Please RSVP

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by AZTheta

Unforeseen circumstances: death, illness, accident.

It doesn't mean "I got a better offer." "I just don't feel like showing up."

Originally Posted by FSUZeta

I agree, RSVP "Yes" means that unless something unforeseen happens, I will be there. If something unforeseen happens, I will call to let you know and apologize that I had to change my plans.

Those things above. A lot of people assume RSVP is regrets only, which is dangerous.

[DrPhil]

Interesting article, SoCalGirl.

Originally Posted by AGDee

...which is dangerous.

LOL.

[aephi alum]

I went with "yes, barring unforeseen circumstances". The "unforeseen circumstances" would have to be pretty heavy - my own hospitalization or death (obviously I would not be attending in that case!), a death or imminent death in the family, the premature birth of an immediate relative's child (e.g. my sister is due to have a baby in May, the event is in April, and the baby is born a few weeks early and my sister needs my help), etc. In any case, I would make every attempt to contact the host or to have someone contact her/him on my behalf.

When my husband and I were planning our wedding, we were advised to take the number of "yes" RSVPs and give the caterer a firm headcount of 90% of that number. It turned out to be spot on. I had X yeses, I gave a firm headcount of Y = X * 0.9, and exactly Y people turned up.