RSVP wording

RSVP is short for répondez s'il vous plaît - reply, please. It is a request for an answer either way, which is why a non-reply is the one genuinely rude option.

Reply within a week of the invitation arriving, or by the date on the card if there is one. Below is wording for accepting, declining and the awkward middle ground.

Accepting - warm and simple

• We'd love to come - count us in, and thank you for thinking of us.
• Delighted to accept. We wouldn't miss it.
• Yes please! Two of us, and we'll be there from the start.
• Thank you for the invitation - we're very happy to accept.
• Wouldn't miss it for the world. See you there.

Accepting - formal

• Mr and Mrs Hall accept with pleasure your kind invitation for Saturday 12 June.
• We are delighted to accept and look forward to celebrating with you.
• Thank you for your kind invitation, which we accept with great pleasure.

Declining politely

• Thank you so much for the invitation - sadly we can't make it, but we'll be thinking of you.
• We're so sorry to miss it. We're away that weekend, but do send photos.
• Unfortunately we can't be there. Have a wonderful day - we'll celebrate with you soon.
• With regret, we're unable to attend. Thank you for including us.
• I'm sorry, that date doesn't work for us. I hope it's a brilliant day.

Declining when you would rather not give a reason

• Thank you for the invitation - we're not able to make it this time.
• Sadly we have to say no to this one. Thinking of you both.
• We can't make it, but we'd love to take you out afterwards.

The awkward ones

• Only one of us can make it - would that still be alright?
• Could I let you know by Friday? I'm waiting on childcare.
• We'll come to the evening but can't manage the day - is that helpful for numbers?
• Thank you for the plus one - I'll be coming on my own if that's easier.

What hosts need from you

• Reply by the date on the invitation, even if the answer is no.
• Give exact numbers and names - caterers count heads, not households.
• Flag dietary requirements and access needs when you reply, not on the day.
• If your plans change, tell the host as soon as you know.

Browse cards

How to write it so it lands

• Reply in the way you were asked - card, website or text - so the host's list stays in one place.
• If you decline, send a card on the day anyway. It lands better than the RSVP did.

Where to shop next

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Frequently asked questions

What does RSVP mean?

It stands for répondez s'il vous plaît - French for "please reply". It asks for an answer whether you are coming or not.

Do you have to RSVP if you're not going?

Yes. A no is far more useful to a host than silence, because catering, seating and numbers all depend on the final count.

How soon should you RSVP?

Within a week of receiving the invitation, or by the deadline printed on it. For weddings, that deadline is usually three to four weeks before the day.

How do you decline an invitation politely?

Thank them, say clearly that you cannot come, and add one warm line about the day itself. You do not owe anyone a detailed reason.