22 - How to RSVP to an Event

RSVP stands for “Répondez s’il vous plaît” (French for “please respond”). RSVPing lets event organizers know if you’re attending so they can plan accordingly.

Why RSVP?

RSVPing helps:

• Organizers plan for correct number of people
• Ensure enough food, materials, seating
• Know who to expect
• Send targeted communications
• Make events more successful

Always RSVP when requested - even if you’re not attending!

Finding Events to RSVP

Method 1: From Calendar

1. Go to Calendar
2. Click on an event
3. View event details

Method 2: From Feed

1. Event posts appear in your feed
2. Click to view details

Method 3: From Email

1. Receive event notification email
2. Click link in email
3. Opens event details

Steps to RSVP

Step 1: View Event Details

Click on the event to open its details page.

Step 2: Find the RSVP Section

Look for:

• “Are you attending?”
• “Will you be there?”
• “RSVP” section
• Response buttons

Usually near the top of event details.

Step 3: Select Your Response

Click one of:

• Yes / Attending / Going - You plan to attend
• No / Not Attending / Can’t Go - You won’t attend
• Maybe / Unsure - You’re not sure yet

Step 4: Add Guest Count (if applicable)

Some events ask:

• “How many guests?” or “How many in your party?”
• Select number from dropdown
• Or type a number

Example:

• 1 (just you)
• 2 (you + spouse)
• 4 (you + family)

Step 5: Add Comments (Optional)

There may be a comment box:

• Dietary restrictions
• Special needs
• Arrival time
• Offers to help

Examples:

• “Vegetarian meal please”
• “I can help with setup”
• “Arriving at 6:00 PM”
• “Bringing my grandson (life-to-be)”

Step 6: Submit Your RSVP

Click “Submit,” “Save,” or “RSVP”

Step 7: See Confirmation

You’ll see:

• Confirmation message
• Your RSVP status updated
• May receive confirmation email

Changing Your RSVP

Plans change! You can update your RSVP.

Steps to Change

1. Go back to the event
2. Find RSVP section
3. Click a different response
4. Click “Update” or “Save”
5. Your RSVP changes immediately

Change as soon as you know - helps organizers plan.

Viewing Your RSVPs

See All Events You’re Attending

1. Click your profile menu
2. Click “My Calendar” or “My Events”
3. View events you RSVP’d “Yes” to

See Who Else is Attending

See How to View Event Guest List

Types of RSVPs

Simple Yes/No

Most common:

• Are you coming?
• Yes or No
• Done

Guest Count

Includes number attending:

• You + spouse = 2
• You + family = however many
• Helps with food planning

Meal Selection

Some events ask what you want to eat:

• Chicken, beef, or fish
• Dietary preferences
• Helps catering

Volunteer Options

Events may ask for help:

• “Can you help set up?”
• “Can you bring dessert?”
• Check boxes for what you can do

Payment Required

Some events require payment:

• Dinner tickets
• Activity fees
• See How to Pay for Event Online

RSVP first, then pay (or payment may be part of RSVP).

RSVP Deadlines

Why Deadlines Matter

Organizers need time to:

• Order food
• Print materials
• Arrange seating
• Finalize plans

Respecting Deadlines

• RSVP before the deadline
• If you miss it, contact organizer directly
• Late RSVPs complicate planning

Set a reminder to RSVP a few days before deadline.

No RSVP Option?

Some events don’t have RSVP:

• Open invitation events
• Regular meetings (everyone’s welcome)
• Drop-in activities

If no RSVP option:

• Just show up
• Or contact organizer if you have questions

RSVP Etiquette

Best Practices

Do:

• RSVP promptly when invited
• Respond even if you can’t attend (helps with planning)
• Update if your plans change
• Follow through - if you RSVP yes, attend
• Respond by the deadline

Don’t:

• RSVP yes then not show up (without notice)
• Bring extra guests without asking
• Ignore RSVP requests
• Wait until the last minute

If You RSVP Yes

You’re committing to attend:

• Organizers count on you
• Food/materials ordered for you
• Other members expect to see you

If something comes up:

• Change RSVP as soon as possible
• Contact organizer directly if it’s close to event
• Apologize for any inconvenience

If You RSVP No

That’s perfectly fine:

• You can’t attend everything
• Organizers appreciate knowing
• Better than not responding

If You RSVP Maybe

Use sparingly:

• “Maybe” makes planning difficult
• Try to commit yes or no
• Only use if genuinely unsure

Change to Yes or No as soon as you know.

Event Reminders

After RSVPing “Yes”:

• You’ll receive event reminders
• Day before event
• Day of event
• Includes event details

Manage reminder preferences:

• See Contact Preferences

Troubleshooting

Can’t Find RSVP Button

Problem: No place to RSVP.

Possible reasons:

• Event doesn’t require RSVP
• You’re not logged in
• RSVP period hasn’t opened yet
• RSVP period has closed
• You already RSVP’d

Solutions:

1. Make sure you’re logged in
2. Check if there’s an RSVP deadline
3. Look for “Edit RSVP” if you already responded
4. Contact event organizer

RSVP Won’t Submit

Problem: Click submit but nothing happens.

Solutions:

1. Make sure all required fields are filled
2. Check for error messages
3. Try a different browser
4. Refresh the page
5. Contact webmaster

Don’t See Your RSVP After Submitting

Problem: RSVP’d but don’t see confirmation.

Solutions:

1. Refresh the page
2. Check “My Events” to see if it’s there
3. Look for confirmation email
4. Try RSVP again
5. Contact event organizer to confirm

Want to Change Guest Count

Problem: Already RSVP’d but need to update number of guests.

Solution:

1. Go back to event
2. Click “Edit RSVP” or “Change RSVP”
3. Update guest count
4. Submit again

RSVP Deadline Passed

Problem: You want to RSVP but deadline passed.

Solution:

• RSVP option may be closed
• Contact event organizer directly
• Explain situation
• They may still accommodate you

Didn’t Receive Confirmation Email

Problem: RSVP’d but no confirmation email.

Possible reasons:

• System doesn’t send confirmations
• Email in spam folder
• Wrong email address

Solutions:

1. Check spam/junk folder
2. Check “My Events” - if event is there, RSVP worked
3. Contact organizer if unsure

After You RSVP

What to Expect

• Confirmation message or email
• Event appears in “My Events”
• Reminders as event approaches
• Your name on guest list

Event Updates

If event details change:

• You’ll receive notification (usually)
• Check event page before attending
• Read update emails

If Event is Cancelled

• You’ll receive notification
• Event marked as cancelled
• Your RSVP is automatically cleared

Adding to Your Personal Calendar

After RSVPing:

1. Look for “Add to Calendar” button
2. Export to Google, Outlook, or iCal
3. Event appears in your personal calendar

See How to View Events for details.

Need Help?

Contact your lodge secretary or event organizer if:

• You can’t RSVP to an event
• Need to change RSVP after deadline
• Have questions about the event
• Have special needs or accommodations
• Need to bring extra guests

Next Steps

• View who else is attending
• Pay for event online (if applicable)
• View all upcoming events
• Create an event (if you have permissions)