Regrets? R.S.V.P.?

Invitations are arriving for gatherings, graduations, weddings, anniversaries  and birthday parties. 

When these invites arrive, I like to respond quickly.  Remember your host/hostess want to provide enough seating, place settings, beverages and food for all attending. The sooner they get a head count, the more organized they can be.

If the invite says Regrets Only, I know how to respond. It means please call only if I can NOT attend. Your respondence can be short and sweet like “I regret I can not attend your party because I have a previous commitment”. 

R.S.V.P. seems to confuse a lot of people. It simply means “Please call with your reply of yes,” “I am attending your party,” or “No I am unable to attend.”  

If you find that you have guests of your own on the same day as one of the functions, contact the host/hostess. Let them know you will not be able to attend because you will have company on that day. The host/hostess will appreciate your reply and may say it is okay to bring them along instead of missing the party. 

I am happy to R.S.V.P. that I will be able to attend. Let the celebrations begin!