RSVP Formal Written Response Suggestions

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

My husband and I have been invited to a friend's wedding in England. While the wedding invitation came with a response card, the invitation to the luncheon the following day did not come with a response card. However, the luncheon invitation did say RSVP, but without a phone number, assuming a written response. What do I write?

Signed,

Help

Dear Help,

If formal invitations come without a printed RSVP card or the card does not have a phone number, then the RSVP response should be written on personal stationary or plain paper in black or blue ink.

For informal responses, a casual written note using first names is fine. In addition, more details can be included about why regrets are being given. Close with whatever you feel comfortable such as Best wishes, then sign your first name. Also, always include your return address on the envelope.

Formal and informal handwritten response examples are below. For very formal responses, the reply is in the third person and can be written in a similar prose style as the invitation.

REGRETS FORMAL

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe decline with regrets the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Smith for Sunday, the tenth of August.

REGRETS INFORMAL

Dear Mary and Tom,

John and I are sorry, but due to a previous engagement, we will not be able to attend the luncheon August 10.

Best wishes,

Jane

ACCEPTANCE FORMAL

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe accept with pleasure the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Smith for Sunday, the tenth of August.

ACCEPTANCE INFORMAL

Dear Mary and Tom,

John and I are happy to accept the invitation to the luncheon on August 10. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Best wishes,

Jane