What Does RSVP Stand For?

What does RSVP stand for, letter by letter?

Each letter comes from one French word:

Put together, the phrase is the formal French way to say "please reply." English speakers borrowed the short form for formal invitations, and it has stayed even on casual birthday party cards. You read it as four separate letters, "R S V P," so it is an initialism rather than an acronym said as a word. Read more about that difference in acronym vs abbreviation.

What RSVP means on an invitation

On a card, RSVP sets up three things: who to answer, how to answer and the date to answer by. A typical line looks like this:

The rsvp meaning on a wedding card is the same as on any other card, but the stakes are higher. Caterers often need a final count two or three weeks before the date, and seating charts depend on it. If the envelope names only you, the invitation is for you alone. If it says "and guest," you may bring one person and should give their name in your reply.

How to reply to an RSVP

1. Answer by the date given. Earlier is better. The date is the last day, not the target.
2. Use the method the host asked for. If there is a reply card, mail the card. If there is a link, use the link rather than texting the host.
3. Say yes or no clearly. "We will be there, two adults" or "Sorry, we cannot make it" is enough.
4. Give the details asked for. Meal choice, number of guests, allergies.
5. Tell the host if your plans change. A late no is better than an empty seat that was paid for.

A short, warm note works well for a no: "Thank you so much for the invitation. We are sorry to miss it and hope you have a wonderful day."

Regrets only and other RSVP wording

Hosts use a few set phrases next to the letters, and each one asks for something slightly different.

• RSVP: reply either way, yes or no.
• Regrets only: reply only if you cannot come. If you say nothing, the host counts you in.
• RSVP by (date): the deadline for a reply.
• Kindly respond: the same request written in plain English, often used instead of the letters.
• Number of seats reserved in your honor: a polite way to say how many guests the invitation covers.

Using RSVP in a sentence

In everyday American English, RSVP works as a noun and as a verb. Both uses are standard.

• "Did you RSVP for the reunion yet?"
• "We have 40 RSVPs so far."
• "She RSVPed yes for both kids."
• "The RSVP deadline is this Friday."
• "Please RSVP to the front office by noon."

Some readers object to "please RSVP" because the letters already include "please." It is very common anyway. If you want to avoid it on your own invitation, write "RSVP by March 10" or "Kindly reply by March 10." The past tense is usually written RSVPed or RSVP'd; both are understood.

RSVP stands for a request, not an order

People sometimes read the letters as a formality they can skip. They are not. Hosts plan around the replies, and silence makes their job harder. Even a short "Sorry, we cannot come" helps.

It also does not mean the event is exclusive or formal. You will see RSVP on a backyard cookout invitation, a library story time sign up and a company training session. In each case it simply means the organizer wants a count.

Short forms people mix up with RSVP

Invitations often carry other short forms. A few that sit near RSVP on the same card:

• P.S. at the bottom of a letter means postscript, a note added after the signature.
• a.m. and p.m. tell you whether the start time is morning or evening.
• VIP marks a guest or area with special access.
• BYOB, "bring your own bottle," tells guests to bring their own drinks.

For more letters you see every day, browse the famous acronyms list.