RSVP vs Invitation
The distinction between an invitation and an RSVP is simple: an RSVP is a request for a response to an invitation, which you can use for an event you are organizing. When you receive an invitation to an event, such as a wedding or another significant function, you may notice the acronym “RSVP” printed along with a phone number. Many people overlook this detail, but it is important to understand what it means and how to respond if you receive an RSVP invitation.
What is an Invitation?
An invitation is a formal or informal request asking someone to attend an event you are organizing. At a formal level, invitations are printed as cards, while at an informal level, invitations can be verbal. The purpose is to invite someone to an event. Printed invitations are necessary if you are attending an event held in a high-security area or prestigious hotel. However, for informal invitations, such as a friend’s birthday party, a printed invitation is not required.
Organizers of events often face the issue of guests not showing up, resulting in a loss of money and significant waste. This is because the organizer has already paid for food, refreshments, and other items for the event. To avoid this issue, especially for events like weddings held in hotels, organizers need to know the exact number of attendees to prevent ordering excess food and wasting resources. RSVPs were introduced as a way for organizers to determine the number of attendees.
Key Takeaways
- An invitation is a request for someone to attend an event, which can be formal or informal.
- RSVP is an acronym for the French phrase “répondez, s’il vous plaît,” which means “please reply.”
- The purpose of an RSVP is to inform the event organizer whether or not an invitee is attending, allowing them to plan accordingly and avoid waste.
