How to Decline a Wedding Invitation

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By Cecilia
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A wedding invitation is one invitation that requires a response. It requires you to accept or decline it. You can't hope it will simply go away because the engaged couple needs to know your response for guest count purposes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Upon receiving the wedding invitation, determine whether or not you want to attend, need to attend, interested to attend, or simply cannot attend at all (for whatever reasons).
Step 2

Don't make the mistake of ignoring a wedding invitation that doesn't spark your interest. Sometimes, silence from guests are interpreted to mean as accepting their invitation. Be considerate. You're special enough to be invited. Don't prove to them that they're mistaken with that assumption.
Step 3

RSVPs are due between 2 to 3 weeks before the couple's wedding day. Don't delay on your response. Don't even wait for the couple's follow-up phone call if you're not planning to attend. Don't leave the couple hanging. They need to know the guest count to give to their caterer. Give them enough time to invite others.
Step 4

When you know way in advance (say, before RSVPs are due) that you cannot attend the wedding, complete the RSVP card as soon as you can. Return the completed RSVP card by mail.
Step 5

If the couple did not provide RSVP cards, you are still expected to send a formal reply. Look for and buy formal stationery to use in declining the invitation. Indicate a reason why you cannot attend, just as long as you don't say "we're too busy", "we don't really want to go", or even "we don't really like you/the two of you".
Step 6

When your decision to decline falls within the time frame between 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding day, if the couple offers phone, e-mail and online RSVP options for convenience, choose one of the options and reply accordingly.