Reply Card Etiquette…
What are your choices?
By Tracy Bloom Schwartz, CSEP
Those in the know, know. The most proper reply would be sent on one's personal stationary, engraved preferred, to the sender of the invitation. As a host, you should not have to request the reply, as the invitee would be aware of their responsibility in acknowledging the invitation.
However, recognizing that we are living in the 21st century, the following alternatives are recommended.
Reply cards are the most common way used for an invitee to express their plans for attending an event or not. Reply cards simply request: "Please reply by July fifteenth." or "The favour of a reply is requested by July fifteenth." It is important let your guests know when you expect to hear from them. For your busy guests, this options allows them to check off their response:
M_____________________________
Will ______ Attend
In the event that you have to get specific information from your guests, choice of a meal, or if they will be attending multiple events, or if they will need you to supply golf clubs, you will have to offer choices for specific replies.
M_____________________________
Will ______ Attend
Chicken ______
Meat ______
Fish ______
You could also select a reply card that simply has a request for a reply and leave the card blank so that the invitee can write a note.
Other acceptable wording is "We look forward to hearing from you"
In order to make it convenient for your guests to reply quickly, be sure the reply envelope is addressed to the host and stamped.
For less formal events, including luncheons, teas or fun celebrations, have your name and phone number printed on the invitation. E-mail is becoming popular for replies as well. Be sure to give a name with a phone number if there are multiple hostess. People are more comfortable calling if they know whom they are calling.
Wording for the printed name and phone number could be RSVP, Kindly reply, Please reply, Double dessert for prompt replies, etc.
Another option to consider is "Regrets Only". We do not recommend this option because in the end, you wonder who is planning to attend the event. If you have to give an exact count to a caterer, this option is very risky. This option also indicates to the invitee that it is a large event and their presence is not crucial.
When you are replying to an event, please reply on time. Imagine you were the host, wouldn't you want to know who is coming to your special event in time to give your guarantees and make appropriate plans?
Author's Information:
Tracy Bloom Schwartz, CSEP 301-654-9292
Creative Parties, Ltd. tracybloom@cparties.com
8011 Woodmont Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
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