My mother has always told me to reply to an invitation on the same day I receive it – as that way I would be less likely to put it in my ‘to do list’ and risk potentially replying after the R.S.V.P. date. As I’m getting older (although I’m not that old, really!) I can see the method to her madness.

While I used to be worried about being the first person to reply (I didn’t want to appear overly keen!) I have realised that it makes it easier for everyone. I don’t have to worry about forgetting to reply (and offending my host in the process) and my host doesn’t have to worry about the embarrassing task of chasing me up.

That said, I am one of those people who actually take pleasure in handwriting my acceptance to an event. Truly! I enjoy taking the same time and care on my reply as my host has on the invitation. It seems only fitting.

However, it would appear that many people aren’t as keen to put pen to paper as I am, hence the increase in the popularity of the ‘Acceptance Card’ in recent years, especially for weddings. I appreciate that it would definitely make for much speedier replies, which would help the host immensely, but then you don’t get the personal touch of everyone’s carefully crafted reply. A modern day dilemma it would seem!

(Image from verawang.com)