The short answer: RSVP stands for the French phrase “répondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “please respond.” When an invitation says RSVP, the host needs a yes or no from you by the date listed, whether or not you’re coming. For weddings, reply as soon as you know, and always before the deadline.
Four little letters, and somehow they cause more drama than the seating chart. Here’s what RSVP actually means, what hosts wish every guest knew, and how to set an RSVP deadline people will actually respect.
What does RSVP stand for?
RSVP is short for répondez s’il vous plaît, French for “please respond.” It caught on in English-speaking etiquette in the 1800s and never left. The key word is respond: it asks for a reply either way, not just a yes.
What do the different RSVP phrases mean?
| You see | It means |
|---|---|
| RSVP | Reply yes or no by the date given |
| Regrets only | Only reply if you can’t come |
| RSVP by [date] | The host needs your answer by then for catering and seating |
| Kindly reply | A polite way of saying RSVP |
| Number of seats reserved: 2 | Your invitation covers exactly two guests |
How should guests reply?
- Reply within a week of receiving the invitation, even if the deadline is a month out.
- Answer every question on the card: names, meal choice, dietary needs.
- Don’t add guests who weren’t named on the envelope.
- If plans change, tell the host right away instead of quietly not showing up.
The Emily Post Institute treats an RSVP as a promise: once you say yes, show up.
When should hosts set the RSVP deadline?
For weddings, set the RSVP date 3–4 weeks before the big day. That leaves time to chase the stragglers, give your caterer final numbers and finish the seating chart. Mail invitations 6–8 weeks out so guests have a fair window.
RSVP card or online RSVP?
Both work. Printed RSVP cards start at $1.16 each at Go Print Plus and match your invitation suite. Prefer online? The Connected Invitation gives you a wedding page where guests reply, choose mailed or digital invitations and enter their address, with replies on a live dashboard. It’s $199 on its own and included with print suites of $500 or more.
Already have your design?
Made it in Canva or ChatGPT? Art already made? Upload it here and we’ll print it on professional stock. Our print-ready file guide shows how to export it so it prints sharp.
RSVP FAQ
What does RSVP mean?
RSVP stands for the French phrase répondez s'il vous plaît, which means please respond. The host is asking you to say yes or no by the date given.
Do I have to RSVP if I am not going?
Yes. RSVP asks for a reply either way. The only exception is an invitation that says regrets only, which means you reply only if you cannot attend.
How soon should I RSVP to a wedding?
Reply within about a week of receiving the invitation, and always before the RSVP date printed on the card.
When should the RSVP deadline be for a wedding?
Set the RSVP date 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding so there is time to follow up, confirm catering numbers and finish the seating chart.
How much do printed RSVP cards cost?
At Go Print Plus, printed RSVP cards start at $1.16 each with a 25-piece minimum, in designs that match your invitation suite.
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Go Print Plus is a Times-Georgian Readers’ Choice winner in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and a WBENC-certified woman-owned business printing in Carrollton, GA since 2009.
Building the rest of the suite? Start with our wedding invitation suite guide, then collect addresses the easy way with our address collection guide.