85+ Ways to Reply to a Wedding Invitation (RSVP Wording)

Knowing how to reply to a wedding invitation is a small courtesy that means a great deal to the hosts. They are planning food, seating and arrangements for every guest, so a prompt, polite answer helps them more than almost anything else you can do.

This guide shows you how to respond in every situation, with more than 85 examples: accepting, declining, filling in an RSVP card, replying by text or email, and handling special cases such as bringing family or dietary needs. When you attend, see what to write on a wedding card, and if you are the host, see wedding invitation wording.

All wording is respectful and suited to a family wedding.

RSVP stands for a French phrase meaning “please reply.” On a wedding invitation it asks you to tell the hosts whether you can attend, and often by what date. In wedding cards, the RSVP is usually found at the bottom of the invitation or on a small separate response card enclosed in the envelope.

Reply in the same style as the invitation you received. A formal printed invitation deserves a formal reply, a card with a response slip should be answered on the slip, and an invitation sent by message can be answered by message. When in doubt, a short handwritten note or a polite phone call is never wrong.

Quick tips before you write

1. Reply as soon as you know, and always before the date shown on the invitation.
2. Answer for yourself and for those named on the invitation. Do not bring extra guests unless the invitation invites them.
3. Use the same form as the invitation: card for card, message for message, phone call if only a phone number is given.
4. If you must decline, do so kindly and promptly, and include a short good wish.
5. Mention dietary needs when you accept, in one clear line.
6. Do not change your answer at the last minute unless there is a real emergency.

How to Accept a Wedding Invitation

Warm, simple acceptance lines for any relationship.

1. We are delighted to accept your kind invitation and look forward to sharing your happy day.
2. Thank you for inviting us. We would be honoured to attend your wedding.
3. We will be there with joy. Thank you for including us.
4. I am pleased to accept and look forward to celebrating with you.
5. Thank you for the invitation. We will gladly attend.
6. We are so happy for you both and will be present on your wedding day.
7. It would be our pleasure to attend. Thank you for thinking of us.
8. Count us in! We wouldn’t miss it for the world.
9. With happiness we accept your invitation to your wedding.
10. We are honoured to be invited and will see you there.
11. Thank you. We will be attending with great joy.
12. We accept with pleasure and send our best wishes to both families.

How to Decline a Wedding Invitation Politely

Decline kindly. You do not need to give a long reason.

1. Thank you for the kind invitation. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend, but we wish you every happiness.
2. We regret that we cannot be with you on your special day. Our best wishes are with you.
3. I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend. Please accept my warmest congratulations.
4. Thank you for thinking of us. We are unable to attend due to a prior commitment, but we will be with you in spirit.
5. We would have loved to be there, but circumstances prevent us. May your marriage be full of joy.
6. With regret, I must decline. I wish you and your family a wonderful wedding.
7. Thank you for including us. Unfortunately, we cannot make it, but we send our warmest wishes.
8. I am sorry to miss your wedding and will think of you on the day.
9. We are unable to travel at that time, but we will celebrate your happy news from afar.
10. Please forgive us for not being able to attend. We wish you a lifetime of health and happiness.
11. Because of work, I cannot attend, but I wish you both every goodness.
12. Thank you so much for the invitation. We will be thinking of you both.

Formal Wedding Invitation Reply Wording

When the invitation is formal, reply in the third person.

1. Mr. and Mrs. Khan accept with pleasure the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Rahman to the marriage of their daughter, Amina.
2. Miss Hira Ali regrets that she is unable to attend the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Siddiqui’s son.
3. Mr. and Mrs. Hussain accept with pleasure the invitation to the wedding on the fourteenth of March.
4. Dr. and Mrs. Yusuf regret that they are unable to accept the kind invitation to the marriage of Maryam and Zaid.
5. Mr. Ahmed Raza accepts with great pleasure your kind invitation.
6. Mrs. Zainab Idris regrets that a previous commitment prevents her from attending.
7. With sincere thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Omar accept the invitation to the wedding of their friends’ daughter.
8. The family of Mr. Adam Noor accepts with pleasure and sends warm congratulations.
9. Mr. and Mrs. Hamza gratefully accept your kind invitation.
10. We regret that we shall be unable to attend, and send our best wishes for the couple’s happiness.
11. Ms. Layla Farooq accepts with thanks the invitation to the wedding.
12. Mr. and Mrs. Sami accept with great pleasure and look forward to the occasion.

RSVP Card Wording and Response Card Examples

What to write on a response card or what hosts can print on one.

