Pet Peeve of the Day – The RSVP

Over the years I have been the hostess of my share of bridal/baby/house warming showers. As part of my duties in the wonderful world of fund-raising, I have also had to organize many, many, oh-so-MANY events. You would think that I would be used to the lack of understanding of the proper response to the receipt of an invitation, but this last party that I’m trying to plan has snapped my last nerve. So today boys and girls, let us talk about the RSVP.

At Dictionary.com we find the RSVP defined as:

RSVPed or RSVP'd, RSVPing or RSVP'ing, noun, plural RSVP's.
–verb (used without object)
1. to reply to an invitation: Don’t forget to RSVP before Thursday.
- noun
2. a reply to an invitation: He sent a lovely bouquet of flowers with his RSVP.
3. (used on an invitation to indicate that the favor of a reply is requested).

[Origin: 1895–1900; F r(épondez) s('il) v(ous) p(laǐt) please reply ]

I have no problem with the definition. It is the application of the definition that people don’t seem to understand. I have gotten more messages that state:

“I would like to RSVP for the …”

You replied. Great. Thank you for actually adhering to the meaning of RSVP, or the “please respond by.” That is wonderfully appreciated. It is SPECTACULAR in fact!

Now, tell me what I really need to know:

Do you need a seat/ticket/name-tag or not?

Are you are actually COMING TO THE EVENT?

I am finally to a point in the numerous voice-message/e-mail/in-person conversations that I have with people that I have them check/state one or the other of the following:

___ YES, I am coming to the event/need a seat/need a place at the table, please;

Or

___ I am sorry that I am unable to attend.

WHAT IS SO FRAKKING CONFUSING ABOUT THIS? You’ve probably been a host for event before. Don’t you remember how hard it is to plan when you don’t know who is, and how many are, attending?

So, please, the next time you get an invitation and are asked to RSVP – THINK about how you are responding.

Thank you.

That is all.

P.S., the “regrets only” tag-lines don’t work either.