RSVP meaning in a wedding card
Updated 26 October 2026 · Shaadi Ka Nyota
Quick answer
RSVP stands for "Répondez s'il vous plaît", French for "please reply". On a wedding card it asks you to tell the hosts whether you will come, and how many of you, by the date given. On Indian cards the RSVP line usually lists family members' names and phone numbers to contact.RSVP full form and meaning
Full form
Répondez s'il vous plaît
Language
French
Meaning in English
Please reply
Meaning in Hindi
कृपया उत्तर दें (kripya uttar dein): बताइए कि आप आएँगे या नहीं
Pronounced
R-S-V-P, letter by letter
What RSVP means on an Indian wedding card
On Western cards RSVP comes with a reply card and a deadline. On Indian cards it is usually a line at the bottom with the names and numbers of the bride's or groom's family: "RSVP: Rajesh Verma, +91 98xxx xxxxx". It means the same thing: please let them know whether you are coming, so they can plan seats, food, rooms and transport.
Hindi cards often say the same with "Swagatotsuk" or "Darshanabhilashi" (those waiting to welcome you), which is an invitation rather than a request to reply. If the card says RSVP, the hosts would like an answer.
How to reply to an RSVP
- Reply within a week, or by the date on the card.
- Say yes or no clearly, and how many people are coming (only those invited: "you and family" means your household).
- Mention which functions you will attend if there are several.
- If you can't come, say so kindly and send your blessings. A no is more useful to the hosts than silence.
Namaste Rajesh ji, thank you for the invitation! The four of us will be there for the sangeet and the wedding on 12 December. Congratulations to Arjun and the whole family 🙏
Dear Rajesh ji, thank you so much for inviting us. We are travelling that week and sadly can't attend. Our blessings to Arjun and Meera for a very happy life together.
For hosts: collecting RSVPs without 300 phone calls
Most Indian families still collect RSVPs by phone, which means a list kept by three different people. An invitation link with an RSVP button puts every reply in one list: who is coming, how many, to which function, and their message.
- Ask for the number of people, not just yes/no.
- Ask per function: the haldi and the reception have very different guest lists.
- Give a reply-by date about three weeks before the wedding, when the caterer and hotel need numbers.
- Send a reminder to those who haven't replied a week before that date.
Questions people ask
What is the full form of RSVP?
Répondez s'il vous plaît, French for "please reply".
What does RSVP mean in a wedding card in Hindi?
कृपया उत्तर दें: please tell the hosts whether you will attend and how many people are coming.
Do I need to reply if the card says RSVP?
Yes. RSVP is a request for an answer either way, so the hosts can plan food, seating and rooms.
What does RSVP regrets only mean?
Reply only if you are NOT coming. If you say nothing, the hosts will count you as attending.
How do you RSVP to an Indian wedding?
Call or message the person named on the RSVP line within a week, say whether you are coming, how many of you, and to which functions.
