How to Kindly Reject an Invitation

Rejecting an invitation is always more polite than ignoring it.

Due to your busy social calendar or other reasons, sometimes you may receive an invitation you cannot accept. Even if you just crave a relaxing night at home, you must politely decline the invitation so the host knows not to expect you. Responding to an invitation is imperative and doing it politely prevents the person extending the invitation from becoming offended.

Instructions

1. Reply as soon as possible, especially if you are declining the invitation. Waiting too long to decline the invitation appears as if though you are waiting for something better to come along before deciding whether to attend.

2. Call the host to thank her for the invite. Explain to her that while you would love to attend, you are already booked for that evening.

3. Send a response card to the host if your answer is requested in writing. Formal response cards provide a place to accept or decline the invitation. Listing a reason for your absence generally is not necessary to include on a response card. Return the card prior to the response date indicated on the invitation.

Tips & Warnings

• Always thank the host for inviting you to his event when declining an invitation. In addition to being polite, it gives the host the impression you genuinely appreciate the gesture and want to attend but cannot because of prior obligations.

References

• The Nest: How to Politely Decline an Invitation