Rsvp Etiquette: Graciously Accepting A Wedding Invitation

It is important to respond promptly to a wedding invitation. Check your schedule and the invitation details, then make your response as soon as you can. If you are unable to attend, it is considerate to inform the couple early on so they can invite someone else if they wish. A formal invitation calls for a formal and cordial response. You can accept an invitation by mail, email, or on the wedding website. Here is an example: Mr. and Mrs. Harold McGowan accept with pleasure your kind invitation for Saturday, the nineteenth of June.

Respond promptly

When responding to a wedding invitation, it is important to respond promptly. This is because the couple will need to finalise arrangements with the caterer and other details with their guest list in mind. They may also want to invite someone else in your place.

If you are unable to attend, it is best to let the couple know as soon as possible. If you are unsure, work through your schedule and budget as soon as you get the invitation so that you can give a timely response.

If the invitation includes an RSVP but no response card, you can reply in writing or by email. A formal invitation requires a formal and cordial response. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Harold McGowan accept with pleasure your kind invitation for Saturday, the nineteenth of June."

If you know the hosts well, a personal note is also appropriate. For example, "Dear Ann and John, Rob and I are delighted to accept your invitation to attend Margaret and Tom's wedding on June nineteenth. Yours sincerely, Brittany."

Use formal language

When responding to a wedding invitation using formal language, it is important to be concise and clear, and to include all essential details. Here are some guidelines and examples to help you craft a polite and formal acceptance of a wedding invitation:

Host Line:

The opening line of a formal wedding acceptance typically includes the names of the hosts, especially if multiple parties are hosting. If you are hosting the wedding yourself, this line can be omitted. Here are some examples:

• "Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company..."
• "Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith, Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes request the honor of your presence..."
• "The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim..."

Attendance Request:

The request to attend expresses your acceptance and thanks for the invitation. Here are some formal ways to phrase this:

• Accept with pleasure your kind invitation...
• "Thank you for the kind invitation. We are looking forward to the celebration..."
• "We are delighted to accept your invitation to attend..."

Names of the Couple:

The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text and sometimes in a fancy typeface. For a formal invitation, use full names, including middle names.

Date and Time:

In a formal invitation, the date and time are typically spelled out in full rather than using numerical figures. For example:

• "Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four..."
• "Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon..."

Location:

Include the name and full street address of the wedding venue, including the city, state, and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, provide the country as well.

Reception Details:

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, a simple "Reception to follow" will suffice. If the reception is elsewhere, provide the full address, or include this information on a separate details card tucked into the invitation.

Dress Code:

Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for guests. This is usually mentioned in the lower corner or bottom center of the invite, or on a separate details card.

Gift Registry:

If you wish to include gift registry information, it is appropriate to inquire about it in your response, as in this example:

"Is there a gift registry? Thank you very much."

Expressing Appreciation:

It is always polite to express your appreciation for the invitation. Here are some formal ways to do so:

• "Thank you very much for the invitation."
• "Thank you for inviting me."
• "I appreciate the invitation."

Express appreciation

Expressing appreciation is a key part of accepting a wedding invitation politely. It is important to thank your hosts and show that you are excited to attend. Here are some ways to do this:

When Accepting the Invitation

When you are first accepting the invitation, it is good to express appreciation and let the couple know that you are happy to be included in their special day. You can do this by responding promptly and using phrases such as:

• "I appreciate the invitation."
• "Thank you for inviting me."
• "I would be delighted to come to your wedding."
• "It would be an honour to be a part of your celebration."

During the Event

When you arrive at the wedding, it is polite to thank the couple again for inviting you. You can also express your appreciation throughout the event by telling them that you are having a wonderful time. Here are some phrases you can use:

• "Thank you for having me."
• "I'm so glad I could be here to celebrate with you."
• "I'm having a wonderful time."
• "Thank you for including me in your special day."

After the Wedding

Even after the wedding is over, you can continue to express your appreciation. Sending a thank-you note or a small gift is a thoughtful way to show your gratitude. Here are some ideas:

• "Thank you for a wonderful time at your wedding. It was a beautiful celebration."
• "I'm so glad I was able to be a part of your special day."
• "Your wedding was so much fun! Thank you for including me."
• "I appreciate all the hard work you put into the wedding. It really paid off."

Include a brief note with best wishes

When accepting a wedding invitation, it is important to respond promptly. If you are unable to attend, it is courteous to decline as soon as possible so that the couple can invite someone else in your place if they wish.

• Express your enthusiasm and gratitude for being invited. For example, "We are so excited to hear about your upcoming wedding. Thank you both so much for including us in your special day."
• If you are unable to attend, provide a brief explanation and express your disappointment. For example, "Unfortunately, we won't be able to attend as we will be travelling to Vermont that weekend for our niece's graduation. If only we could be in two places at once!"
• Send your best wishes and congratulations to the couple. For example, "We will be thinking of you on [wedding date] and sending our love and best wishes your way."
• Include a personal touch or a memory you have of the couple to show your connection. For example, "I remember when we first met at [place] and I am so happy to see how your relationship has blossomed.
• End your note with a positive sentiment, such as looking forward to celebrating with them in the future or catching up after their honeymoon.

"Dear [Couple's Names],

We are thrilled to receive your wedding invitation and are honoured to be included in your special day. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend due to a prior commitment, but we wish we could be there to celebrate with you. We send our warmest congratulations and look forward to hearing all about your wedding when we see you next!

Best wishes,

[Your Name]"

Send a gift

Sending a gift is a great way to politely accept a wedding invitation. It is a thoughtful gesture that shows your appreciation for being invited and can be a nice way to celebrate the couple's special day. Here are some tips to consider when sending a gift:

Be thoughtful and considerate:

When choosing a gift, it is important to be thoughtful and considerate of the couple's interests, hobbies, and needs. Take the time to select a gift that aligns with their personalities and tastes. If the couple has a wedding registry, it can be a good starting point to find something they truly want or need.

Personalize the gift:

Adding a personal touch to the gift can make it even more special. Consider engraving or personalizing the gift item with the couple's names, their wedding date, or a meaningful message. This adds sentimentality and shows that you put extra thought into the gift.

Send the gift in advance:

Try to send the gift ahead of the wedding day to avoid any last-minute stress for the couple. This also ensures that they have one less thing to worry about during the busy wedding planning period.

Include a thoughtful note:

When sending the gift, include a handwritten note expressing your well wishes for the couple. You can share a favourite memory of the couple, offer congratulations, or simply let them know how excited you are to celebrate their special day.

Consider cultural traditions:

If the couple follows certain cultural or religious traditions, you may want to choose a gift that aligns with those beliefs. For example, if the couple is having a traditional Chinese wedding, you could give them a gift in red envelopes, known as "hong bao," which symbolizes good luck.

Group gifts:

If you are close to a group of people who are also attending the wedding, consider pooling your resources to buy a larger or more expensive gift. This can be a thoughtful way to show your support and celebrate the couple's new life together.

Remember, the gift does not have to be expensive to be meaningful. The most important thing is to choose something that comes from the heart and reflects your happiness for the couple.

Frequently asked questions