RSVP is short for the French phrase “répondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “please respond.” When it appears on an invitation, it is asking you to reply and let the host know whether or not you plan to attend.
What does RSVP mean?
RSVP is an initialism formed from the first letters of “répondez s’il vous plaît.” A literal translation is “respond, if it pleases you,” but in everyday use it simply means “please reply.” The point of the request is practical: hosts need to know how many people are coming so they can arrange seating, catering and space.
Importantly, an RSVP asks for a reply in both directions. Whether you are accepting or declining, the courteous response is to tell the host clearly and in good time, ideally by any date printed on the invitation.
Where does the phrase come from?
The wording is French, and the custom of requesting a written reply to formal invitations took hold in France before spreading elsewhere. The abbreviation became common on English-language invitations during the 1800s, when printed cards for formal events adopted it as a compact, recognisable instruction. Curiously, while English speakers still use RSVP widely, in France the abbreviation is now often seen as formal or old-fashioned.
How do you respond to an RSVP?
Follow whatever method the invitation specifies. That may be a phone number, an email address, a reply card, or an online form. Reply promptly rather than waiting until the last moment, and state clearly whether you will attend and how many people you are replying for.
| Phrase on invitation | What it asks you to do |
|---|---|
| RSVP | Reply whether you will attend or not |
| RSVP regrets only | Reply only if you cannot attend |
| RSVP by [date] | Send your reply on or before that date |
Common questions about RSVP
People often ask whether a reply is really needed if they cannot make it. It is: a decline is just as useful to a host as an acceptance, because it affects numbers and planning. Others confuse RSVP with “regrets only,” but the two are different. A plain RSVP wants to hear from everyone, while “regrets only” wants to hear only from those who cannot come.
Because the phrase is borrowed from French, some writers add “please” before it, producing “please RSVP.” Strictly this repeats the “s’il vous plaît” already contained in the abbreviation, though the phrasing is common and widely understood.
Why RSVP still matters
Even in an era of casual group chats and instant messaging, the RSVP survives because it solves a simple coordination problem. A clear headcount lets hosts budget, cater and plan without guesswork, and a timely reply is a basic courtesy that signals respect for the person doing the organising.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does RSVP stand for?
It stands for the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît," which translates as "please respond."
Do I reply to an RSVP even if I cannot come?
Yes; the host needs to know both acceptances and declines, so reply either way.
Is RSVP French or English?
The phrase is French, but the abbreviation is now used mainly in English-speaking countries.
When should I RSVP?
Reply by the date printed on the invitation, or as soon as you know your plans.
Does "RSVP regrets only" mean the same thing?
No; "regrets only" asks you to reply only if you cannot attend.