The art of the RSVP: Really. Simple. Very. Powerful.
It's a frequent topic of conversation for us at theCityMoms: RSVPs. For an organization that runs multiple events a week, the art of the RSVP is everything. Moms are asked to RSVP regularly, keep those RSVPs updated, and extend the courtesy of informing us if something prevents them from attending an event. In our world, no-shows are no-nos. You don't show up to an event and it can impact your membership status with theCityMoms. But does this courtesy exist outside a structured organization? Do friends RSVP to dinner plans with you, only to bail at the last minute? Is the art of the RSVP lost? We begin exploring that very topic today below. Read on.
Hey mom/friend/reader: I need to talk to you. It’s important. I mean – really, really important. It’s about your time, my time, our time together and it’s about being nice, respectful, considerate and thoughtful. It’s about so much more than saying yes. It’s about saying no and also just about being honest with yourself, me and others about this time that we have all set aside to be in the same room doing the same thing.
It's about the art {or perhaps the lost art?} of the RSVP.
I want to implore you, my friends and fellow mamas, to RSVP. I am not saying you must say yes when I ask you to send in a note of response. I am just asking you to please just say SOMETHING and then…Oh wait...
Mean it.
Stick to it and please – do give it your best go – to update or change your RSVP in a reasonable amount of time. To allow your sweet hosts time to adjust for food, drinks, updated seating needs, plans and/or accommodate others to attend in your place if needed.The art of the RSVP has been forgotten in recent decades, but doesn’t now seem like the right time to bring it back? I am in a place in my life where I finally understand the value of responding to a wedding, shower, party, moms night out, or even a coffee date in a timely manner. It has taken me a few years – maybe all my years! – to really get this through my skull. Ihave come to realize that many of us just take for granted that if we don’t respond, we most certainly aren’t coming. However, then there are those occasions where people just show up without RSVPing. How odd, I think that this seems to be OK to do. {Hiiiii, it’s not, by the way.} Especially when reservations are made, favors are accounted for, food and drinks are served and hosts have prepped for days.The point is this - it’s an invitation, not a proclamation - that you must attend. A simple accept or decline: This is what I most want to share. In many cases, it is an honor to be included; to be asked especially for a wedding, a birthday party or a shower.And if we truly consider and realize the blessing to be included on a guest list, putting aside all the stressful “oh my gosh…I cannot believe someone else wants me to attend one more thing” moment, you may blow your own mind in giving the invite the time it deserves.
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You may feel good about being invited by your friend, co-worker, fellow momma, new acquaintance, husband’s family. But if we begin to make the change now - to react differently to invitations - it could change the relationship with that one person in a very positive way. And maybe more. And more. Sharing in an event with others means someone thoughtfully wants to be in your presence; to connect and catch up with you.
I know what you're thinking!
With the world of Facebook events and Evites floating through your email account, it may not feel special; but if you consider each invitation as someone who really does want to see you, get to know you and share their life with you, it may help you view the invitation as an opportunity to:
Make new friends!
Reconnect with old friends!
Discover something interesting!
Have fun!
Get outside your comfort zone!
The art of RSVPing may have skipped a few generations, but it is not lost forever.Let’s begin learning about "it" and pass that knowledge on to our little ones. Honestly, the sky is the limit IF you say “yes!” But you don’t have to accept. I promise…this is not what this is about. I would encourage you to consider the invitationas – just that – invitingyou and asking for your presence; not demanding it. Simply consider the date and time and thoughtfully accept or decline. If something changes, let the host know so they can make arrangements accordingly. There are a few highlighted words above that read “thoughtfully let the host know” when strung together. It is reallythat simple. Really!No matter what the event is – whether it’s a CityMom MNO, PLAYgroup or MOMpreneur luncheon, another in home social selling party, a bridal shower or a 4th birthday invite from the mom at school you haven’t met – simply and thoughtfully respond. How powerful is that?It’s truly the meaning of RSVP and the {right} nice thing to do.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marcie Muensterman is an alum of theCityMoms Indianapolis chapter, where she worked tirelessly as the Director of Membership prior to her family's relocation to Tampa, FL. This post - one of a catalog of favorites that Marcie authored - has struck a chord with theCityMoms since 2015. It is frequently used to reinforce not only the art of the RSVP with incoming members, but as a hallmarked example of the respect and care asked that all CityMoms members have for each other. Marcie is a wife, mom to 2 beautiful children, and fashion consultant for the CAbi brand.
