History

• R.S.V.P. originates from the French phrase "Repondez, s'il vous plait," which translates, "Please respond." Its use became popular in North America in the mid 1800s, an era when newly wealthy American industrialists became enamored of the customs of European high society. The American upper class began to incorporate European traditions into their social practices. By adapting French phrases into their formal invitations, the nouveau riche of the industrial age brought RSVP to the U.S.
  
  

Function

• Use of the phrase RSVP is a cultural practice that aids hosts in predicting the number of guests who will attend a social gathering. Prompt and accurate responses are vital in coordinating the resources that must be obtained for maximum success of an event. Whether the occasion is a dinner party, an informational seminar or a musical recital, the host must ensure that the proper amount of food, printed documents, or seating space is available to suit the number of guests in attendance.
  
  For the invitee, an RSVP functions as a handy reminder that an event is occurring, as well as a notice that the host desires his attendance.
  
  

Types

• Originally, RSVP was used solely on formal invitations which were printed on paper and distributed to the residence of the invitee. Today its use has expanded to email, text message and Internet-based invitations, as well as verbal invitations left as voicemail messages.
  
  Whether an RSVP has been issued via paper or pixels, it should be honored with a reply as a show of respect and consideration for the host.
  
  

Time Frame

• Schedule the timing of an RSVP request prudently. The importance of the event dictates the amount of forewarning a guest should receive in order to solve any scheduling conflicts. For elaborate events such as weddings, eight weeks advance notice is recommended in order to give invitees the time needed to arrange for travel and schedule considerations.
  
  

Warning

• For those who honor the tenets of etiquette, the RSVP is not to be taken lightly. There are proper and improper forms in which to respond to an RSVP. Take note of which method your host requests, whether via phone call, email or strip-o-gram, and honor that request. Once attendance has been accepted, it is considered extremely déclassé to change one's mind, except in cases of emergency.