Your experience with RSVPs
By maezee
@maezee (41997)
United States
July 5, 2016 5:54am CST
So me and a couple gals are throwing one of my friends bridal showers. Sent out invites on 6/10 and as of today, 7/5 only 16 of 45 people invited have RSVPed either way. I gave a "deadline" to RSVP by 7/9. Four more days for almost 30 more folks to get on it...
Do you think its just human nature to be last minute or maybe people think if youre not goingyou dont have to RSvP? (I always thought you had to RSVP either way but I could be wrong). What do you think?
Also I have talked to a few people who give me different answers. Do you think its appropriate to plan for MORE people than who have RSVPed or less?
What has been your experience?
6 people like this
8 responses
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
5 Jul 16
I think you need to email them all a reminder. And I'd always expect fewer people to turn up, not more.
@just4him (306386)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
5 Jul 16
Plan for more. Courtesy should indicate they RSVP but there will always be some that won't. There will always be the late ones as well.
@inertia4 (27961)
• United States
5 Jul 16
The proper protocol is to respond by the deadline date. This is a party that needs to have lots of people invited. And the right way is to send out invites. They can RSVP by mail, email, text or phone call. That way you know how many people will be there so you can make the proper arrangements.
@inertia4 (27961)
• United States
7 Jul 16
@maezee I know what you mean. I know throwing a party is not an easy task. I am looking into setting something up for New Years Eve now. I need to touch base with my cousins. Hopefully we can pull it off. But if not, oh well. I hope things work out for you.
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
5 Jul 16
Some people tend to ignore it, without taking into consideration that the host should be given the exact answer if they are coming or not. It can help them plan better on the amount of food to be prepared, also the venue.
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
5 Jul 16
Whether I go or not, I always reply to an RSVP in fairness to the one who sent the invitation.
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
5 Jul 16
@maezee I think it's just an unwritten rule which is followed out of courtesy and good etiquette.
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
6 Jul 16
You're right when you say that you are "supposed" to RSVP either way... but people just won't do it. I have NO idea why people seem incapable of turning down an invitation! Rather than send their regrets, they just don't respond... and that is incredibly rude towards the people planning a function. It costs a LOT of money to host a shower, a party, etc., and there is nothing worse than buying food and drinks (and maybe favors, prizes, and all) for a bunch of people who aren't even going to be there! There are also plenty of folks that RSVP and say "yes" but they don't show up to the actual event. I always plan for more than the number that do confirm... but I'm never surprised when I have too much stuff :\
@Juliaacv (48478)
• Canada
5 Jul 16
I've not put on anything that required a reply, but I have been a guest who has to reply. I would imagine that it is not something that people do in a timely manner because I was at a bridal shower where I received a prize because I was the first person to reply to the invitation, and I remember waiting a bit to reply.
