It's party time – and you've been invited. RSVP may sound like something from the Victorian age because it is. The question is: Do you want to go? If the answer is yes, you'll need to RSVP via email. (If the answer is no, read our guide on how to politely decline an interview in an email.)
If you've never heard what an RSVP email is, there's a basic explanation of what they are and your responsibilities to respond. From then, we will give you 5 RSVP samples you can use in everyday situations. When you're ready to move on, you can learn about the RSVP format, including some expert tips.
Whatever event you've been invited to, we will ensure you'll RSVP in the right way.
Not Knowing How to Reply to RSVP Emails?
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What are RSVP emails?
RSVP is an abbreviation for an original French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît". Can you guess what it means?
We don't speak French either. But it's basically a polite way to say, "Please can you respond".
Why do we use a French term? We can't answer that question. But you're not going to get an RSVP request for your average meeting. RSVP emails are used for formal events like weddings, celebrations, awards evenings, and other formal events.
If you've received an RSVP request and are thinking of ignoring it – don't. The person who sent it has a tough job of securing numbers and filling spaces. If you can't attend, make sure you say so.
How to respond to RSVP? Let's show you 5 RSVP email samples.
5 RSVP Response Examples
Each RSVP email is unique and should reference the original invite – but that doesn't stop us from providing 5 samples.
These RSVP emails are included here to show you how we would approach writing responses. Read them, understand them, and use them as inspiration before creating your own replies. You’re a real person, so inject your personality into this.
Professional RSVP email
If you've been invited to a formal work meeting, you'll need a professional RSVP response. So here you are. This is a stripped-back and basic message that manages to say yes like a pro.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to confirm the scheduling of our upcoming meeting.
Please let me know if the proposed schedule works for you.
Thank you for your attention.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
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Read also: How To Write Invitation Emails (5 Templates)
Personal RSVP email
If you've been invited to a wedding or other celebration by a friend or family member, you’re free to write an RSVP reply with meaning. You might want to say what the event means to you, who you're going to bring, or what you want to eat. Use this template but add your memories, thoughts, and feelings.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
It is with great joy and excitement that I received your invitation to your wedding/celebration. I am truly honored to be included in such a special and memorable event.
As I reflect on the years of friendship/relationship we have shared, it warms my heart to see you embark on this beautiful journey of love and commitment. I have witnessed the love and dedication you both have for each other, and I cannot express how much happiness this brings me.
I would be thrilled to attend and celebrate this momentous occasion with you. Rest assured, I will be there to witness and support the beginning of your new chapter.
Once again, thank you for extending this invitation and allowing me to be a part of your special day. I look forward to creating more wonderful memories with you.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
Read also: How to politely decline an invitation via email (5 samples & templates)
Confirmation RSVP email
It's all about the details in this confirmation RSVP sample. You might want to confirm your dietary requirements, seat position, or place and time. In this sample, simply swap out our info for your details and get it on its way.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I am writing to confirm your RSVP for the upcoming event. We are delighted to have you join us!
Please provide us with any dietary requirements or allergies you may have, so we can make the necessary arrangements. Additionally, please let us know if you have any preferences regarding seating or any other special requests.
The details of the event are as follows: Date: [Event Date] Time: [Event Time] Venue: [Event Venue]
We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for confirming your attendance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Read also: How to Confirm Receipt of an Email (5 Samples & Templates)
Funny RSVP email
We always tell you not to be funny, but if you're replying to a friend, you can create a funny RSVP sample. There are no rules, but it's best to avoid being rude or offensive (unless they're a really good friend and know you well!).
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you in good spirits and ready for some fun! I just received your invitation and couldn't stop giggling - you really know how to throw a party. Count me in, but please be warned - my dance moves might be too hot to handle!
Let me know if I need to bring anything special or prepare a hilarious joke to entertain the crowd. I promise to bring my A-game and not embarrass you too much. We're going to have a blast!
Thank you for including me, and great job on the creative invite. Looking forward to letting loose and creating unforgettable memories together!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Short RSVP email
Struggling for time with your RSVP messages? This short RSVP email is for you. Fill in the gaps, slot in your details in the sections, and send. Done and done.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to confirm the scheduling of our upcoming meeting.
Please let me know if the proposed schedule works for you.
Thank you for your attention.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Guide on how to respond to RSVP via email
Who doesn't love a great party? We all do, right? So get ready to RSVP as you're going.
RSVP emails are, as we've said before, all part of formal email etiquette. In a digital world of IMs, social media, and instant connections, they're something from a forgotten time. But that doesn't mean you can ignore the rules. Generations of people have been RSVP-ing, and there’s a style to follow.
