[1]Photograph Credit: Advanced Etiquette
Growing up in a home where my mom loved to plan themed gatherings, I quickly learned the art of responding to an R.S.V.P. Without an accurate head count, the hostess is left guessing or calling invitees to determine their attendance.
Having to call guests can be a huge time taker. Instead of creating an inviting space and preparing the menu selections, the hostess is reaching out to inconsiderate guests who have not responded.
Though I know some may be waiting on other plans, the majority of those guests, who did not respond, simply forgot. The R.S.V.P. was not important to them, or they do not understand the reason or the etiquette associated with an R.S.V.P.
As I read through the posts of my favorite blogs this week in my Google Reader [2] (of course), I loved Syndi Seid’s Responding to Event Invitations [1] post. With specific examples of when and how to respond to an R.S.V.P., this post provides guidance for what is acceptable.
In using time wisely, I am sensitive to my time constraints as well as those around me. By sending an R.S.V.P., I respect the hostess as she continues using time wisely to prepare for her guests’ arrival. With Syndi’s relevant scenarios, you and I can respond appropriately to an R.S.V.P. without receiving that follow-up phone call.
Question: How quickly do you R.S.V.P. to an event? Please add your answer to the comments.