MessagesReplies to an invitation
A host needs a clear answer early. Accept with warmth. Decline with thanks and a short reason, without a long story. These replies cover both.
Accepting
Thank you for the invitation! We will be there. Looking forward to it.
Count us in. Four of us will come. Is there anything we can bring?
Wonderful news, and thank you for inviting us. We would not miss it.
Thank you, Sir. It will be my pleasure to attend.
Declining kindly
Thank you so much for inviting us. Sadly we will be out of town that week. Our best wishes to the couple.
I would have loved to come, but I have a prior commitment on that date. Have a wonderful celebration.
Thank you for thinking of me. I cannot make it this time. Let us meet soon after, my treat.
I am sorry to miss it. Work will keep me in [city] that day. Please give my love to everyone.
Not sure yet
Thank you for the invite! I will know by [day] whether I can travel. May I confirm then?
We would love to come. I am waiting for my leave to be approved and will confirm by [date].
Replying late or cancelling
Sorry for the late reply. Yes, we are coming, if there is still room for two.
I am so sorry. Something urgent has come up and I cannot come tonight after all. Please forgive the short notice.
हिन्दी में
निमंत्रण के लिए बहुत धन्यवाद। हम ज़रूर आएँगे।
आपने याद किया, बहुत अच्छा लगा। हम सपरिवार पहुँचेंगे।
आमंत्रण के लिए आभार। उस दिन शहर से बाहर रहना होगा, इसलिए आ नहीं पाएँगे। हमारी शुभकामनाएँ आपके साथ हैं।
आना तो बहुत चाहता था, पर उस दिन ज़रूरी काम है। माफ़ कीजिएगा, और ढेर सारी बधाई।
देर से जवाब देने के लिए क्षमा करें। जी हाँ, हम आ रहे हैं।
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ
ਸੱਦੇ ਲਈ ਬਹੁਤ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਜੀ। ਅਸੀਂ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਸਮੇਤ ਜ਼ਰੂਰ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਂਗੇ।
ਸੱਦੇ ਲਈ ਦਿਲੋਂ ਸ਼ੁਕਰੀਆ। ਉਸ ਦਿਨ ਅਸੀਂ ਬਾਹਰ ਹੋਵਾਂਗੇ, ਇਸ ਲਈ ਨਹੀਂ ਆ ਸਕਾਂਗੇ। ਬਹੁਤ ਬਹੁਤ ਵਧਾਈਆਂ, ਛੇਤੀ ਮਿਲਣ ਆਵਾਂਗੇ।
Nothing matches. Try a shorter word, or choose All.
Why a quick reply is a kindness
The host is counting plates, chairs and return gifts. Every "seen" without an answer is a small worry. Reply within a day or two, even if the answer is no, and even if the invitation came in a group. A clear no helps the host more than a vague maybe.
How to accept
- Thank them, say yes, and repeat the date and time, so that both sides know you read it correctly.
- Say how many of you are coming, if the invitation was for the family.
- Offer help if you are close: "Shall I bring the dessert?"
How to decline without hurting
- Thank first.
- Give a short, true reason. One line is enough: "We are out of town that weekend."
- Wish the occasion well, and where you mean it, suggest meeting soon after.
- Do not over-explain. Three reasons sound like none.
If plans change
Tell the host as soon as you know, not on the day. Say sorry once, briefly, and do not make them comfort you. If you accepted and then cannot go, a call is better than a message, and a gift or a visit afterwards mends most things.
Things to avoid
- "Will try." Hosts hear it as no, and cannot plan for either.
- Asking who else is coming before you answer.
- Bringing extra guests without asking.
- Replying in the group when a private reply is expected, or the other way round. Follow what the host did.
Make it yours
- Reply within a day or two, even if the answer is no.
- When declining, thank first, decline second, wish them well third.
- Do not write "will try". Hosts read it as no, and cannot plan around it.