Responding To A Wedding Invite: Keeping It Casual

When you receive a wedding invitation, it can be tricky to know how to respond. You may be unsure about what information to include in your response or how formal your reply should be. The most important thing is to respond promptly, so the couple can finalise their guest list, and to include the number of people in your party so that the couple can make seating arrangements. If you know the couple well, you can be informal in your response, but if you're unsure about your relationship with them, it's best to be more formal. Here are some examples of informal responses:

Respond promptly

When you receive a wedding invitation, it is important to respond promptly. This is the first duty of a guest. The couple will have spent months planning their big day, from the guest list to the menu, and they will need to finalise their guest list soon. By responding quickly, you show the couple that you are thinking about them and that you appreciate their invitation.

Check your schedule and consult with anyone else included in your invitation. If you are unable to attend, let the couple know as soon as possible so that they can invite someone else in your place if they wish. If you plan on attending, you will need to RSVP, and it is best to do this promptly.

If the invitation includes an RSVP card, fill it out and send it back as soon as you can. Make sure to include key information such as your full name, whether you are accepting, whether you are bringing a plus one, and any dietary restrictions. You can also add a personal touch, such as a congratulatory note.

If there is no RSVP card, you can respond by writing a handwritten acceptance or sending an email. Include the names of those attending, a phone number or email address, and any dietary requirements. If you are responding informally, you can be more creative with your response, mentioning something about the ceremony you are looking forward to or an inside joke.

Include the number of people attending

When accepting a wedding invitation, it is important to let the couple know how many people to expect. This is especially important for the couple as they will have a lot of money and organisation riding on whether you attend or not. Here are some ways to let the couple know how many people are attending:

Using an RSVP Card

If the wedding invitation includes an RSVP card, simply tick the box that applies to you and your plus one and send the card back. If you were invited to bring a guest, but they cannot attend, make a note of it on the RSVP card so the couple knows exactly how many people to expect.

Responding with a Handwritten Acceptance

If your invite did not include an RSVP card, it is up to you to inform the couple whether you will be bringing a plus one. A nice handwritten note or a congratulatory card will suffice. Depending on your relationship with the couple, you can write a personal or formal note. Here is an example of a formal acceptance note:

> Dear [couple's names],

> [Partner's name] and I are delighted to attend your wedding on [date].

If you are unable to attend, there is no need to bog the couple down with too many details. Keep it short and sweet:

> Dear [couple's names],

> Thank you kindly for your invite, however, we regret to inform you we will not be able to attend. We will be thinking of you from afar and hope your special day will be everything you imagined it to be.

Responding Informally

When responding informally, it is still important to let the couple know how many people are attending. Here is an example of an informal acceptance:

> Hi guys! So excited for your special day! Of course, we'll be there! Can't wait to see [name] walk down the aisle to the man of her dreams ☺ See you on [day] for a celebratory drink. Big hug, [your name] and [plus one's name]

Responding on WhatsApp

If you are responding to a wedding invitation over WhatsApp, you can give the couple all the information they need, including the number of people attending. For example:

> Yay! So excited you're getting hitched. Of course, I will be there. My plus one will be [name of plus one].

Mention dietary requirements

When accepting a wedding invitation, it's important to let the couple know if you have any dietary requirements. This is essential information for the couple to have, as it will impact the food they order and how much they need to spend. It is also a good idea to mention any dietary restrictions when filling out an RSVP card. This will ensure that the couple is aware of your needs and can accommodate them.

If you have a food allergy, it's crucial to inform the couple. A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system reacts unusually to specific foods. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, so it's important to be cautious. Food intolerances or sensitivities are also important to disclose. These occur when someone has difficulty digesting certain foods and experiences an unpleasant physical reaction.

Other common dietary requirements include coeliac disease, which is a digestive condition where the small intestine becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients due to an adverse reaction to gluten. If you follow a vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, halal, or kosher diet, be sure to mention this when accepting the invitation.

When informing the couple of your dietary needs, be as specific as possible. This will help them understand your requirements and ensure that they can accommodate you. For example, if you are vegan, let them know that you do not consume any animal products, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, and honey. If you are halal, explain that your diet adheres to Islamic law as defined in the Koran, and includes restrictions on alcohol and certain animal products.

It's also a good idea to offer suggestions or alternatives that meet your dietary needs. This can be helpful for the couple, especially if they are unfamiliar with your specific dietary requirements. Remember to be gracious and understanding, as accommodating multiple dietary needs can be challenging.