1. Kindly reply by the 10th of March.
2. Number of guests attending: ____
3. Name(s): ____
4. We will attend with joy. / We regret that we cannot attend.
5. Joyfully accepts / Regretfully declines
6. M______ will attend.
7. Please indicate any dietary needs: ____
8. The favour of a reply is requested by the first of the month.
9. Please return this card in the enclosed envelope.
10. Seats have been reserved for ____ guests.
11. Please reply to Mariam at 555-0145.
12. Kindly respond by message to confirm your attendance.

Replying by Text, Message or Email

Short, friendly replies for informal invitations.

1. Thank you for the invitation! We will be there. Congratulations to you both.
2. I am so happy for you. Yes, I will attend.
3. Thank you for inviting us. We would be glad to attend.
4. We are delighted to accept. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
5. Congratulations! I will be there with my family, if all goes well.
6. Thank you for thinking of us. Sadly, we can’t make it, but we wish you the very best.
7. I’m sorry, I won’t be able to come, but my good wishes are with you.
8. Thank you for the lovely invitation. We would love to come.
9. I would love to be there. Count me in.
10. Congratulations on the happy news! I’ll be present.
11. We can’t attend, but we’re so happy for you both.
12. Thank you. I will confirm my travel plans and let you know shortly.

Replies With Special Requests or Questions

When you need to mention family, dietary needs or timing.

1. Thank you for the invitation. Please note that my husband and I will attend with our two children.
2. We accept with pleasure. Please let us know if we may bring my elderly mother.
3. We will attend. I would be grateful if you could note that I eat only vegetarian food.
4. We accept, but I may arrive late due to work. I hope that is fine.
5. Thank you. Could you please tell us the dress guidance?
6. We’d love to attend. Is there seating arranged for elderly guests?
7. We will be there. Please advise if we can help with transport for older relatives.
8. We accept your invitation. Could you share the exact address?
9. I would love to come. Is it all right if my sister comes with me?
10. We are happy to accept. We need a ground-floor seat for my father.
11. Thank you for the lovely invitation. We will come with joy and bring a small gift.
12. We would be glad to attend. Please let us know if you need help on the day.

Replying When You Are Not Sure Yet

If you cannot decide immediately, tell the hosts honestly and soon.

1. Thank you for the invitation. I am checking my schedule and will let you know by Friday.
2. I would love to come, but I need to confirm travel. May I reply by the 5th?
3. We are hoping to attend and will confirm very soon.
4. We are waiting on a family matter and will let you know as soon as possible.
5. Please know that we want to be there. We will reply by the date requested.
6. We would love to attend. We will confirm after speaking to my parents.
7. I will try my best to be there and will give you a final answer shortly.
8. Thank you for waiting. I can now confirm that I will attend.
9. I am very sorry for the delay. We will attend.
10. After checking, I must regret that I cannot come. I wish you every happiness.

Etiquette When Replying to a Wedding Invitation

Short rules to follow, each one a line you can say or remember.

1. Reply within a week of receiving the invitation.
2. Never reply ‘maybe’ on the day; the hosts need a clear answer.
3. Reply to the person named on the invitation, not to everyone you know.
4. Do not add guests who were not named.
5. If you accept, attend. If your plans change, tell the hosts at once.
6. Use polite, modest wording and avoid long explanations when declining.
7. Send a card or small gift when you decline to show your good wishes.
8. Write clearly if using a card, and include all names.
9. Thank the hosts for the invitation, even when you cannot attend.
10. Keep your reply short, warm and respectful.

Three Sample Replies

Sample one (accept): “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rahman, thank you for your kind invitation to Amina’s wedding. We are delighted to accept and look forward to celebrating with you. With best wishes, Ahmed and Sara Khan.”

Sample two (decline): “Dear Hira, thank you so much for inviting me. I am sorry that I cannot attend because of a prior commitment, but I wish you and your husband a lifetime of happiness. With warm regards, Maryam.”

Sample three (text): “Thank you for the invitation, Bilal! We will be there with our family. Congratulations to you both and may the day be everything you hope for.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reply to a wedding invitation?

Reply in the same form as the invitation, whether on the response card, by message or by phone. State clearly whether you accept or decline, and reply before the date given.

What does RSVP mean on a wedding invitation?

RSVP means “please reply.” The hosts want to know whether you will attend so that they can plan food and seating.

Where should I put RSVP on the invitation?

Hosts usually place the RSVP line at the bottom of the invitation or on a separate response card, with a reply date and contact details.

How do I decline a wedding invitation politely?

Thank the hosts, say you are unable to attend, give a brief reason only if you wish and add a good wish for the couple. Reply promptly so they can plan.

If you are the host, see wedding invitation wording and wedding welcome sign wording. If you are the guest, read what to write on a wedding card and wedding thank-you card messages. More guides are in the marriage category. May the couple’s days be full of health and goodness.