Regarding Invitations

I wrote previously about responding to invitations.  As you will recall, I said to always respond to an invitation.  I discussed the meaning of RSVP and how to respond to an invitation with RSVP.  I also discussed what to do when the invitation says “Please reply” and  “Regrets only”.

There are a couple of other points I want to make regarding invitations.  Be sure to reply in a timely manner.  If there is RSVP on the invitation, usually a date  by which you are to respond is given.   If you receive an invitation in person or by phone, you may respond at that time.  If you receive a spur of the moment invitation, it is acceptable to tell your host that you will check you schedule and call back as soon as you can.  Whether you are  responding by a handwritten note or by phone, you do not have to give a reason if you can’t attend the function.

Once you have accepted an invitation, you are expected to attend the function.  There are circumstances when you must notify your host that you have to change your acceptance.  If you are ill, have an emergency, or have some unavoidable situation, please let your host know as soon as possible that you will  not be attending the affair.  It is very rude to do a “no show”.  If you have declined an invitation and then realize that you are in a position to attend, what do you do?  If the occasion is casual or if it is a buffet style dinner, you may call your host if you know them well and inform them of the situation.  However if the invitation is for a more formal seated dinner, you  need to stick to  your regrets.    Don’t put your host in an uncomfortable situation.

If an invitation is addressed to you and a guest, that means you are free to bring a guest of your choosing.  When accepting, make sure you inform your host if you will be bringing a guest.  If your invitation doesn’t mention bringing a guest, do not assume that it is alright to bring one.  That is not the case and may cause for an embarrassing moment for you and your host.

Please feel free to share any experiences which you have, feel free to ask any questions, or to comment on the topic.

Questions or comments are always appreciated.

Ginny Brown
The Etiquette School of Northeast Georgia
Hoschton, Georgia (Hamilton Mill area, Dacula, GA)
Email Ginny Brown
678-889-4814 office
770-296-4159 cell

http://etiquette-blog.com