RSVP facts for kids
RSVP is a short way of saying "Please respond." It comes from a French phrase, Répondez s'il vous plaît, which means "Respond, if you please." When someone invites you to a party or event and asks you to RSVP, they want to know if you can come. This helps the host plan for things like food and seating.
In France, people don't use "RSVP" much anymore. It's seen as a bit old-fashioned. Instead, they might say "Réponse attendue avant le...", which means "Your answer is expected before...".
Different Ways to RSVP
Sometimes, you might see "RSVP, regrets only" or just "Regrets only" on an invitation. This means you only need to reply if you cannot come. If you don't reply, the host will assume you are coming. This can make things easier for both the host and the guests, especially if most people are expected to attend. The word "regrets" is used because if you can't go, you might say something like "We regret we cannot attend...".
Before a big event, like a wedding or a christening, the host might send a "save the date" card. This card tells you the date and place of the event far in advance. It helps guests plan their travel, especially if the event is a long time away or in a different city.
Modern RSVP Methods
Today, many people use digital ways to RSVP, especially for weddings. Instead of mailing back a card, you might reply online or through an app.
You might sometimes hear people say "Please RSVP." This is a bit like saying "Please please respond." Since "RSVP" already means "Please respond," adding "please" again isn't really needed. It's a common phrase, but it's technically repeating part of the meaning.
See also
In Spanish: R. S. V. P. para niños
