What is the common understanding or usage of the acronym "R.S.V.P."?

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   purl3agonyposted 9 years ago

   What is the common understanding or usage of the acronym "R.S.V.P."?
   
   I always thought that R.S.V. P. was a request for a response to an invitation, both whether you could attend or whether you couldn't attend.  But lately I've been involved in arranging some events where we requested invitees to RSVP, but have received few or no responses.  When we've called to remind people of the invitation, they would often say "I can't make it, so I didn't bother to RSVP."  Is this correct?   I thought you were expect to respond both if you were planning to attend, or if you were sending your regrets.  Is there a new interpretation of RSVP when requested on an invitation?

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   LoliHeyposted 9 years ago

   R.S.V.P. means "Respondez Si Vous Plait" which means "respond, please," in French.  You are correct.  One should always respond whether or not they intend to attend.  But people are getting lazy nowadays.

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      purl3agonyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, it's sad to say, but I think you are right about people not responding. Thanks for your comments and answer.

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   bellaluna53posted 9 years ago

   It is a French phrase meaning to please respond. I personally think it is disrespectful to not respond. It is either a yes or a no. Think of it this way....If that person sent an invitation wouldn't they want a response one way or the other? Of course they would. How lazy can a person be? Most of these invitations come with an envelope that has a stamp on it anyway.

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      purl3agonyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I agree.  Thanks so much for your comments!

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   Marian Designsposted 9 years ago

   You were correct about RSVP. Everyone should reply. I am assuming that you either gave a phone number for replies or included a card and envelope for invitees to return.

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      purl3agonyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Marian - Yes we always give a phone number and email to send their responses.  It's been very frustrating and creates more work because we have to call all the invitees to remind them to respond.  Thanks so much for your answer and comments!

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