I know this topic has been talked about a lot, expecially when it comes to childrens parties and such. I never could quite understand when you give out 10 invitations, you maybe lucky to get 1-2 responses, then wonder who else might show up?

I sent out 25 invitations for my sons Bar Mitzvah. Granted, people who have more money then us, send out fancy invitations with response cards(like they do for weddings). We did not, we printed up nice Bar Mitzvah invitations from the computer. Anyways, I think I had an RSVP date of Aug 13th, so yes I know that has not passed yet. I did include my phone number, and my email address. I figure that way people didn't feel obligated they had to talk to us LOL...and could just email their responses. Besides the people who I know are definitely yes's (my parents, my aunt, my sister in law and brother in law) I have gotten only one response. My cousin from CHicago emailed me the day she got the invitation to say she couldnt make it. Even my friends in the area, have not told me yes or no. I realize its Labor day weekend and all. Dont you think its just common courtesy to respond??
Do you think its because its a holiday weekend, people just arent sure about their plans?

In the long run, we are having a simple lunch in the social hall.We are ordering trays of food, so its not like I need a specific head count for each plate.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, August 10, 2007 - 12:58 pm:

Well, it's only the 10th. You may get more responses over the weekend. FWIW, I'm also annoyed when people don't RSVP. I always let people know by the requested date whether we can make it or not.

By Bea on Friday, August 10, 2007 - 08:09 pm:

RSVPs are part of the past, I guess.....Just like manners. At our last open house, even the Post Commanding General and his wife never responded. It's made me reluctant to entertain any more.

By Rayelle on Friday, August 10, 2007 - 11:16 pm:

Ugh! This is such a issue with me. I mean, how hard is it to let someone know whether you are coimng or not? I've heard people don't really do it anymore, but I think they should. Besides rsvp, I think in general it seems like people don't really "do" anything anymore. Maybe it's just in my area but a lot of people complain about no one coming to parties or whatever but all everyone does is complain that there is nothing to do. I think it might be from all the cellphones, internet time people spend with each other they don't feel they need to go anywhere as much. Yet, you'd think with having a phone attached to their head all day they could call and let someone know. At least food doesn't sound like it will be a big issue in your situation.

I hope your son has a very nice party!

By Karen~admin on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 09:16 am:

I rarely entertain, but when the kids were younger and we sent out invitations, I can remember times when NO ONE RSVP'd, yet nearly every child arrived for the party. It drives me nuts too. It's a common courtesy/good manners thing, and yes, I agree with Bea, that, and manners seem to be part of the past. Just how difficult is it to take 30 seconds and send an email?!? Anyone can do that!

By Janet on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 09:51 am:

RSVP means respond whether or not you are coming (as opposed to "regrets only" which means only respond if you can't come). Yes, I agree, people just don't care about simple courtesy anymore. Back when my girls were younger and we were doing the party things, I rarely got responses no matter what I wrote on the invitations. Made me nuts! But it is still early, so you may get some as the time gets closer. Have a wonderful celebration!

By Jackie on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 10:38 am:

I just think some people are rude. I could never imagine not rsvping to an event. I mean whether my the kids are invited to birthday parties, or we are invited to weddings that are out of town. I have always RSVP.
I dont know why some people are so rude about not doing it. It seems like the person being invited FORGETS there is somebody on the other end of the invitation. They FORGET that the other person is planning on enough food, and goodie bags(if I kids party).That the person on the other end is trying to make it as pleasant as possible for everybody invited. Yet... a simple rsvp is not done on a regular basis.
I am sure there are people on this board who dont rsvp, otherwise there would be more responses to this post LOL

By Yjja123 on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 11:11 am:

I have given up trying. I feel like a nag when I am forced to follow-up with people who do not reply.
I do RSVP and tend to do it shortly after I receive the invitation (regardless of timeline of RSVP). That way it can't get lost or forgotten in the shuffle.
Don't get me started on manners....we seem to be the only ones who write thank you cards too. That is a big peeve of mine.

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 01:48 pm:

My kids are good about thank-you notes. After the graduation parties, I didn't even have to nag Sarah to do it and she did it right away! We don't necessarily do it for Christmas presents, but any special thing like confirmation/graduation and that sort of thing, they get done for sure.

By Yjja123 on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 01:57 pm:

Dawn,
I gave out 2 expensive graduation gifts this year...no thank you card for either!
I would not allow my kids to get away with that.
I just do not understand it.

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 05:00 pm:

Yikes. That's awful!