion like, holiday invitations, Christmas, Easter etc. It may create scheduling conflicts.
- Avoid sending save the date too far so the guest may remember the event.
These are just some easy ideas, but the ultimate decision is yours. The most suitable time frame depends on your preferences. But the ultimate purpose of this all is to give your guests notice enough earlier that they adjust accordingly.
What is the time frame for sending Invitations for a Birthday Party?
As you have already planned a birthday party, now it's time to send invitations to the guests. Nowadays, everyone lives a life of hustle; their time is precious. So make sure you send the invitations on time so that your guests plan their busy schedule prior.
The ideal time frame for a birthday invitation is usually Three weeks before the event. But you can also arrange for the invitations to send six weeks earlier. It is enough time for the guests to decide. Only send invitations two or a week before the event, as it might not be possible for your guests to make arrangements.
How to Send Reminders for RSVP?
As you have sent invitations and requested RSVP, it's a good idea to send reminders to the loved ones who have yet to respond. Some instructions for reminders are;
- Send an initial reminder two or a week before the RSVP deadline and a final reminder a few days before.
- There are chances that guests might forget as they have commitments like yours, so be polite while sending reminders.
- Remind them via phone calls, email, text messages, and other convenient tools.
Sending reminders is a common practice and ensures your event goes well. You should follow the etiquette to remind the guests that it does not sound pushy or impolite.
What should you say to people who didn't RSVP?
Generally, it is involved within the etiquettes of RSVP to respond according to the mentioned time frame. But if you are still waiting for the response after a reminder, you can ask the guests.
You can connect with them via Phone and confirm whether they have received a wedding or birthday invitation if you have not sent reminders. Ask guests about the preparations they have made for your event, whether they are planning something different or when they enhance the event's charm with their presence. If they still need to remember, ask them to contact you a day before the event. If they still do not respond, you should consider their busy schedule and do not need to be rude.
Does No RSVP Mean Not Coming?
No RSVP typically means that the host has yet to receive a response from the guest regarding their attendance. It does not necessarily mean the guest is not coming but does not guarantee their attendance.
For example, sometimes people are so busy in their busy life routine that they forget to RSVP and eventually appear on the wedding day. Most people feel ashamed and impolite to say no to RSVP.
It is very awkward for you when your party does not go well, and you have to face food shortages and chairs. So it's not a good idea to neglect any RSVP by the guest as it is a matter of honor of the host.
Is It Rude Not To Respond To An RSVP?
Not responding to an RSVP can create uncertainty and inconvenience for the host, and they may have to follow up with you to confirm your attendance. It can cause additional work and stress for the host, who is already busy planning the event.
Just imagine yourself in the shoes of your host. How would you feel if you had arranged for fifty people but suddenly learned that only twenty people had appeared at the party? It would be a waste of money and food. Therefore, it's best to respond to an RSVP request as soon as possible and communicate your plans clearly to the host.
What To Do If Guests Don't RSVP?
If guests don't RSVP, it can be difficult to determine an accurate headcount for your event, making planning and preparations challenging. Below are the guidelines if you still need to get RSVP'd by guests.
- You can send personalized messages to the guests to avoid them feeling embarrassed and ashamed.
- If you still need to RSVP, you can estimate the number of guests from the number of invitations.
- You can also plan for unexpected guests if it's a party on a large scale.
When guests don't RSVP timely, have some courage! While it can be frustrating, focusing on the guests who have responded can help you plan and prepare for a successful event.
Final Wording
Observing proper etiquette when sending and responding to party invitations is essential for creating a successful event. As the host, it's important to provide clear and concise information in your Invitation, including the date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP deadline. As a guest, responding promptly to an RSVP request is considered good etiquette, as it allows the host to plan and prepare for the event accordingly.
Moreover, following proper etiquette when sending and responding to party invitations helps to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and memorable experience. By communicating clearly and politely, both hosts and guests can help to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel valued and appreciated.
