How to Send or Respond to an RSVP via Text Message

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Follow these etiquette rules when you’re invited to an event

Co-authored by Hunter Rising Reviewed by Tami Claytor

Last Updated: August 26, 2024 Fact Checked

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RSVPing over Text as a Guest

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Is it okay to RSVP by text?

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Sending Text RSVPs as a Host

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Q&A

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Tips

RSVPing through text is more quick and convenient than other methods, so it’s perfect no matter the occasion. As a guest, sending your RSVP is important because it lets the host know the size of the guest list and how many supplies they need. As a host, text RSVPs are great for quickly hearing back from your guests without waiting for emails or snail mail. Keep reading for examples of how to write your RSVP text as a guest and how you can set up text RSVPs next time you host.

Things You Should Know

As a guest, send the host a polite text about whether or not you can attend and how many people are going.
Text the keyword to the number on the invite and answer the prompts if the host used an automated texting service for their invites.
As an event host, sign up for an automated RSVP text service like Save the Date or Replied App to manage large guest lists and avoid giving out your personal number.

Section 1 of 3:

RSVPing over Text as a Guest

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1
Send the host a polite text about if you can attend. If the host texted you directly or has their number on the invite, text them a polite RSVP whether you’re able to go to the event or not. If the invite says you can bring guests, let the host know how many people are coming with you. Then, express your excitement if you can attend and express your regrets if you’re not able to go. Some example RSVP texts for a birthday party may be:^{[1]
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- Can attend: Hi Jenny, thanks for the birthday invitation! Frank and I would love to come celebrate with you, so count us both in! We can’t wait to see you!
- Cannot attend: Hi Jenny, thank you so much for the birthday invite. Unfortunately, Frank and I won’t be able to make it to the party next Friday. We hope you have so much fun celebrating!
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Use the number and keyword on the invite for automated RSVP services. If you received a physical invitation, check the RSVP section for a phone number and keyword in quotes, like “hello” or “party.” Send the keyword in a text message to the phone number to start the automated RSVP chat. The chat will ask you questions like your full name and how many people you’re coming with. Follow the prompts on the screen and send your replies until you get a confirmation text.
- The automated messages may also ask additional questions, like your food preferences or if you’re bringing any children with you.
- Some questions with multiple options list numbers for each choice. Reply with the corresponding number rather than typing out your answer completely.

Section 2 of 3:

Is it okay to RSVP by text?

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Sending a text is appropriate if the host texted you or requested a text. If you got a casual text invite, then it’s okay to shoot a text their way in response so they quickly know your answer. When you get a physical invitation for an event, read it over carefully to see if the host requested that you RSVP through text specifically. If they list a different way for you to respond, then use their preferred communication method instead of texting.
- Fill out an RSVP card you received for a wedding or formal event and mail it back as soon as possible.
- Send an email RSVP if you originally received an email or if they provide an email address in the invite.
- If you’re given a website on the invite, follow the link to complete your RSVP.
- Reader Poll: We asked 201 wikiHow readers to tell us the best way to respond to an informal dinner invitation, and only 3% of them said an in-person conversation was ideal. [Take Poll]
  - For informal events, it's totally appropriate (and in fact, probably preferred) to text or mail your answer instead of seeking out an in-person conversation with the host. You're in the clear!

Section 3 of 3:

Sending Text RSVPs as a Host

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1
Use an automated texting service to gather RSVPs neatly. When you sign up for the service, they’ll provide a phone number to list on your invite. When your guests send the number a keyword you’ve chosen, the service continues messaging them to get info about who’s attending. Services store all the RSVP information in one place so it’s easy to review all the guests who are coming.
- Save the Date sends texts or WhatsApp messages directly to your guests. You may also create an event page for sharing details.
- Replied App provides a number to put on your invite that your guests text. You can also track additional options like meal preferences and if young children are attending.
- Texting services work best if you’re hosting a large event or have multiple people helping plan, like a wedding or corporate party.
- Many texting services also let you send out reminder texts and updates about your event so anyone who RSVPed gets notified.
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Request text RSVPs on your invite along with your phone number. If you’re planning a smaller event with friends and don’t mind if your guests have your personal number, list it on your invitation and specifically request that people RSVP through text. Be sure to include what info you’d like them to respond with on the invite so you don’t have to ask everyone follow-up questions.
- Example: Please text the number of guests and your meal choice to 555-555-1234 to RSVP.
- If you only want people to RSVP if they can not attend, write “Regrets only” on the invite.^{[2]
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- Follow up with a personalized text message after they RSVP. You may say something like, “Thanks for your quick response, James! I can’t wait to celebrate with you!” or, “Aw sorry you can’t make it, Alan. We’ll miss you there!”
- If people aren’t responding to your RSVP, shoot them a text about 1–2 weeks before the event and remind them. You may say something like, “Hey! I noticed you didn’t RSVP to my party yet, and I’d love to have you there. Are you planning on coming?”

Community Q&A

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Question

Is an RSVP by text acceptable?

Michael Pedoeem

Community Answer

Nowadays text RSVP is very acceptable. Services like Paperless Post will send you an invitation card through text, where you can click on the invitation and then RSVP. Other services like Evant.app, allow event hosts to send invitations to guests, prompting guests to respond with one keyword to RSVP (text-to-RSVP). The trend in online invitations is going from Email to SMS.

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What should one actually say on an RSVP if there no prompts?

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Nothing is required beyond accepting the invitation. However, you could say something like "looking forward to celebrating!" The host would probably appreciate it if you showed some excitement for their upcoming event.

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Tips

Once you RSVP to an event, follow through and be sure to attend unless there’s an emergency. If something you can’t miss comes up, tell the host as soon as possible with a polite message.^{[3]
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Send your RSVP as soon as possible, or at least before the deadline listed on the invite.

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