RSVP Wording: How To Accept Or Decline An Invitation

RSVP is short for répondez s'il vous plaît - reply, please. It is a request for an answer either way, which is why a non-reply is the one genuinely rude option.

Reply within a week of the invitation arriving, or by the date on the card if there is one. Below is wording for accepting, declining and the awkward middle ground.

Accepting - warm and simple

This selection of friendly replies suits close friends and informal gatherings where you want to show your genuine excitement. Use these messages for casual birthdays, dinner parties or relaxed get-togethers. As a practical tip, sending a quick text message within forty-eight hours of receiving the invite keeps the momentum going and helps your host plan the food.

• We'd love to come - count us in, and thank you for thinking of us.
• Delighted to accept. We wouldn't miss it.
• Yes please! Two of us, and we'll be there from the start.
• Thank you for the invitation - we're very happy to accept.
• Wouldn't miss it for the world. See you there.

Accepting - formal

These traditional responses suit guests attending formal weddings, graduation ceremonies or official dinners. Use them when the invitation is printed on heavy card or written in the third person. A helpful tip is to reply in writing using high-quality paper, matching the exact level of formality of the invitation you received to show proper respect.

• Mr and Mrs Hall accept with pleasure your kind invitation for Saturday 12 June.
• We are delighted to accept and look forward to celebrating with you.
• Thank you for your kind invitation, which we accept with great pleasure.

Declining politely

This selection of polite replies suits any invitee who has a genuine clash but wants to remain supportive. Use these templates for weddings, baby showers or birthday parties when you already have prior commitments. A good tip is to send your reply as a handwritten note, which adds a warm, personal touch that shows you truly care.

• Thank you so much for the invitation - sadly we can't make it, but we'll be thinking of you.
• We're so sorry to miss it. We're away that weekend, but do send photos.
• Unfortunately we can't be there. Have a wonderful day - we'll celebrate with you soon.
• With regret, we're unable to attend. Thank you for including us.
• I'm sorry, that date doesn't work for us. I hope it's a brilliant day.

Declining when you would rather not give a reason

These polite replies suit anyone who needs to decline an invitation without sharing private personal details. Use these brief messages when you have sensitive scheduling conflicts or simply need some quiet time at home. A practical tip is to keep your response short and sweet, as giving too many details can sometimes lead to awkward follow-up questions.

• Thank you for the invitation - we're not able to make it this time.
• Sadly we have to say no to this one. Thinking of you both.
• We can't make it, but we'd love to take you out afterwards.

The awkward ones

These honest templates suit guests facing tricky situations such as childcare issues or partial availability. Use them when you genuinely wish to attend but have specific constraints to navigate. The best practical tip here is to be completely upfront with your host and give them an easy option to decline if your request does not fit their budget.

• Only one of us can make it - would that still be alright?
• Could I let you know by Friday? I'm waiting on childcare.
• We'll come to the evening but can't manage the day - is that helpful for numbers?
• Thank you for the plus one - I'll be coming on my own if that's easier.

What hosts need from you

This helpful advice suits every single guest who wants to be thoughtful and supportive. Use these etiquette guidelines whenever you receive an invitation, whether it is for a casual barbecue or a grand wedding. A key tip is to remember that responding quickly, even to say no, is the kindest thing you can do for a busy planner.

• Reply by the date on the invitation, even if the answer is no.
• Give exact numbers and names - caterers count heads, not households.
• Flag dietary requirements and access needs when you reply, not on the day.
• If your plans change, tell the host as soon as you know.

Key things to remember

• Reply in the way you were asked - card, website or text - so the host's list stays in one place.
• If you decline, send a card on the day anyway. It lands better than the RSVP did.

Frequently asked questions

What does RSVP mean?

It stands for répondez s'il vous plaît - French for "please reply". It asks for an answer whether you are coming or not.

Do you have to RSVP if you're not going?

Yes. A no is far more useful to a host than silence, because catering, seating and numbers all depend on the final count.

How soon should you RSVP?

Within a week of receiving the invitation, or by the deadline printed on it. For weddings, that deadline is usually three to four weeks before the day.

How do you decline an invitation politely?

Thank them, say clearly that you cannot come, and add one warm line about the day itself. You do not owe anyone a detailed reason.

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