You have all seen RSVP on an invitation. What is it, why is it there, and what does it mean? In practice it means that you should contact the hosts of the event and let them know if you are going to attend. The actual translation is from French répondez, s'il vous plaît ; it means please respond promptly.
So you ask “what’s the big deal?” Responding promptly to your host is not only a sign of your good manners, it is a sign of respect for your host or hostess. Leaving them wondering whether up or not you will show is very stressful, as well as making it difficult for them to complete their plans; seating, catering, gifts and all the other things that go into planning a great event.
RSVP is also akin to “register now” for a seminar, fund raiser or trade show. Reservations, locations, catering, publicity and more often have to be paid in advance. Not knowing if you need seminar materials for 20 or 200 is a major challenge. This is why reservations or registration is so often requested so far in advance of the event. There is no other way to put together a successful event.
RSVP’s and other good manners need to make a comeback. The civility of life is sorely missed.
Showing posts with label RSVP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RSVP. Show all posts
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Friday, October 16, 2009
Civility
I was just having a discussion with my Dad about why people don’t return social obligations. How many times have you taken friends to dinner before they think to ask you out in return? Do you keep inviting them? This lead to the conclusion that they just don’t know any better; they were never taught manners.
The conversation continued with a look at why people don’t RSVP a mailed invitation. "Répondez s'il vous plaît", which is a French term that means “please respond”, is added to invitations for a reason. It is very frustrating to create a wonderful party and not know how many people will show up. This is an especially special nuisance when you are paying a caterer for each meal. I think it is common courtesy to let your hostess know if you will be able to attend. That brings us to “what is common courtesy”?
Emily Post was America’s foremost authority on manners and graciousness in both your personal life and business. Her contention is that if you abide by the Golden Rule you will enjoy a more comfortable and successful life. That means responding to invitations when asked and considering the value of the friendship when playing the “who owes what” game.
These practices also apply to your business life. Return calls promptly, do what you say you will, remember thank you notes and generally treat you associates as well as you do your friends.
Your life will become a more positive place; a place where it is fun to hang out and has plenty of rewards to offer.
The conversation continued with a look at why people don’t RSVP a mailed invitation. "Répondez s'il vous plaît", which is a French term that means “please respond”, is added to invitations for a reason. It is very frustrating to create a wonderful party and not know how many people will show up. This is an especially special nuisance when you are paying a caterer for each meal. I think it is common courtesy to let your hostess know if you will be able to attend. That brings us to “what is common courtesy”?
Emily Post was America’s foremost authority on manners and graciousness in both your personal life and business. Her contention is that if you abide by the Golden Rule you will enjoy a more comfortable and successful life. That means responding to invitations when asked and considering the value of the friendship when playing the “who owes what” game.
These practices also apply to your business life. Return calls promptly, do what you say you will, remember thank you notes and generally treat you associates as well as you do your friends.
Your life will become a more positive place; a place where it is fun to hang out and has plenty of rewards to offer.
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