How to Politely Turn Down a Wedding Invitation
In an ideal world, no one would ever have to say no to a wedding offer. Sometimes, though, people can't make it because they have other things to do. A lot of people don't know how to say no to this couple without hurting their feelings.
There are many good reasons to turn down an invitation, such as not having enough money, not knowing the couple, or having plans that conflict. However, turning down an invitation can make people feel bad. To make this process easier, we've put together a detailed guide that, by the end of this post, will help you politely and graciously turn down a wedding offer with as little pain as possible.
How to Politely Reject a Wedding Invitation: What to Do and What Not to Do
Once you've made the hard choice to turn down a wedding invitation, it's important to give the pair a thoughtful and considerate answer. If you turn down an offer without thinking about how it will make the couple feel, you might come across as rude or unappreciative. So, we've made a list of things you should and shouldn't do if you don't want to go to a wedding. This will help you say no without causing any unnecessary stress or conflict
How To Politely Turn Down A Wedding Invite - Dos
- Take some time to think about it before you answer. This will give you time to think about other choices and carefully consider going before you say no. The couple will be glad you took the time to respond.
- Think about how close you are to the couple. If you know one or both of the people getting married well, it might be best to say no over the phone or at a dinner. If not, a simple "RSVP" is enough.
- Thank the person who sent you an invitation. It is important to say thank you for the offer.
- Be honest about why you can't come, but don't be rude about it. Even though it's best to be honest, it may not always be possible to say everything.
- Be brief when explaining why you can't accept. A easy reason like having to work is enough.
- Choose your words carefully and say no in a clear way. When turning down an offer, it's important to say so in a clear way.
- Follow up with a call or message to show you're sorry you couldn't make it.
- If you can't make it to the wedding, think of other ways to celebrate with the pair. You can show your love and support for the couple with a gift or a fun night out.
How to Politely Turn Down a Wedding Invitation - Don't
- Avoid Being Flippant: Couples understand if you can't make it to their wedding, but don't make jokes, talk about how busy you are, or act like you don't care. You don't want to hurt their feelings, so be respectful of the situation.
- Keep it simple. If you can't say why you're turning down the offer in two lines, you should change your answer. Only give enough information for the person to understand why you are saying what you are saying. If you know too much, you might feel more guilty and awkward.
- Respond quickly: If you wait weeks to tell the couple, you might cause them trouble. They can invite someone else if you RSVP on time, so reply by the date on the invitation.
- RSVP Formally: Even if you've already told the couple in person that you can't make it, it's polite to answer formally as directed on the invitation. Otherwise, your answer might get lost in wedding admin.
Example Phrases for Politely Turning Down a Wedding Invitation
Here are some words you can use to politely decline an invitation to a wedding. These examples show both official and informal ways to reply by email, mail, or in person.
"Thank you very much for asking me to come. I'm sorry, but I already have plans and can't make it. Please accept my heartfelt best wishes."
"Unfortunately, I have other plans on the date of the wedding, so I won't be able to go."
"Thank you for the invitation and for thinking of me, but I can't make it because I already have plans."
"I wish I could be there, but I already have plans on that day."
"We'd love to celebrate with you, but our schedules don't work out that way."
"After giving it a lot of thought, we're sorry to say that we won't be able to make it."
"Thanks for letting me come. Unfortunately, I can't go because I have to take care of my family, work, or pay my bills.
"Thank you for including us in your plans for the wedding. We're sorry, but we won't be able to go because we have to go to England for the baptism of my nephew. We wish we could be in two places at the same time!"
"I hope your wedding is wonderful and full of happiness."
"Let's make plans to get drinks together soon so you can tell us all about your wedding!"
"We can't make it to the wedding, but when you get back from your honeymoon, we'd love to celebrate with you."
"On August 10, we'll think of you and raise a glass in your honor!"
"Unfortunately, we won't be able to go in person, but we'll be there in spirit!"
"I'm sorry I won't be able to come to the wedding, but I know you'll have a great time."
"Even though I can't be there in person, please know that I wish you both the best of luck."
