Most couples don’t enjoy secrete weddings. They prefer to invite their families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors to celebrate with them.
When someone invites you to a wedding, accept their invitation with open arms. Why? You got invited because the couples value you.
If you weren’t that important, the couples wouldn’t have spent time out of their busy schedule to send you an invitation.
Another thing people fail or don’t do right is responding to wedding invitations. How you respond will give the couples a clue whether you value their invitation or not.
There are diverse reasons wedding invitation replies are necessary. It would help the couples make adequate plans and avoid wastage. No celebrant would like to preserve a table for a guest that won’t turn up. It’s a waste of time and effort.
So, how do you reply to a wedding invitation? Keep reading to know more.
Different Ways To Give Replies To Wedding Invitations
Guests need to respond to wedding invitations. Even if you aren’t going to be present, that shouldn’t prevent you from responding. You can still respond politely, stylishly stating why you won’t be present for such a critical time in the couple’s lives.
Wedding invitation replies can also be formal and informal. It all depends on the format the invitation got sent.
However, the means through which the wedding invitation got sent doesn’t matter when replying to the invitation. It may be via post, Facebook, email, e-vite, and other means.
Now let’s look at ways to respond to invitations formally and informally. How to agree or decline to attend the wedding without leaving the celebrants hurt.
Formal replies to wedding invitation:
A formal invitation requires a reply that’s also formal or cordial. Giving an informal response to a formal invitation would make you sound unserious and probably, rude.
Here’s an example of a formal reply to an invitation, acknowledging that you accept and would attend the wedding.
Mr. and Mrs. John happily accept your wedding invitation slated for Saturday, 9th, May.
Here’s another good example.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. George,
Thank you for sending us an invitation to your wedding. We’re looking forward to celebrating with you. Mr. Patrick and I happily accept your invitation.
Is there any gift registry? Do let us know.
Thank you so much.
There are cases when an invitee might not be able to make it. They may have other commitments on that day. But that shouldn’t stop them from responding to the invitation.
Informal reply to a wedding invitation you know you can’t attend.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. John,
I highly appreciate your invitation. Unfortunately, it will not be possible for me to attend. I feel honored. Unfortunately, another event would occur during the same period, which I have already agreed to attend.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
You can use any format you find pleasing. You can even change the words to suit your tone. The bottom line is to let the celebrants know your intention beforehand. Do you think you can create time to grace the occasion? Do you think you won’t be able to? Go ahead and give your response.
Informal replies to wedding invitation:
Informal wedding invitations are usually casual. Most times, it could be from a friend, relative, or someone you have a close relationship with.
An informal invitation should get a casual response. Please don’t make it formal. You can also choose to accept or decline the invitation the same way.
Here’s an example of how to accept an informal wedding invitation.
I am super excited about your upcoming wedding. I can’t wait to be there. Please, let me know if you need my help with anything.
Thank you so much for the invitation. It shows how much you value our friendship. Unfortunately, I won’t be available on this proposed date due to circumstances beyond my control.
Your response should not be too long and confusing. Don’t give too many details about your absence, as it will make it look like you never wanted to attend the wedding in the first place.
Again, it’s better to decline and not show up for the wedding than accepting and not show up. The latter would hurt the celebrants the most. So, think twice before accepting any wedding invitation.
How To Save Big On Wedding Invitation
Wedding invitation cards vary in price. You are going to spend $650 to above $3000 on that alone.
When you include the cost of invitation cards to other expenses, the wedding budget will skyrocket.
But there’s good news. You can save big on wedding invitations and still invite the caliber of guests you want in your wedding. The tips range from DIY to taking advantage of bargain deals. You can use any of them.
Create your wedding invitation cards:
It’s time to hone your DIY skills. Let the creativity in you come out. However, what discourages most people from making invitation cards themselves is the outcome of the finished work. Many believe that it would appear unprofessional and unappealing. Some may even claim they lack the idea or knowledge to do so.
The exciting thing is anyone can create a wedding invitation card. You don’t need to have graphics design knowledge or be an artist. What you need most are the correct kits and samples. You can even choose your preferred sample online.
Creating your invitation card will help you save a considerable amount of money, which you can channel to other aspects of your wedding. So, give it a try; your guests would love it.
Avoid embossing and engraving printing:
Embossing and engrossing techniques aren’t just old. They are also quite expensive. The only reason most people use them is because of the outcome. It will make the invitation card look neat and high-end.
But who says you can’t find a less expensive printing that would produce similar quality? You can. Embossed accent and thermograph are a wise choice. Both won’t cost as much as embossed and engraved printing, but you’re getting similar quality.
Shop around:
If you want to save money, don’t just pay for the first invitation card you come across online or at a brick-and-mortar store. Shop around. You will not only gain access to a myriad of invitation cards to choose from but find one sold at a bargain price.
Make it simple:
One issue with the formal invitation is that the card itself is complicated. You will find people give out invitation cards containing several layers of papers.
Don’t be wasteful! If you want to save money, avoid sending invitations with multiple sheets and envelopes to your guests. Only include essential items in the invitation.
Seek help:
If you can’t or don’t feel like creating your wedding invitation by yourself, don’t force it. The best thing to do is to seek help. Ask for help from your friend, uncle, neighbor, or would-be in-law that’s creative.
Seeking help will benefit you a lot. If the person has the needed kits for the job, you will save more money.
Just make sure you have the sample invitation on the ground. And inquire from the person helping you if they are comfortable creating such designs.
Conclusion
Sending a reply to a wedding invitation is necessary. It will help the couples plan effectively and ensure no one gets stranded at the wedding. Notifying the inviter of your position beforehand will help them to avoid wastage and save money.
So, even if you don’t have plans to attend the wedding, get your reply across to the celebrants. It’s more honorable to state your intentions earlier than disappoint. Not responding to a wedding invitation could create enmity between you and the couples in the future.