R.S.V.P. (“répondez, s’il vous plaît”) literally means “please reply.”. This means the e-mail sender expects you to reply. Whether you want to accept or decline the invitation, a prompt and polite response shows courtesy and also helps the sender plan well.
RSVP Email Response Samples
Take a look at some sample RSVP e-mail responses for accepting or declining invitations:
Sample 1 – Responding to an Informal Invitation
SUGGESTED SUBJECT: We’ll be there!
Dear Eric,
Larry and I are happy to accept your invitation to Apple’s Luncheon as well as the final dinner for Facebook directors. We are delighted to be a part of your event.
We also hope to finally meet the team handling Instagram development at the dinner.
We’ll see you on December 15.
Best regards,
Sample 2 – Responding to Invitation to Speak
SUGGESTED SUBJECT: Accepting your Invitation to speak at Demo Africa
Dear Josephine,
Thank you very much for your e-mail. I would be very glad to attend the 5th Annual Demo Africa and speak at the special sessions. My photograph and signature are attached to this e-mail as you requested.
Please let me know if you need any other information from me. I look forward to attending Demo Africa this year.
Sincerely,
Sample 3 – Responding to Invitation to Speak at a Conference
SUGGESTED SUBJECT: I’m delighted to confirm my availability as a Speaker
Dear Hillary,
Thank you so much for your kind invitation to speak at the inaugural Researchers’ Conference from November 4, 2016, to November 6, 2016. I would be delighted to speak on the topic “Innovations in Agricultural Research Strategies”.
I have immediately reserved those dates on my calendar. I understand that the event will begin by noon but I’m required to arrive by 10:00 am. Please send me detailed information on the venue of the conference.
Again, thank you for inviting me. I look forward to receiving more details on the venue of the conference.
Sincerely,
Sample 4 – Turning Down an Informal Invitation
SUGGESTED SUBJECT: Please accept my apologies…
Dear Sullivan,
I am very sorry to let you know that Obama and I will be in Africa during the Christmas Holiday this year. It is such a pain that we will not be able to attend your Christmas party.
When we get back, I will be the first to visit you and find out everything about the party this year.
Thank you very much for the invitation.
Best regards,
Sample 5 – Turning Down an Invitation to Speak
SUGGESTED SUBJECT: Unfortunately, I can’t attend this month’s Business Mentors class
Dear Bush,
Thank you so much for your invitation to speak at this month’s Business Mentors’ class at HarvestHouse Center. I am very impressed by the achievements of your team members as well as the participants of the Business Mentors’ Sessions. As such, I value your choice of me to speak at this highly revered event.
Unfortunately, I will be in Colorado for the next three weeks to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. I hope you will find another speaker for my session.
Once again, thank you for the invitation.
All the best,
Sample 6 – Turning Down an Invitation [short]
SUGGESTED SUBJECT: Apologies, I’m declining your invitation to the AfricaCom Event
Dear Enoch,
Many thanks for your invitation to attend the 2016 AfricaCom Event in September 2016. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the event this year.
I appreciate your invitation and look forward to attending next year.
Sincerely,
Sample 7 – Accepting a Request to Speak
SUGGESTED SUBJECT: Honoured to deliver a speech at the annual National Union of Journalists Conference.
Dear Ms. Lisa,
Thank you for inviting me to deliver a speech at the annual National Union of Journalists Conference. I am delighted to embrace this opportunity.
You stated clearly that you wanted me to take an introductory speech either during the breakfast session on Thursday, March 24, 2016, or during the lunch hour on Saturday, March 26, 2016. The Saturday Lunch hour speech is more convenient for me considering my schedule. Please inform me if this is suitable for you.
I am anticipating my participation in this conference and appreciate the privilege of delivering a speech. I hope to receive a message from you as regards the verification of the date.
Sincerely,
Sample 8 – Declining a Request to Speak
SUGGESTED SUBJECT: I Regrettably Decline Your Invitation to Speak at your Annual Conference
Dear Mr. Anthony,
I am delighted by the invitation to deliver a speech at your annual conference in April. It is quite unfortunate that the date slated for the conference is the same as our company’s yearly retreat.
You stated clearly in your email that you also have quarterly meetings in several regions. It will be more convenient for me to attend any of the quarterly meetings in May through August. I would be happy to deliver the speech on another day that will be suitable for you and me during one of the quarterly meetings in the region.
Please check your calendar and let me know the available dates.
Thank you for choosing me to speak at your conference. I hope to receive your call soon.
Best regards,