Birthday party time! Invitations went out, and with them come the joys of RSVPs, or more often, a lack thereof. Every year I am surprised when half the parents do not notify me one way or another. This year only one of last year's non responders is invited, so we'll see if they do the same this year. I don't know why I should be shocked that people don't RSVP for a child's birthday party when some people weren't considerate enough to RSVP for our wedding (then there were the no-shows, but that's a whole other rant).
Anyway, I was showing my son the invitations, and telling him what each part said. When I got to the RSVP line, I said "...and there's our phone number and email address so people can call and let us know if they can come to the party." His response? "Or tell us if they can't come to the party." Yes, yes! Can someone please explain to me how it can be that my not-quite-four year old understands the intricacies of RSVPing, and half of the adults I encounter do not?
My husband said that before he met me, he thought you should only let someone know if you were coming, and do nothing if you weren't. I suppose that's actually an improvement in evolution, as his mother actually does neither most of the time.
Any chances of these parents attending an etiquette class given by a preschooler?
Incidentally - There is one classmate he decided against inviting because "He screams a lot. He might scream at my party." We're keeping it civil, folks.
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7 comments:
I think RSVP rules were specified in the invitation e.g. "RSVP if NOT attending." Otherwise I think you respond either way. At least I see it as good manners to respond either way if not specified.
~Jef
Your son is so right--definitely don't invite the screamers!
The lack of RSVPs would drive me CRAZY! How hard is it to just drop an email--yes, no, either way!
I will admit to being terrible about evite RSVPs. If I'm unsure about whether I'm going I don't respond either way, then I forget entirely until the day before.
I will make a better effort, for your sake. :)
I plan to make a better effort myself - thanks for helping with my etiquette, I know I need it.
I received an invitation to a b-day party for a child, but that only myself and my hubby were invited to - weird, huh? Anyhow, I will let her know today that I am unable to attend:) I'm sure she'll be glad I read your blog!
Edge - Repondez s'il vous plait. Respond please. I figure that means either way. Hubby joked that I should expand it "RSVP to let us know one way or the other." Somehow I think if I did that, some people STILL wouldn't reply. :)
L Sass - That's exactly how I feel. Although the answer is, apparently: It's very hard to do (based on the experiences I've had with people and their RSVPs).
NPW & Shannon - I'm starting to feel bad...I wasn't trying to make a public service announcement and criticize YOUR RSVP habits; I was ranting about past experiences. I guess I can only hope the people we invited are reading a similar blog post somewhere that will encourage THEM to RSVP to us, as you are feeling encouraged (although ideally not THIS blog post. :) )
I'm actually hosting a party this weekend (as an incentive for me to finally finish that dang basement project I keep talking about), and half the people on my list have not yet RSVPed. I've made peace with it, though, and am OK with just being surprised about who shows up and who doesn't. If I were making reservations somewhere or were responsible for individual treat bags or something, though, I'm sure I'd be less laid back about it.
I'm freaking that it's been a year already. Wow, hon, we've been through some time together, huh?
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