What Does RSVP Mean?
Definition, origin, and how to respond
RSVP is one of the most common phrases on invitations — but many guests are unsure what it actually means or how to respond. Here is the clear answer, plus a free way to collect RSVPs online.
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RSVP meaning
RSVP stands for the French phrase "Répondez s'il vous plaît," which translates to "Please respond" in English. When an invitation says RSVP, the host is asking you to confirm whether you will attend — not just to show up.
An RSVP is not optional politeness on formal invitations. It helps the host plan food, seating, and headcount. Ignoring an RSVP can leave hosts short on meals or paying for empty seats.
Today, most RSVPs happen online through a link on the invitation rather than by mailing a reply card.
How to respond to an RSVP
- Reply by the deadline on the invitation
- State clearly: attending, not attending, or maybe
- Include your headcount if plus-ones are allowed
- Mention dietary restrictions if meal choices are offered
- Use the online RSVP link if one is provided
- Do not bring extra guests unless the invitation says "+1"
- Update your reply if your plans change
What does RSVP stand for? The full form, letter by letter
Each letter comes from a word in the original French phrase:
- R — Répondez (respond)
- S — s'il (if it)
- V — vous (you)
- P — plaît (pleases)
Put together, "Répondez s'il vous plaît" is literally "respond if it pleases you" — rendered in English as "please respond." English speakers kept the French because four letters carry what would otherwise take a sentence.
You will see it written RSVP, R.S.V.P., or r.s.v.p. All three are the same thing, and none is more correct than the others.
What RSVP means on a wedding or party invitation
On a wedding card, RSVP asks you to tell the couple whether you will attend, by the date printed next to it, usually 3–6 weeks before the wedding. They need the number for the caterer and the seating chart. A reply card may also ask for your meal choice and how many seats are reserved for you, which is the number of guests invited, not a suggestion to bring more.
On a birthday or party invitation, RSVP means the same thing with lower stakes: the host is buying food and party favors for a set number of people.
What "free with RSVP" and other RSVP phrases mean
| Phrase | What it means |
|---|---|
| Free with RSVP | No charge to attend, but you must reply to get in, usually because space is limited |
| RSVP only | Entry is limited to people who replied; walk-ins may be turned away |
| RSVP required | The host is counting heads for a venue or a seated meal |
| RSVP by [date] | The deadline the host needs to give the caterer or venue a number |
| Regrets only | Reply only if you are not coming |
| RSVP link | A web page where you reply online instead of by card or email |
What RSVP means in Microsoft Teams and Outlook
In Teams and Outlook, RSVPing to a meeting means picking a response on the invite: Accept, Tentative, or Decline. Teams also has Follow, for meetings you want to keep an eye on without committing to attend. Your RSVP status is what the organizer sees next to your name.
| RSVP status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Accepted | You plan to attend |
| Tentative | You might attend but cannot commit yet |
| Declined | You will not attend |
| Follow (Teams) | You want updates and the meeting chat, but are not committing to attend |
| No response | You have not replied yet |
RSVP vs "regrets only" vs "save the date"
Invitations use several phrases that ask for different things:
- RSVP — reply either way, yes or no
- RSVP by [date] — reply before the deadline, which is when the host has to give catering a number
- Regrets only — reply only if you cannot come; silence is taken as yes
- Save the date — not a request to reply at all, just a heads-up that a real invitation is coming
- RSVP required — the host is tracking attendance, often for a venue capacity or a seated meal
Hosting? How to create an RSVP link
If you are the one sending the invitation, an RSVP link replaces reply cards and the email thread that follows them. It takes about two minutes:
- 1
Create the event
Add the name, date, and location. This is what guests see at the top of the RSVP page.
- 2
Add your questions
Attending yes/no, headcount for plus-ones, meal choice, dietary restrictions — whatever you actually need to plan.
- 3
Share one link
Put it on the invitation, in an email, or in a text. Guests reply from their phone without creating an account.
- 4
Watch responses come in
Track yes, no, and no-reply in real time, and send a reminder to anyone who has not answered. Free for up to 50 responses per form.
How to Create Your RSVP Form with SignupKit
- 1
Create your event
Add the event name, date, location, and a short description for participants.
- 2
Add sign-up slots
Create slots for dishes, shifts, roles, or RSVP options. Set quantities and optional deadlines.
- 3
Share one link
Send a single mobile-friendly link. Participants sign up without creating an account.
- 4
Track and remind
See who signed up in real time, export the list, and send automated reminder emails.