Navigating The RSVP  Challenge In Nigeria

By Tony Onyima*

Répondez s’il vous plaît (RSVP), a French phrase meaning “Please respond,” is a well-known social custom found on invitations. It poses a challenge to Nigerian hosts and event planners. The expectation is simple: guests should indicate whether they will attend an event so that the host can plan accordingly.
Many parts of the world, particularly in Western cultures, take this practice seriously. It enables the host to plan for the appropriate number of attendees, preventing either a lack of supplies or unnecessary waste.
However, in Nigeria and many other African contexts, the RSVP concept frequently encounters cultural barriers, reducing its effectiveness. Let us briefly look at the dynamics of RSVP and how cultural differences, particularly in Nigerian social etiquette, influence its use and expectations.
The RSVP convention originated in French aristocracy, where social events were highly organised and meticulous planning was required. Whether it was a small dinner, naming ceremony, wedding, or a grand ball, knowing the exact number of guests was critical for seating arrangements, meals, and overall logistics. This practice has since spread worldwide, and it is especially common at formal events and exclusive social gatherings. In its most basic form, RSVP requests a response, either confirming or declining an invitation. The goal is to give the host a clear picture of how to prepare, including catering, seating, and other event logistics.
In Nigeria, however, the situation is very different. RSVP culture is not as deeply ingrained in social interactions. Nigerian social life is vibrant and characterised by spontaneous participation. Many people prefer to keep their options open, which makes it difficult to confirm attendance ahead of time. This fluidity in social engagements frequently leads to invitees failing to respond to RSVPs, posing challenges for the host. Several factors contribute to this. Weddings, birthdays, and religious ceremonies are all considered community affairs in Nigerian culture. Invitations are usually extended informally, and it is common to attend without prior confirmation. Furthermore, many Nigerian families have extensive social networks. As a result, when an event is announced, many people may show up, including those who were not explicitly invited. The communal nature of social gatherings can blur the lines between formal RSVPs, which assume that everyone is welcome.
The Nigerian concept of hospitality is significantly different from that of Western cultures. In many parts of Nigeria, hosts take pride in their ability to welcome unexpected guests, often going above and beyond to ensure that even those who did not RSVP are well catered for. This level of hospitality is deeply ingrained in the culture, and “the more, the merrier” is a common attitude. Hosts are usually prepared for a large number of guests, making the RSVP system somewhat ineffective.
Every day in Nigeria, people make last-minute attendance decisions. Many invitees base their final decision on whether to attend an event or how their schedules work out on the day. This indecision could be attributed to traffic, unpredictable commitments, or the nature of Nigeria’s work culture, which can be extremely demanding. As a result, people may choose to leave their attendance status open, intending to make a decision much closer to the event, well after the RSVP deadline.
In Nigeria, RSVP is commonly regarded as a formal event practice. The concept of confirming attendance is frequently overlooked for informal or semi-formal events. People may see the RSVP process as overly formal or unnecessary, particularly for events involving close social or familial networks. The informal nature of social invitations can diminish the significance of responding, even when explicitly requested.
Time perception also influences RSVP adherence. In many Nigerian settings, events are often viewed as flexible in terms of time and guest count. The concept of “African time” contributes to this phenomenon, in which events rarely begin as planned and guests arrive much later than expected. The fluidity of time translates into fluidity in commitment, making RSVP responses feel less urgent.
Despite cultural differences that limit RSVP’s effectiveness in Nigeria, hosts can use strategies to bridge this gap. One approach is to promote more open communication and emphasise the importance of RSVPs in event invitations. For example, including an additional note such as “RSVPs required for accurate catering” may encourage guests to take it more seriously.
Hosts may also use technology, such as digital invitations that send automated reminders to guests. This could increase the chances of receiving responses, particularly since many Nigerians are now accustomed to using mobile technology for a variety of purposes. For larger events, the host must plan for additional guests, knowing that some will attend without RSVPing. Culturally, it is preferable to have more food and seating than to be perceived as unfriendly. Event planners in Nigeria are well-versed in this cultural nuance, and they frequently advise preparing for more guests than confirmed through RSVPs.
RSVP is a practice deeply rooted in Western social etiquette, but its implementation in Nigeria is complicated by cultural differences. Nigerian social customs value inclusivity, spontaneity, and flexibility, which can clash with the structured nature of RSVP. While the concept is acknowledged, it is not always implemented with the same urgency or formality as in other parts of the world. Understanding cultural nuances can assist hosts and guests in better navigating social expectations, combining tradition with modern practices for more successful event planning in Nigeria.
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