There’s no RSVP card with your wedding invitation? This is actually typical for incredibly formal wedding invitations, which you can identify by the formal wording engraved in black ink on white or cream paper. So how do you let the couple know whether you are going to show or not? For such a formal affair, you’ll need to respond with an equally formal note. And now you’re wondering what the appropriate wedding acceptance wording might be? Read on to learn just that!
A formal example of a wedding RSVP
Mr. and Mrs. (YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME)
are honored to accept
the gracious invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. (HOSTS NAMES)
To the wedding reception of their daughter
BRIDE NAME
And
Mr. (GROOM’S NAME)
On DATE
At TIME
Handwritten acceptance
Mr. and Mrs. (YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME)
are honored to accept
the gracious invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. (HOSTS NAMES)
For DATE
At TIME
Handwritten acceptance with children
Mr. and Mrs. (YOUR NAME),
(CHILDREN’S FIRST NAMES)
are honored to accept
the gracious invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. (HOSTS NAME)
For DATE
Handwritten regrets
Mr. and Mrs. (YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME)
Deeply regret having to decline
The gracious initiation of
Mr. and Mrs. (HOSTS NAMES)
For DATE
Handwritten split acceptance/regret
Mr. or Mrs. (ATTENDEES NAME)
Is honored to accept
The gracious invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. (HOST’S NAMES)
For
DATE
At TIME
Mr. or Mrs. (DECLINED ATTENDEES NAME)
regrettably will be unable to attend.
The proper wedding acceptance wording should be handwritten with a formal tone even in a relatively personal response. It should be free of any grammar or spelling mistakes so you will want to take your time to careful construct the response. Address the response using the recipient's surname, not “Dear,” and begin with a statement of gratitude such as giving thanks or expressing appreciation. You want to also acknowledge the occasion, date, and time of when and where the event will take place. Be sure to state your pleasure in accepting the invitation and your excitement in celebrating the occasion with them, or deep regret in having to decline the invitation. The closure of the response should reflect the relationship between you and the host. “Sincerely” is always a safe option. Finish the response by writing your name at the end and then sign it for a more formal touch.
Personal Wedding Acceptance Wording Samples
Acceptance
Sally and Dan,
Jared and I could not be more excited to accept your gracious invitation to Debbie and Andrew’s wedding on October, 13th. We look forward to sharing in this joyous occasion with you at the Grand Ballroom.
Sincerely,
Samantha
Regrets
Sally,
It is with great regret that I will be unable to join you in celebrating the union of Marty and Denise. I have a previously arranged business trip to attend but will be sending you well wishes throughout the day.
Sincerely,
Samantha
If a reply card is included in the wedding invitation, you should fill this out and reply in a timely manner.
Replies should not be received by phone calls but it is acceptable to respond via email if this is the way you received the wedding invitation.
Your wedding acceptance wording should not ask for permission to bring a guest. The invitation will already state if you can bring a guest and this should be respected as the host’s decision.
If for some reason you are unable to attend the wedding after you have already accepted the invitation you should call the host immediately. This is not only courteous but allows the host to inform the caterer of the changes or invite someone else to take your place.
