A wedding invitation response is the act of notifying the hosts of a wedding regarding one’s ability to attend the ceremony and reception. This notification typically involves completing and returning a response card (RSVP) included with the invitation or, less commonly, communicating the acceptance or regrets through another means specified by the hosts, such as a phone call or email. For example, upon receiving an invitation with a pre-addressed RSVP card, one would indicate their attendance decision and any relevant dietary restrictions before mailing it back by the stated deadline.
Responding promptly and accurately is a matter of etiquette, demonstrating respect for the wedding couple and the considerable effort and expense involved in planning their celebration. A timely reply allows the hosts to finalize headcounts for catering, seating arrangements, and other logistical elements crucial to the event’s success. Historically, formal written responses were the norm, highlighting the formality of social engagements. While digital communication is increasingly accepted, the underlying principle of providing a clear and timely answer remains constant, ensuring efficient wedding planning.