Responding To A Wedding Invitation: Gracious And Thoughtful Replies

When replying to a wedding invitation, it's important to respond promptly. This is because the couple will have a lot of planning and organisation to do, and the number of attendees will impact their arrangements. Most formal wedding invitations will include an RSVP card and a pre-stamped envelope for your response. It's best to fill this out as soon as possible, including key information such as your full name, whether you're bringing a plus one and any dietary restrictions. If there's no RSVP card, a brief, handwritten response is a good option. This can be formal or informal, depending on your relationship with the couple. Be sure to include a congratulatory message and send your well wishes.

RSVP as soon as possible

Replying to a wedding invitation as soon as possible is a show of appreciation and consideration for the couple. It is also proper etiquette. Here are some tips to ensure you respond promptly and efficiently:

• Check your schedule and the schedules of anyone else included in the invitation. Discuss with them whether they can attend and make a decision together.
• Respond as soon as you can. It is considered good manners to respond within a weekend of receiving the invitation.
• If you are unable to make it, a prompt reply will give the couple time to invite someone else in your place.
• If the invitation includes an RSVP card, fill it out and send it back. Indicate whether you will attend by writing "Accept" or "Decline".
• If there is no response card, you can reply in writing or by email. It is polite to match the level of formality of the invitation. For example, if the invitation is addressed to "Mr. and Mrs.", your reply should be similarly formal.
• If you are unable to attend, it is still considered good manners to send a thank you message and express your regret at not being able to be there.
• If you have accepted the invitation but can no longer attend, call the couple as soon as possible to let them know.
• If you are invited with a plus-one, it is considered polite to include their full name when you respond.

Remember, responding promptly to a wedding invitation is not only considerate but also exciting! The couple will appreciate your timely response and the effort you put into it.

Include a short personal note to the couple

When responding to a wedding invitation, it is important to include a short personal note to the couple. This is your chance to express your excitement and well-wishes for the soon-to-be newlyweds. Here are some ideas on what to write:

"We are thrilled to be a part of your special day and can't wait to celebrate this happy occasion with you."

"Congratulations on finding your soul mate! We are honoured to be included in your wedding celebrations and look forward to making memories with you."

"Best wishes on your upcoming nuptials! We are excited to witness your love story unfold and are grateful to be a part of this memorable day."

"Thank you for inviting us to share in your joy and happiness. We are delighted to attend and celebrate alongside you and your loved ones."

"It means so much to us that you have included us in your wedding plans. We are excited to be there and offer our warmest congratulations to you both."

Indicate if you're bringing a plus-one

When it comes to indicating whether you're bringing a plus-one to a wedding, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to check the wedding invitation carefully to see if you have been invited with a plus-one. This may be indicated on the outer or inner envelope of the invitation, or on the RSVP card itself. If it's not explicitly stated, it's best to assume that you haven't been invited with a plus-one.

If you have been invited with a plus-one, it's considered good etiquette to include their full name when you respond. This is important, even if you've been in a long-term relationship and assume the couple knows your partner. It's also worth noting that if you have been invited with a plus-one, it's not appropriate to bring an additional guest without first checking with the couple.

When responding, be sure to follow the format provided on the RSVP card. This may include spaces for the number of guests and their names, as well as a space for a short personal note. If there is no pre-printed response card, you can write a more free-form reply, including your full name and the number of guests in a sentence.

It's important to respond promptly to a wedding invitation, whether you plan to attend or not. This allows the couple to finalise their catering count and create a seating plan. If you have been invited with a plus-one, it's considerate to let the couple know as soon as possible if you intend to bring them, so they can plan accordingly.

Reply in writing or by email

When replying to a wedding invitation in writing or by email, it is important to respond promptly and respectfully. Here are some guidelines and examples to help you craft your response:

Prompt Response

It is courteous to respond to a wedding invitation as soon as possible. This allows the couple to make any necessary arrangements and adjustments, such as finalising the catering count and creating a seating chart. If you are unable to attend, a prompt response will give them the opportunity to invite someone else in your place.

Written Reply

If the invitation includes an RSVP card, follow the provided format. Indicate the number of guests attending and their names. If there is an "M" preceding a blank space, include your social title (Mr./Mrs./Ms./Mx.) followed by your full name. Write your name(s) exactly as they appear on the envelope. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Smith accept with pleasure your kind invitation for Saturday, the nineteenth of June.

If the invitation does not include a response card, use your own stationery. Maintain a similar format to a formal invitation reply, including the date and your acceptance or regret. For instance:

> Mr. and Mrs. Harold McGowan accept with pleasure (or regret) your kind invitation for Saturday, the nineteenth of June.

Personal Note

When responding to close friends or family, you may opt for a more personal note. Express your delight in accepting the invitation or your regret in being unable to attend. Here is an 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

> Dear Agatha, I am so sorry that I can't join you and Max for your wedding. I have to be in Chicago on business, but you two will be in my thoughts on your special day. Love to you both, Dottie

Remember to include your full name and the number of guests attending in your response, regardless of the format. It is also considerate to match the level of formality in your reply to that of the invitation.

Send a thank you message

Sending a thank-you message in response to a wedding invitation is a great way to show your appreciation. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect reply:

Respond Promptly

It is important to respond to a wedding invitation as soon as possible. This allows the couple to plan their seating arrangements and finalise details with their venue and caterer. If you are unable to attend, a prompt response will give them time to invite someone else in your place.

Express Gratitude

Begin your reply by thanking the couple for the invitation. Let them know that you are honoured to be considered and are excited to share their special day. For example, "Thank you for the invitation to your wedding. I am looking forward to joining you and sharing your happiness."

Mention the Invitation

Comment on the beauty of the invitation card or express excitement about receiving it. This adds a personal touch to your message. For instance, "Thank you for the beautiful wedding invitation. I am delighted that you considered me important enough to be a part of your special day."

Confirm Your Attendance

Clearly state whether you will be attending the wedding or not. If you are going, mention that you will be joining them on their big day. For example, "I am so glad to know that I will be joining you at your wedding." If you are unable to attend, express your regret and send your best wishes. For instance, "Thank you for the invitation. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend, but I will be thinking of you on your special day."

Add a Personal Note

Include a brief personal message to the couple. This could be a simple expression of excitement or well-wishes. For example, "I am so happy that you found your soul mate. We will definitely be a part of your special day." You could also mention seeing friends, such as, "The invitation was beautiful, and I’m looking forward to seeing all our college friends there."

Examples:

• "Thank you for inviting me to your wedding. The invitation was beautiful, and I’m looking forward to seeing all our friends there."
• "I am super excited to attend your wedding and celebrate your special day. Thank you for inviting our whole family! We can't wait!"
• "Thank you so much for the invitation. I appreciate you considering me for your big day. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it, but I wish you all the best."

Frequently asked questions