Cutesy RSVPs - with bells on?

KGold80

So we got invited to a wedding (which we are not attending) and it included this RSVP card. I just really do not understand this at all.

theartistformerlyknownas

This was discussed before on Invites. I think it's cute. @hisgirlfriday13 didn't you do/consider doing these or am I remembering incorrectly?

HisGirlFriday13

Yes; you're remembering correctly. We did do those RSVPs, and people told us they loved them. They fit with our personalities, and despite what everyone on here says, no one got confused by them.

KGold80

Sorry if I offended. I just don't quite get the appeal. That and the person who sent it is at the top of my shit list currently.

mcgarci2

I think you have to be familiar with the expression to find it favorable.  Some of my family members would be totally clueless if they got this.  It doesn't work for everyone.

huskypuppy14

I think there is too many options in the one the OP posted. If it's just 2 (with and without bells); it's fine.  Also, why is there a number attending and number of bells?

jenajjthr

We used something similar for our rsvp. We had a lot of older family who understood the expression. The only one who didn't was a younger adult niece. You gotta know your friends and family.

hikebikebemerry

laurynm84 said:

I think there is too many options in the one the OP posted. If it's just 2 (with and without bells); it's fine.  Also, why is there a number attending and number of bells?

Technically, 2 could be attending- one with bells, one without.  Hence # of people and # of bells.

I don't think they're too confusing.*  And I think it would be cute, especially if it fit the personalities of the couple.

*Unless they were on my shit-list, then I'd be all WTF IS THIS SHIT?! But.. I'm a bitch from time to time.

theartistformerlyknownas

hikebikebemerry said:

show previous quotes

laurynm84 said:

I think there is too many options in the one the OP posted. If it's just 2 (with and without bells); it's fine.  Also, why is there a number attending and number of bells?

Technically, 2 could be attending- one with bells, one without.  Hence # of people and # of bells.

I don't think they're too confusing.*  And I think it would be cute, especially if it fit the personalities of the couple.

*Unless they were on my shit-list, then I'd be all WTF IS THIS SHIT?! But.. I'm a bitch from time to time.

I would also interpret this differently depending on shit list status.

KGold80

I probably should have phrased my post differently. I'm familiar with the expression. I don't understand the point of the "bell phobia" bit or "number of bells". It feels a little over the top to me.

hikebikebemerry

Number of guests: 0

Number of Bells: 26 (With the note: "THANK GOODNESS! I have been trying to offload these bells for FOREVER! Kisses!")

KGold80

Yes, the shit list status is a big one. My soon to be stepkids were asked to be in their wedding - one as an usher and the other as a guestbook attendant and I guess general gopher. I asked for two months for info about attire. The bride finally sent me an email and I then asked for accommodations info. She said she would get back to me. That was two months ago. We finally get the invite. No info about rehearsal, rehearsal dinner...this is 3 hours away from us, so we would have to get a room for 5 people. We kind of need to plan. The invite doesn't even include info about the reception. You have to go to their website to get that. Our kids aren't included on their website as members of the WP either. The whole debacle has been rude and tacky. Why on earth would we shell out hundreds of dollars to go out of our way to attend the wedding of someone who clearly thinks our kids are second class citizens? The bride has also been lying about stuff and putting my FI in an awkward situation because he got her a job working for his best friend's wife and she screwed them over. SHIT LIST.

KGold80

I wonder if the people at http://www.poopsenders.com would be willing to add some bells to the package?

theartistformerlyknownas

Now THAT is a use of poopsenders I can get on board with.

(Have you ever read the thing about how to protect yourself from bears in the woods? I'll have to find it...)

theartistformerlyknownas

The National Park Rangers are advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter.
They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge.
Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear's sensitive nose and it will run away.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat.
Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.

KGold80

Hah!!!!

larrygaga

How does everyone know what this rsvp means but me? Do you literally wear bells? Someone explain this to poor larrygaga

Viczaesar

I don't understand the # of bells part.  That's the point where I would get irritated by the cutesyness.

lovesclimbing

I can see how people might get confused with that and think you actually went bells for some sort of send off.

