The dying art of the RSVP, thanks Facebook.
R.S.V.P. Four letters, but they mean so much. An abbreviation for the french term, “Respondez s’il vous plait,” these four letters have been around for decades- prompting party goers to politely let the host know if you will be in attendance. Weddings. Anniversaries. Fundraisers. Birthdays. Dinner Parties. Whatever the occasion, it’s clear that these letters not only signify proper etiquette, but are also a tremendous help to the planner.
However, in recent years with the ease of the Internet, whether it’s an E-vite or a Facebook invite, users have lost that urgency to make a decision. How? With the maybe. I ask, have you ever seen a maybe on a wedding invitation? If so, please be sure to send me a copy. The only reason I see to having a maybe response is:
- You might have something better come up.
- You might be late.
- Or, you really just want to keep your options open.
But, I point out— RSVP is etiquette, and etiquette usually says a phone call is a better way to tell those who have taken the time to invite you that you might have a conflict or you might be late. But, then I ask— would you ever show up late to a wedding? No. Just respond “Decline with Regret.” Forget that there’s a maybe option.
This has been your helpful Monday morning rant :).
**Update: Thanks to Taylor Barr, Meetup.com recently did a post about removing their maybe option. Glad to know there is some sanity out there :)
