Printable Etiquette Slips

Printable etiquette slips: RSVP, declining politely and “sorry I can’t make it”

Three sets of ready-written lines for the replies nobody enjoys writing: saying yes, saying no, and pulling out after you had already said yes. Print the page, cut between the lines and keep the ones you use, or just copy the wording straight off the screen.

Everything here works by text, email or card. Swap the names and dates in brackets, keep it to two sentences, and send it sooner rather than later — timing does more work than wording ever will.

RSVP wording: accepting

  • Thank you for the invitation - we would love to come. Two of us, and we'll be there for [time].
  • Delighted to accept. Count me in for the [date], and let me know if you need a hand with anything.
  • [Name] and I are thrilled to be asked. We'll be there, and we're already looking forward to it.
  • Yes please! I'll be coming on my own, and I'm happy with either menu option.

RSVP wording: declining

  • Thank you so much for thinking of us. Sadly we're away that weekend, so we'll have to miss it - we hope the day is wonderful.
  • I'm sorry, I can't make the [date]. It means a lot to be asked, and I'll be thinking of you.
  • We'd love to have come, but we're not able to travel that far this year. Please pass on our very best.
  • Unfortunately work has me away that week. Have a brilliant time, and let's find a date afterwards.
  • You never owe a detailed reason. One short line is enough.

RSVP wording: not sure yet

  • Thank you for the invitation. I'm waiting to hear about [shifts/childcare] - can I confirm by [date]?
  • We'd really like to come. Is a reply by [date] still in time for your numbers?
  • Give a date you will definitely answer by, then answer by it.

RSVP wording: replying late

  • I'm so sorry for the slow reply - the invitation slipped past me. We'd love to come, if there's still room.
  • Apologies for leaving this so late. Sadly we can't make it, and I'm sorry not to have said sooner.

Declining politely: declining an invitation

  • That sounds lovely, but I'm going to sit this one out. Have a wonderful time.
  • I can't make it this time, I'm afraid. Thank you for asking me - it genuinely means a lot.
  • We're keeping that weekend clear, so we'll miss it. Let's do something just the four of us soon.

Declining politely: declining a gift

  • That's so kind, but please don't - your being there is the present.
  • We really don't need anything this year. If you'd like to do something, a card we can keep is perfect.
  • Thank you, but I'd feel awkward accepting something that generous. Can we call it even with a coffee?

Declining politely: declining a favour or a collection

  • I can't take that on at the moment, sorry. I hope you find someone who can.
  • I'll pass on the collection this month, but do put my name on the card.
  • I'm not able to host this year. Happy to bring pudding wherever it lands.
  • Offering a smaller thing you can do keeps the no from sounding like a door closing.

Declining politely: if they push

  • I know, I'm sorry - it's still a no from me.
  • I've had a proper think, and my answer hasn't changed.
  • Let's leave it there. I'd rather not go round again on it.

"Sorry I can't make it": a wedding or a big day

  • I'm so sorry - we can't make [date] after all. I know that affects your numbers, so tell me what we owe and it's covered.
  • This is the message I didn't want to send: we can't be there. We'll be raising a glass to you from here.
  • For a wedding, follow the text with a card. It's the bit people remember.

"Sorry I can't make it": a birthday or a party

  • Gutted, but I can't make tonight. Have a brilliant one and save me a slice.
  • I have to bail on Saturday, sorry. Can I take you out the week after to make up for it?

"Sorry I can't make it": illness, last minute

  • I've woken up with something and I don't want to bring it to your house. So sorry to do this today.
  • I'm not well enough to come tonight. Please don't hold anything up for me.

"Sorry I can't make it": work and formal

  • Apologies, I'm no longer able to attend on [date]. Please pass my apologies to the team.
  • I have to withdraw from [event] - a clash I couldn't move. Sorry for the short notice.

"Sorry I can't make it": making it right afterwards

  • Still thinking about missing your day. Are you free on [date]? Lunch is on me.
  • Sorry again for last week. I've popped something in the post to say it properly.

Where to shop next

Frequently asked questions

How do I print these?

Use your browser’s print option (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) and choose “Save as PDF” if you would rather keep a copy on your phone. There is nothing to download and no sign-up.

Do I have to give a reason for declining?

No. “I can’t make it” is a complete answer. A reason you would rather not explain tends to invite follow-up questions, so keep it short and warm instead.

How late is too late to RSVP?

Reply as soon as you know. If you have missed the date on the invitation, say so plainly and apologise once — caterers usually need final numbers around two weeks before, so a late yes may not be possible.

Should I still send a card if I can’t come?

For a wedding, a christening or a milestone birthday, yes. The card is the part people keep, and it lands better than a text on the day.