Party Foul

Regrets Only, R.S.V.P., respond by (date)... multiple choice, you pick... yet the typical turnout for a mailed invitation these days hovers around 50%. When did it go out of style to say, "I am unable to attend?" With so many easy ways to communicate, it is the least an invited guest can do. A hostess has already spent money on an invitation and postage to you and is trying to prepare food and often party favors along with judging space issues. She would like to know if you are coming or not. Plain and simple. Think about arranging seating for 40 people and 20 show. Quick... while you are smiling, offering a beverage, putting out punch and cupcakes, be sure and remove HALF of your chairs and perhaps tables, too. People excuse themselves from any response by acting ignorant thinking, "What does r.s.v.p. mean anyway?" Or, "I get confused... what is Regrets Only?" The last two large events I have hosted have been very successful in that I had a good idea of my numbers to expect. Remove ALL questions/excuses by stating exactly what you need as a hostess. If you are hosting an event in the future, I would recommend that you use "Respond by (date)." Many people have not ever tried to have 50 people for dinner. Good luck to them whenever they do. Nice manners are still important even today.