What does RSVP mean on an invitation?
RSVP stands for "Répondez s'il vous plaît", French for "please reply". It's French in origin but mostly used in English. Here's what it asks, how to answer, and how to manage replies when you're the host.
What does RSVP stand for?
RSVP is short for the French "Répondez s'il vous plaît", meaning "please reply". On an invitation, it asks guests to say whether they're coming, by a given date.
The phrase comes from French but is mostly used in English-speaking countries, where it's become a word of its own: "to RSVP" means to reply to an invitation. In France, people usually write "Merci de répondre avant le…" instead.
Do you have to reply if you're not going?
Yes. An RSVP asks for an answer either way. The "no" is exactly what helps the host: they can count, and sometimes invite someone else.
If you don't know yet, say so: many online invitations offer "maybe", and you can change your answer later.
How do you reply to an RSVP?
The way the invitation says, by the date it gives. On an online invitation, it's a button: yes, no or maybe, in one tap.
On a paper card, RSVP is often followed by a phone number, an email or a QR code. Say how many of you are coming and, if asked, your meal choice or allergies.
- "We'd love to come, there'll be two of us. Thanks for the invite!"
- "Thank you so much, sadly I can't make it. Have a wonderful time!"
- "Not sure yet, I'll confirm by [date]."
What do "RSVP regrets only" and other variants mean?
"Regrets only" means you only reply if you're not coming. It's handy for large, informal events, but it leaves the host guessing about silent guests.
You'll also see "RSVP by…" (the deadline) or "RSVP + 1" (you may bring a guest). "Kindly RSVP" is just a more formal way of asking.
How do you add an RSVP to your invitation?
Give a deadline and an easy way to reply. An online invitation does both: the deadline is shown, and each guest replies in one tap, with no account.
Every reply lands in a dashboard, with plus-ones and your questions: the next sections explain how to manage them. For the deadline, see when to send invitations, and for latecomers, chasing RSVPs.
How do you manage your guests' RSVPs online?
The guest opens the link, reads the card and taps yes, no or maybe. If they're coming, they add plus-ones and answer your questions; the reply lands in your dashboard straight away. They can come back and change it with the same link, until the deadline if you set one.
The dashboard lists your guests with each reply, the number of plus-ones, their answers to your questions and any note they left. At the top, the totals: coming, maybe, not replied. If a guest answers in person or by phone, you enter their reply yourself: everything stays in one place.
Which RSVP settings should you pick for an online invitation?
Four settings cover almost every case. You can change them at any time, even after sending.
An open link suits parties with friends: share it in a group, and each person who replies is added to your list. A closed list suits events where you need to control who comes (weddings, company events, teen parties): add your guests and send each one their personal link. Someone with only the general link can see the card but can't reply.
- Plus-ones: allowed or not, with a maximum per guest (0 to 10)
- RSVP deadline: shown to guests, replies close after it
- Guest list: shown to guests or hidden
- Open link: anyone can reply, or only your list with a personal link per guest
What happens after the RSVP deadline?
Guests can no longer reply or change their reply online. The page tells them RSVPs are closed.
You stay in control: you can push the deadline back, or enter a late guest's reply yourself when they call. If someone who said yes can't come after all, change their reply in one click so your totals stay accurate. From Invitotte+ (€9.90 once), you can export the list to Excel/CSV for the caterer or the seating plan.
Why is a French phrase used on English invitations?
French was long the language of etiquette and good manners in well-to-do European circles. "Répondez s'il vous plaît" stayed on English-language invitations, shortened to RSVP.
You can write RSVP or R.S.V.P. Writing "please RSVP" is technically redundant, since the abbreviation already includes "please", but it's so common that nobody minds. In France itself, people rarely use the abbreviation and write the request out in full.
What should go next to RSVP on a paper invitation?
A deadline and the easiest possible way to reply. A phone number means a call; a QR code to an online invitation means one tap.
An Invitotte invitation's link never changes, so you can print it as a QR code, for instance with Scanotte, and every reply lands in the same place.
Frequently asked questions
Is RSVP French or English?
Both: it's a French abbreviation ("Répondez s'il vous plaît") mostly used in English.
Is it rude not to RSVP?
It's generally seen as impolite, because the host can't plan. A quick "no" is always better than silence.
Can I change my reply after RSVPing?
Yes, better to tell the host than not show up. On Invitotte, you change your reply with the same link, until the deadline.
What if I reply late?
Contact the host directly. They'll know if there's still room.
Do guests need an account to reply?
Not on Invitotte: they reply in one tap from the link, with no account and no app.