A friend had a Fourth of July wedding and had RSVPs that had something very similar except with firecrackers and they had a couple of guests actually bring a ton of firecrackers. And firecrackers are illegal in the city. Fortunately, no one shot them off.

sassyfrass2014

Honestly I think it's cute, but the "# of bells" bit probably does take it too far. I would stick with two options: "With Bells On" and "Phobia of Bells."

KGold80

larrygaga said:

How does everyone know what this rsvp means but me? Do you literally wear bells? Someone explain this to poor larrygaga

It's from the phrase "I'll be there with bells on"

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/with-bells-on.html

Marzipan13

Oh, I think they're cute & funny!  I'm not the type who would do this myself (and I haven't), but I would be so amused if I got one   

grumbledore

I sort of think they are cute but I would never choose one like that.  They get some hate but whatevs.  If it's an informal affair, I think it's fine.

larrygaga

Oh. It reminds me of pintrest things. 

ElcaB

I think it's a cute idea. 

One of my outdoorsy friends (whose outdoor wedding was held in a park) had RSVPs that said, "Yes! Wild racoons couldn't keep us away," and "We regretfully decline. Good luck with the racoons." 

It was so very her and everyone loved them. 

HisGirlFriday13

I should add, we didn't ask people for the number of bells. We had options for will be there with bells on; will be there, free of bells; will be attending -- undecided on bells; will not be attending -- heard there will be people wearing bells; will not be attending, regardless of bell controversy.

I use the expression 'with bells on' often IRL, so it wasn't out of character for me. If I was on someone's shit list and they judged me, I'd probably brush it off and figure, 'Well, that's one person we don't have to continue a friendship with after the wedding.'

Maybe I'm defensive since I actually did this, but in light of the judgement and drama we've had around here lately, since this isn't against etiquette, if you don't like it, build a bridge and GTFO it. It doesn't materially affect your comfort or the B&G hosting you properly.

pumpkinsandturkeys

HisGirlFriday13 said:

I should add, we didn't ask people for the number of bells. We had options for will be there with bells on; will be there, free of bells; will be attending -- undecided on bells; will not be attending -- heard there will be people wearing bells; will not be attending, regardless of bell controversy. I use the expression 'with bells on' often IRL, so it wasn't out of character for me. If I was on someone's shit list and they judged me, I'd probably brush it off and figure, 'Well, that's one person we don't have to continue a friendship with after the wedding.' Maybe I'm defensive since I actually did this, but in light of the judgement and drama we've had around here lately, since this isn't against etiquette, if you don't like it, build a bridge and GTFO it. It doesn't materially affect your comfort or the B&G hosting you properly.

We did exactly the bolded, and people loved it.

Everyone we have spoken to about it has been more than familiar with some variation of the phrase, "I'll be there with bells on!" We have received very positive reactions, and didn't do it to be cutesy or Pinteresty (there will be no burlap or mason jars at my wedding, thankyouverymuch). We did it because it amused us and FI really liked it, and it was representative of who we are -- fun, fairly carefree, and excited to share moments like this with our close friends and family.

chibiyui

I like the whole bells thing, but personally think the number of bells options is a bit too twee. 

It all comes down to personal taste. 

But yes, if sender was on my shit list, I'd probably side eye them. Because I am a bitch.

Maggie0829

I don't think it is cute but I don't think it is dumb either.  I am neutral on it and I probably would just mark what I needed to mark and send it on its way.  But then again, it is a RSVP card.  I don't really find any RSVP card cute.

carliealissa

I didn't realize people are unfamiliar with the expression, i thought it was extremely common?  I love it, but agree that it went a step over the "may cause confusion" line with the blank for number of bells.

MadHops21

My cousin did this for her wedding. My family had no idea what bells meant until we got to the reception and saw bells on the table. When the cousin's family started ringing the bells and the bride and groom kissed, we finally understood. But I still don't understand when you said "Will attend, no bells". Do you just not get bells then at the reception?