Responding To An Indian Wedding Invite: A Step-By-Step Guide

Indian weddings are a grand affair, and the wedding invitation is what sets the tone for the entire event. From the invitation card's design to the wording, everything needs to be carefully curated. The invitation should include the names of the bride and groom, their parents or grandparents, the date, time, venue, dress code, theme, and RSVP instructions. It is also common to mention deceased parents or grandparents with the phrase with the blessing of the late. The invitation may also include accommodation details for out-of-town guests and information about the wedding gifts or registry.

When responding to an Indian wedding invitation, it is essential to do so promptly. If the invitation includes an RSVP card, fill it out with your full name and, if applicable, the name of your guest. If there is no RSVP card, a brief written or email response is appropriate. It is also good etiquette to inform the host immediately if you need to cancel after accepting the invitation.

How to respond to an Indian wedding invitation via email

When responding to an Indian wedding invitation via email, it's important to be prompt and courteous. Here are some guidelines on how to craft your response:

Timing and Promptness

It is considered courteous to respond to a wedding invitation as soon as possible. This allows the couple to plan accordingly and make alternative arrangements if necessary. Therefore, it is advisable to check your schedule and respond promptly, especially if you are unable to attend.

Format and Tone

The format and tone of your email response depend on the nature of the invitation and your relationship with the couple. If the invitation is formal, a more traditional and elegant response is warranted. Begin with a formal greeting and express gratitude for the invitation. You can use phrases such as "Thank you for the kind invitation to your wedding." If the invitation is informal, you can be more casual and lighthearted in your response, such as "Hi guys! So excited for your special day!"

Acceptance or Regret

Whether you are accepting or declining the invitation, it is important to be clear and concise. If you are accepting, confirm your attendance and express your enthusiasm for the event. You can also include a congratulatory message or well wishes for the couple. For example, "We are honoured to accept your invitation and look forward to celebrating this special day with you." If you need to decline, it is still polite to express your regret and send your best wishes. You don't need to provide many details, but a brief explanation is often appreciated. "Thank you for the invitation. Unfortunately, I am away that weekend and will be unable to attend. I wish you all the best and hope you have a wonderful celebration."

Additional Information

If there are any additional details requested, such as meal choices or the number of guests, be sure to include this information in your response. It is also a thoughtful gesture to inquire about any gift registries or if there is anything else you can contribute to the event.

Sample Email Response

Subject: Acceptance of your kind invitation for [date of wedding]

Dear [Couple's Names],

We are delighted to accept your invitation to your wedding on [date]. We are looking forward to celebrating this joyous occasion with you and offer our warmest congratulations.

Please let us know if there is anything further we can do to assist with the preparations. We hope that your wedding day is everything you have dreamed of.

Best wishes,

[Your Name] and [Partner's Name or "Guest"]

What to include in your response to an Indian wedding invitation

When responding to an Indian wedding invitation, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here's what to include in your response:

Promptness

It is essential to respond to the invitation as soon as possible. The hosts will be waiting for your response to plan their guest list and make any necessary arrangements. If you cannot attend, it is respectful to inform them promptly so they can invite another guest if they wish.

Include Full Names and Titles

When accepting the invitation, be sure to include the full names and titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms.) of all guests attending. This information will help the hosts plan seating arrangements and create personalised name cards.

Accompanying Guests

If you plan to bring an accompanying guest, be sure to include their name in your response. This is important for the hosts to manage guest numbers and create a welcoming experience for all attendees.

Meal Choices

If the invitation requests meal choices, be sure to indicate your preference and any dietary restrictions or allergies. This information will assist the hosts in planning the catering accordingly.

Congratulatory Message

It is considerate to include a congratulatory message or well wishes for the happy couple. This can be a simple expression of your excitement and happiness for their special day.

Response Format

Your response can be in the form of a handwritten note or an email, depending on the format of the invitation. If responding by email, use a clear and concise subject line, such as " [Your Last Name] Wedding RSVP: [Number of People Attending]." In the email body, include your full name, the names of any accompanying guests, your menu preferences, and a brief message expressing your excitement or regrets.

Timely Response

Regardless of the response method, ensure that you send your reply promptly. A timely response demonstrates your interest in the event and respect for the hosts.

Remember to adhere to any specific instructions or requests mentioned in the invitation to ensure a smooth and positive experience for both the hosts and guests.

The importance of responding promptly to an Indian wedding invitation

Indian weddings are a grand affair, and the wedding invitation is the first glimpse into what the festivities will entail. It is important to respond promptly to an Indian wedding invitation to ensure that you are part of the couple's special day.

