RSVP
Abbreviation
Répondez s’il vous plaît, or please reply (used at the end of invitations to request a response).
An abbreviation often included in invitations to request that the invitee let the host know if he or she will be attending. From the French term, “Répondez si’l vous plaît,” which means “please reply.”
(www.businessdictionary.com)
It is so simple really. A quick reply to say you can make it or not. You would think it is easier now than ever before. It does not require sending a man on a horse to deliver your hand written reply or putting it in snail mail. I mean let’s face it, there is the home phone, the cell phone, texting, email, or even Facebook. There are more ways than ever before to get in touch with your host to let them know if you can come to the party or not.
Now, do the rules change if we are talking about a kid’s party invitation?
Isn’t a party a party? No matter the age of the party host? Well, if your answer is yes then why is it that with every year, with every party invitation fewer and fewer parents feel it is necessary to RSVP? Do they not feel it is necessary to let the party host, the party parent, know that their child will or will not be attending?
I mean let’s face it there are more than a few costs involved in hosting a child’s party. There is food, balloons, snacks, drinks, cake, loot bags, party activities, crafts, entertainment and party favours. All those things cost money. LOTS OF MONEY. If we are honest with ourselves those costs are really not any different when it comes to hosting parties for adults. Is it common for adults to NOT RSVP for a dinner party with friends? Can you imagine showing up at a friend’s house for dinner without actually telling your friend you were coming? What would your friend say? Would you seriously expect that friend would have set a spot for you at the table just in case you decided to show up, even though you never actually took the time to say you would be attending? I don’t think so!
Soooooooooooooooooo…. Why is it not the same when it comes to your kid’s party? I know we are all busy. Things slip your mind BUT does that really excuse rude behaviour? Does it really get you off the hook when it comes to bad manners?
In case you haven’t figured out this post was inspired by real life experiences. I sent out invitations for my daughter’s birthday party. We invited 13 children. I left my home number as well as an email address. I go an email confirmation or RSVP from exactly 3 parents! THREE! Seriously? I was forced to order a package and loot bags according to my original list of invited guests. I ended up paying for stuff for guests who never actually showed up. I am not sure if it is translating or not… but I am a little perturbed.
How do you handle parents who do not RSVP?
