RSVP...it's as easy as 123!

Fabulous party etiquette begins with the invitation.  Whether you are throwing the party or being invited to one, it all starts with the RSVP.

The term RSVP stands for réspondez s'il vous plaît, which, for all of you non-French speakers, simply means, "Please reply."  As Fabulous hostesses, we all know how hard it is to plan an event when we don’t know the number of people that are planning to attend.  RSVP's allow the hostess to plan for food and other party fun, but they also provide an opportunity for friends to take time out of their busy lives to talk.

But what is the proper time frame to RSVP?  Etiquette dictates that you respond to an RSVP as soon as you can, even the same day if possible. If you need to double check your schedule, make sure to do so in a timely matter.  A Fabulous guest will always respond at least by the date posted on the invitation.

If you are unable to attend the event, it is proper to RSVP to the host  by providing a simple explanation of why you are unable to attend and thanking the hostess for the invite.

Now if you are the Fabulous hostess inviting people to your party, there are a few things that you need to consider:

• Make sure you give yourself enough time.  Don’t set your RSVP date too close to your party. You don’t want to stress yourself out by running around at the last minute trying to get stuff ready.
• If you are having a casual party your RSVP could be as simple as…. R.S.V.P: Please respond by April 15^th .       Name:  ___________Accept ___ Decline ____ (and allowing your invitees to respond by email is even more convienent!)
• If guests can’t make it to your party, be gracious.  If they are as Fabulous as you are, of course their calendars are busy!

No matter if you are the hostess or the invitee, simple RSVP etiquette is important and as easy as 123!