"Hi [Couple's Names]! We're so excited to celebrate your special day with you! We can't wait to see [Detail you are looking forward to]. Just a heads up, I'm vegan, so I'd be happy to bring my own food or suggest some plant-based options if that's helpful! See you soon and congratulations!"

Be informal with close friends

When responding to a wedding invitation from close friends, it's perfectly fine to be informal. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft your response:

Be Casual

You can start with a casual greeting like "Hi guys!" or use their names, for example, "Hi Sara and Henry!". Using their names is a nice way to acknowledge the couple directly.

Express Excitement

It's important to show your enthusiasm for their special day. You can mention how excited you are and even reference something specific you're looking forward to, like seeing them exchange vows or an inside joke. For instance, "So excited for your special day! Can't wait to see you both walk down the aisle. Congrats!"

Add a Personal Touch

Feel free to personalise your response by referencing your relationship with the couple. For example, "We always knew you two were meant to be. Thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you!"

Keep it Light-hearted

Informal responses allow you to be more playful and genuine. You can include a fun sign-off like "Big hug," "Love," or "Hugs from all of us."

Respond Promptly

While being informal, it's still important to respond promptly. The couple will appreciate knowing your decision as soon as possible, as it helps them with their planning.

"Hi guys! We're so excited to celebrate with you and can't wait to see you tie the knot! Congrats and see you soon! Love, Alyssa and Samantha"

"Hey! So happy for you both! We'll definitely be there to celebrate on [date]. Can't wait for a fun day and an even better party. Hugs, Ian and Alana"

"You two!! Of course, we'll be there for your big day. So happy and excited for you both. See you soon and congrats! Love, [Your name] and [Partner's name]"

"Well, well! This is so exciting. We're absolutely thrilled to be a part of your special day. Can't wait to celebrate with you both and witness this beautiful milestone. Lots of love, [Your name] and [Partner's name]"

Remember, when responding informally, speak from the heart, and don't be afraid to show your enthusiasm and personal touch.

Be formal with colleagues or acquaintances

When it comes to colleagues or acquaintances, it's best to keep your wedding invitation acceptance formal. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a suitable response:

RSVP Cards:

Many formal wedding invitations come with RSVP cards, making it convenient for guests to respond promptly. If you receive an RSVP card, follow these steps:

• Fill out the card completely, including your full name, whether you are attending, and any dietary restrictions or other requested information.
• Add a personal touch with a congratulatory note or a simple "Congratulations!"
• Return the RSVP card promptly in the provided envelope to avoid causing unnecessary stress for the couple.

Handwritten Acceptance:

If your invitation did not include an RSVP card, a handwritten acceptance is appropriate. Here are some tips for crafting a formal response:

• Use nice stationery and a good pen for your response.
• Address the couple using their names and last name, e.g., "Dear Katie and Richard."
• Clearly state your acceptance and the date of the wedding, e.g., "Tom and I are delighted to accept your invitation for May 21st, 2018."
• Keep the response concise and formal, especially if your relationship with the couple is more distant.

Examples of Formal Acceptances for Colleagues or Acquaintances:

"Dear [Colleague's Name], We are delighted to share the news of our upcoming wedding ceremony. As we celebrate this joyous occasion, we would be honored to have you join us on this special day. Your presence at our wedding on [date] at [venue] would mean a lot to us, as we cherish the bond we have built as colleagues and friends."

"Respected [Colleague's Name], With immense pleasure, we invite you to grace our wedding ceremony and be a part of our happiness. Your presence at this auspicious event on [date] at [venue] would make the celebration even more memorable. We value the camaraderie we have as colleagues and would be honored to have you join us."

"Dear [Manager's Name], It is with immense joy that we invite you to be a part of our special day as we exchange vows of love and commitment. Your presence at our wedding on [date] at [venue] would make the celebration even more memorable. We value your guidance and would be honored to have your blessings. I really hope to see you there."

"Dear [Manager's Name], As we embark on a new chapter of our lives, we seek your blessings and good wishes. Your guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in our personal and professional development. We cordially invite you to join us in celebrating our wedding on [date] at [venue], as your presence would make this occasion truly special. Awaiting your presence."

Remember, when responding to a wedding invitation from colleagues or acquaintances, it's important to maintain a formal tone and express gratitude for their invitation.

Frequently asked questions