regrets only
RSVP if absent
Regrets only is a phrase on invitations indicating that recipients should respond only if they cannot attend.
The host assumes you're coming unless you say otherwise: The invitation said regrets only, so I didn't bother calling.
It shifts the burden of response to those declining rather than requiring everyone to RSVP.
- cancelationVoiding of plans
- nonattendeeOne who doesn't come
- plus oneInvited person's companion
- apologizeAcknowledge a fault
- sorryExpressing regret or apology
invitation · gatherings · nonreply · decline · brevity · phraseology · implied meaning · idiom · host · black tie · event planning · formal language · social etiquette · non-responder · courtesy · parties · save the date · wedding invitation
- Invitation etiquetteRSVP, plus one, save the date, formal invite, reply card
- etiquettemanners, politeness, etiquette, table manners, courtesy
response requirement
regrets onlyopen invitation
regret, regrets, regretted, regretting, regretful, regretfully, regrettable, regrettably