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Should You EVER use Regrets Only or Only Use RSVP?

2/27/2013

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On a Party Invitation, should You EVER use Regrets Only or Only Use RSVP? from TheInvitationShop.com
"Regrets Only", or don't call unless you're NOT coming, has become a popular phrase to put on party invitations.

While it may seem the hip or easy thing to do, I personally strongly disagree with EVER using regrets only. A few of my reasons could prevent you from having a major party host panic attack.

A few years back, I threw a New Year's Eve party and invited about 20 couples. I made up this really cute rhyming poem, printed my invitations on beautiful ivory shimmery paper wrapped with a gold ribbon and bow, put stamps on the matching shimmery envelopes and sent them on their merry way.

I planned the rest of the party, but when it came time to shop for food, drinks, and other party goods, I started to panic.

       "What if no one came to my party?" 

Granted, no one had called to say they couldn't come, but then most people have a hard time replying they are coming to a party.

So now what?  How many people do I:
  • buy food for?
  • buy beverages for?
  • buy plates, napkins, noise makers, those funny New Year's Eve hats for?
  • how many do I need to serve with my main dish?
  • I asked guests to bring their favorite appetizers, how many would I have?
  • how many party favors do I need?

I think you now get some of the big issues that can arise with using "regrets only" instead of RSVP on your party invitations. So seriously, why would you use Regrets Only? If you're like me and you break down and call your guest list to see if any one is really coming, you have totally defeated the purpose of your Regrets Only reply request.

Play it safe and use "RSVP to Donna by December 1st" and add a phone number, an email address or both, or some variation of those words on your invitations, especially when a head count is needed for things like seating, a bartender, a caterer, party favors or general peace of mind. 

The next time you get an invitation, verbal, in the mail or heaven forbid, by social media, you can do the host and hosts of the future a favor and REPLY! Just pick up the phone, email your reply, mail back the response card and  let the host know you will or will not be attending their party. Trust me, they will appreciate it and so will you when you decide to through your own party.

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