RSVP, which stands for “répondez s’il vous plaît” in French, means “please respond” in English. The RSVP process is intended to help the host to plan for the number of guests they’ll be serving and to have an accurate headcount. It’s a basic etiquette to respond to an invitation, but unfortunately, some of the invited guests don’t respond, or they forget to do so. If you’re a host, you’ve probably faced this issue at some point. You’re left wondering who will show up and who won’t, and it can be stressful. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how do you politely follow up on RSVP and how to make guests aware of how important it is to RSVP.
1. Send a Reminder
Sometimes, people forget to RSVP because they’re busy with their day-to-day lives, and it’s not that they don’t want to attend. Therefore, sending a polite reminder a week before the event can be helpful to get responses. Send the reminder via email or text message and remind them that it’s essential to let you know if they’re attending so you can plan accordingly. If you’ve already sent a formal invitation, include a note on the card stating “Kindly RSVP by the specified date” to avoid confusion.
2. Call Them
If you haven’t received a response to your reminder, make a phone call to follow up. Texting or emailing is convenient, but a phone call can convey a sense of urgency that your guests might not get through text. Make sure to keep the tone of the conversation friendly, so it doesn’t come off as aggressive or rude. Be polite, and ask if they’ve had time to decide on their RSVP. This will remind them gently while still showing your excitement for their attendance.
3. Give a Deadline
Giving a deadline for when you need guests to respond can help them prioritize their response. They will better understand how important it is to RSVP when they know the date on which you need a response. This may also relieve some of the stress you may feel when waiting for responses. The deadline can be added to the invitation as a “Please respond by” date, or you can mention it during the follow-up calls or emails.
4. Create an Online RSVP System
In today’s digital age, people are more likely to respond to an invitation if they can simply click a button or fill out a form online. Create an easy-to-use online RSVP system where your guests can simply click “Yes,” “No,” or “Maybe.” This way, they won’t have to remember whom to call or when to email. You can even set up an automated response email thanking them for their response and letting them know all the details they need to prepare for the event.
5. Explain Why RSVPs are Important
Perhaps one reason why people don’t RSVP is that they don’t understand the importance of doing so. Explain why RSVPs are so essential to the planning process, and let guests know how it affects the cost and efficiency of the event. You can also let them know that you need to finalize plans, such as seating arrangements, catering, or entertainment. Let them know that their prompt response will make a big difference in making the event a success.
Conclusion
Remember that maintaining the right tone is key to following up on RSVPs. Always be polite and friendly, and let your guests know that you’re excited to see them. Try to give them as much flexibility as possible in their response while still setting clear deadlines. With the above tips, you can ensure that you receive a prompt and accurate RSVP count and create an enjoyable and stress-free event for everyone involved!
FAQ
How do you ask someone to respond to RSVP?
When you’re planning an event, it’s important to know the number of guests who will be attending. That’s where RSVP comes in. RSVP is short for “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” a French phrase that translates to “Please respond.” It’s essential to have your guests RSVP to let you know if they’ll be attending, and asking them to do so can be as simple or as fancy as you like.
One of the most common ways to ask someone to RSVP is to include the request at the bottom of your invitation. You can simply write “RSVP by [date]” or “Please RSVP by [date]” to give your guests a deadline by which to respond. If you want to add a little elegance to your invitation, consider writing out the phrase “Répondez s’il vous plaît” somewhere on the invitation. This will give your invitation a more sophisticated look, and it will also let your guests know that they’re expected to respond.
If you prefer not to use the French phrase, you can still get your message across with simpler wording. For example, you could say “Kindly reply by [date]” or “Please let us know if you’ll be attending by [date].” The goal is to make it clear that you need a response from your guests so that you can plan accordingly.
Finally, it’s important to make it as easy as possible for your guests to RSVP. Include a phone number or email address where they can respond, and let them know if they can bring a guest or if the invitation is just for them. The more information you provide and the clearer your instructions are, the more likely your guests are to respond.
Asking someone to respond to RSVP can be as simple or as fancy as you like. Including the request at the bottom of your invitation with a clear deadline is a common approach, but you can also get creative with your wording to add a touch of elegance. Whatever you choose, make it easy for your guests to respond and be sure to provide clear instructions.
How do you ask for RSVP by email professionally?
When planning an event or gathering, it is important to know how many people will be attending in order to properly prepare and accommodate everyone. This is where an RSVP, or “répondez s’il vous plaît,” comes into play. An RSVP is a request for someone to let you know whether or not they will be attending an event, function, or gathering. Sending out an RSVP request by email is a common and convenient method, but you want to make sure that your message is professional, polite, and gets the job done.
One way to approach a professional RSVP request is to begin with a courteous introduction. You can start your email by thanking the recipient for their interest in attending the event and expressing how much you are looking forward to seeing them there. This helps to set a positive and friendly tone and makes the recipient feel valued and appreciated.
After your introduction, it is important to provide clear and concise information about the event and the RSVP request. Be sure to include all relevant details about the event, such as the date, time, and location, as well as any other necessary information, such as dress code or special instructions. It is also important to specify a specific date by which the recipient should respond. You should aim to give them enough time to respond, but not so much time that they forget to do so. The standard RSVP timeframe is typically two to three weeks before the event.
Once you have provided all the necessary details, it’s time to make the actual RSVP request. The simplest and most effective way to request an RSVP is to use a clear and direct statement, such as “Please RSVP by [date] to [email address or phone number].” This statement conveys everything the recipient needs to know and gives a clear deadline for them to respond. It is also polite and courteous, making it more likely that the recipient will take the time to respond.
In closing, it is important to end your email with another expression of gratitude and excitement for the event. This reinforces the friendly and professional tone of your message and demonstrates that you are looking forward to seeing the recipient at the event. Remember to be polite, concise, and clear in your requests, and you are sure to receive a timely and positive response.