Indian weddings often involve multiple ceremonies and rituals that take place over several days. By responding promptly, you can ensure that you are included in all the celebrations and have a chance to participate in the various traditions. The wedding invitation will usually include a schedule of events, such as the Sangeet, Haldi, and the main wedding ceremony. Responding promptly will allow you to plan your attendance accordingly and be part of the entire celebration.

Indian weddings are known for their vibrant colours, lively dances, and delicious cuisine. By accepting the invitation promptly, you can start planning your outfits, learning some dance moves, and looking forward to savouring the delectable food. Indian weddings are a feast for the senses, and you don't want to miss out on any of the fun!

Additionally, responding promptly is a sign of respect for the couple and their families. It shows that you value their invitation and are excited to celebrate their union. In Indian culture, weddings are considered a union of two families, so your timely response is an important way to honour this tradition.

Lastly, a prompt response helps the hosts with their planning. They can finalise the guest list, make accommodation arrangements, and plan the catering accordingly. This is especially important if you are attending with additional guests, as mentioned on the RSVP card. A timely response ensures that the hosts can accommodate your needs and make the necessary arrangements for your comfort.

So, when you receive that beautifully crafted Indian wedding invitation, don't delay! Respond promptly to show your enthusiasm for the couple's big day and ensure that you are part of all the festivities and traditions that make Indian weddings so special.

How to fill out an Indian wedding RSVP card

Filling out an Indian wedding RSVP card is similar to filling out a wedding RSVP card from any other culture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fill out an Indian wedding RSVP card:

Step 1: Check Who Was Invited

Before responding, check the invitation envelope to see who was invited to the wedding. If there is a "+1" on the card, the host is okay with you bringing a guest. If the card says something like "The Thompson Family," your immediate family is invited. If only you and your spouse are listed on the card and you do not see a "+1," assume that your children are not invited.

Step 2: Write the Full Names of Attending Guests

On the RSVP card, there will typically be an "M" at the start of a line, indicating that guests should include their proper honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) before their name. Write the full name of each attending guest, including their honorific, after the "M." For example, write "Mr. Joe Smith and Mrs. Jenny Smith." Only write the names of those attending.

Step 3: Indicate the Number of Guests Attending

On the RSVP card, there will usually be a section to indicate whether you accept or decline the invitation. Write the number of guests attending in the corresponding box. If only one person was invited, you can use a checkmark or an "X" instead. Providing an accurate count of guests will help the hosts plan for food and seating.

Step 4: Indicate Food Choices (if applicable)

Some RSVP cards will include options for food at the wedding. If there is more than one attendee, be sure to initial your food choices so the host knows each guest's preference.

Step 5: Write a Letter of Congratulations (if applicable)

If the RSVP card has a blank space instead of blank fields, write a short note congratulating the couple on their wedding and indicating who plans to attend. For example, "Joe and Charlotte Shivers kindly accept the invitation to attend Marsha and Greg's wedding on May 24th." If you cannot attend, you can write something like, "Unfortunately, Joe and Charlotte Shivers are unable to attend due to a prior engagement. We wish you both the best."

Step 6: Send the RSVP Card Promptly

Even if you don't plan on attending, it's important to send the RSVP card before the deadline. This helps the hosts plan for seating and food. If you respond promptly, it gives the hosts time to invite guests on a secondary list if necessary.

Step 7: Write Legibly

Use clear and legible handwriting on the RSVP card. Avoid cursive, as print may be easier for the hosts to read, especially if they are processing many responses.

Step 8: Don't Respond by Phone or Email

It is generally considered rude to respond by phone or email if an official RSVP card was sent to you in the mail. The hosts likely spent time and money on the cards, so it is polite to fill them out and send them back.

What to do if you don't receive a response to your Indian wedding invitation

It can be frustrating when you don't receive a response to your Indian wedding invitation, especially when you're trying to finalise numbers for the big day. Here is what you can do if you don't hear back from your guests:

• Wait for an additional week after the set RSVP deadline before taking further action. It is common for guests to forget to respond, or for cards to get lost in the mail.
• If you still haven't received a response after a week, it is appropriate to call your guest(s) for a verbal answer. This is a friendly way to confirm whether they will be attending and is better than assuming their response.
• If you are close family members, it is expected that you will call the host and express your inability to attend in a tactful manner. You may also send a card or gift as a goodwill gesture.
• If there is no RSVP card, it is the guest's moral responsibility to let the host know they will not attend. In this case, it is easy to send a response through email or via the website where the couple is receiving responses.

Remember, it is important to respond promptly to any wedding invitation to show your respect for the hosts and allow them to plan accordingly.

Frequently asked questions