InvitationsRSVP wording and replies
RSVP comes from the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît", which means "please reply". On an invitation it asks the guest to tell the host whether they are coming. Hosts need the answer to plan food, seats and return gifts, so a reply is good manners even when the answer is no.
Lines to ask for a reply
Replace the words in brackets with your own details.
- Please reply by [date], so we can make the arrangements.
- Kindly confirm your presence with [name] on [phone] by [date].
- A quick yes or no on WhatsApp by [date] will help us plan the seating.
- RSVP: [name], [phone]
- कृपया [date] तक अपने आने की सूचना दें।
- आने की सूचना: [name], [phone]
Replies that accept
- Thank you for the invitation. We will be there, all four of us.
- Congratulations! We would not miss it. Count two of us in.
- Thank you so much. I am coming and looking forward to it.
- निमंत्रण के लिए बहुत धन्यवाद। हम ज़रूर आएँगे।
- बहुत-बहुत बधाई! हम सपरिवार पहुँचेंगे।
Replies that decline, kindly
Thank the host, give a short reason without a long story, and send good wishes.
- Thank you for thinking of us. Sadly we are travelling that week and will miss it. Our best wishes are with you.
- Congratulations to the whole family. I am sorry I cannot come because of a prior commitment. I will visit soon to wish you in person.
- We are so happy for you. We cannot make it this time, but please keep some sweets for us!
- निमंत्रण के लिए धन्यवाद। हम उस दिन शहर से बाहर हैं, इसलिए नहीं आ पाएँगे। हमारी शुभकामनाएँ आपके साथ हैं।
When you are not sure yet
- Thank you for the invitation. I will know my schedule by Friday and will confirm then.
- We would love to come. May I confirm by this weekend, once the exam dates are out?
Good manners for guests
- Reply within two or three days, or by the date asked.
- Say how many people are coming. "We will come" does not help a caterer.
- If your plan changes after you said yes, tell the host at once.
- Do not ask to bring extra guests unless the host offers.
Good manners for hosts
- Give one name and one number for replies.
- Follow up once, politely, with people who have not answered. Many simply forgot.
- Never scold a guest in a group for not replying.