Implying that there’s more fun to be had elsewhere isn’t the only way you can botch your response to a social invitation.

Pay attention to whether an invitation includes an RSVP, how the invitation is delivered ... be it a yes or a no. So reply, and reply quickly, preferably as soon as possible.

Please remind your readers of the importance of RSVP. My daughter’s wedding is a week away, and I need a number! Several ...

Part of me also feels that you don’t get the courtesy of an invitation if you never show or if you repeatedly fail to RSVP.

Miss Manners assures you that the repeated offense of not answering an invitation justifies not getting another one. She further suggests you use caution with the excuse that they will not come anyway ...

If your RSVP is something short of that ... Parker recommends following this formula: acknowledge the invitation; honor something about it, like the host’s creativity or vision; express ...