So, how do you write good RSVP emails? If you've reviewed the format above, you'll notice a standard structure emerges. To help you build better emails, we can split it into 3 parts:
- RSVP email subject line
- Body copy
- Sign-off/next steps
Because we want you to write excellent RSVP emails (not average ones), we're going to work through the process with you. As we go, we'll create our own RSVP email so you can see the thought process.
Ready to RSVP?
RSVP email subject line
Subject lines can sometimes be hard to get right, but RSVP emails are reassuringly simple, easy, and done in seconds. Lesson one is to include RSVP in the subject line. This means the recipient can rapidly see what your email is about, when to read it, and where to file it.
Some of the other things you might want to include are the date of the event, the time, location, and its name. Here are some RSVP samples to get you started.
- RSVP - (Event name)
- (Your name) – I am delighted to attend (event name)
- RSVP confirmation – (Date & time)
- I am delighted to RSVP to your event!
- I am 100% attending your event!
- Event confirmation – Please see details
- Event confirmation – Can you confirm some details?
Are you getting the hang of it? If you’ve got a spare few seconds, try writing your own email subject lines. See how longer subject lines are less effective?
RSVP email body copy
We're going to assume you want to attend. (Right?) If so, then let's secure your space.
When writing your RSVP reply, keep the invite next to you, as you're going to need it. First, we address the person by their first name with a polite greeting:
"Hi (person's name)."
In the first sentence, we say whether we're coming or not. In this example, we're going to join a friend for their wedding day, so we're 100% coming!
"Thank you for inviting me to your wedding celebration. I am absolutely thrilled to say yes!"
We're done, right? Not quite. Many RSVP requests will ask you for more information. You might need to choose what you're eating, where you're staying, or confirm who you're bringing.
"I can confirm that I will be joined by (person's name). We've reviewed all the information you've provided and would like to request a car parking space."
Say you have a few questions about the event (like timings, for example). Can you ask a question in an RSVP email? Absolutely!
"I know you're still working on the schedule for the day, but we're going to need to arrange childcare. Can you confirm the end time for the evening drinks?"
Anything else you want to ask? We're guessing we're done, so let's finish this email and send your RSVP.
RSVP email sign-off/next steps
Your message is written, and you're almost ready to RSVP. Before you do, you should offer some more kind words.
"We can't wait to celebrate your wedding day with you. You're an amazing couple, and this is going to be an incredible day."
If you need to ask for a response by a certain date (to secure a babysitter, for example), add that here. We don't need to, so we're going to sign off.
"I'll wait for further updates and add this to my diary today! We can't wait..."
Before pushing the button, add your name, contact details, and anything else you've been requested to include.
RSVP responses in the digital age – an expert guide
RSVP emails are formal messages, so we have to adhere to the conventions that people have used for generations.
In the pre-digital age, RSVP responses were full of flowery language ("I would be delighted to attend", etc.) and old-fashioned phrases ("Dear Sir/Madam"). In the digital age, we can dispense with that and create messages with meaning.
Here are some principles for how to respond to RSVP in the digital age:
- Greet the person warmly and welcome them by using their first name. But don't bother with outdated openings like "Dear Sir/Madam" – they're just not used anymore.
- Consider the audience and shape your reply around that. If you're messaging a friend, then dispense with the formality. If it's a boss, or someone you don't know, then keep it simple (and check out our short RSVP sample).
- Write as you would speak instead of trying to write like someone else. Would you say, "I'm absolutely delighted" or "We're thrilled to join you for a special occasion" in the real world? If not, then don't do it in an email. Find your authentic voice!
- Keep the invite close, and include all details. RSVP messages can be full of requests for what you want to eat, dates, times, and other details. Having the invite in your hand (or side-by-side on the screen) will ensure you don't miss a thing.
- Check your emails and ensure they're 100% proofread, accurate, and perfect. Or if not perfect, as close as you can get.
Writing RSVP emails can be challenging, especially if you're writing in a language that isn't your first. The solution? HIX.AI Email generator is a powerful AI email writing assistant that can supercharge your messaging and help you write better emails for any circumstance – including RSVP responses!
Conclusion
Everybody loves a party, but not everybody knows how to reply to an RSVP. Do you? If you've read this far, you should understand how to create RSVP emails.
While you can follow a cookie-cutter template, we encourage you to find your authentic voice and write like a real person (not a robot). It will take some practice, but give it a try. If you want a headstart, try HIX.AI.