Don’t know how to decline a wedding invitation? You can apologize for not attending the event in a cordial, accurate, honest and timely manner.
If you received an invitation to the wedding from a friend or relative, but some other event or unexpected situation comes across that prevents you from attending, it is best to be honest with the couple and let them know.
But, how do you decline that special invitation without causing problems and continue with a good relationship in the future with the couple?
Don’t worry! With these rules that we share with you, you will know how to decline a wedding invitation with all the necessary courtesy and some apologies for not attending a wedding.
Read also: What Is The Number One Rule As A Wedding Guest
Let’s go on now.
1. Think about your relationship with the couple
It is important that you take into account the bond you have with the couple who invited you.
For example, in the case of not being very close: whether you know each other at university, work or a distant relative with whom you only have minimal contact with, you will not need to give a lengthy explanation.
You can say no to the invitation if they ask you to confirm your attendance by phone, card or website. But be sure to wish them well in their new stage of life.
If you are very close to the couple, the situation may be more complex due to the relationship.
Contact the couple by phone and let them know that you won’t attend the wedding, and tell them that you are sorry and give them your best wishes.
2. If you won’t attend the wedding, make sure you notify the couple
Don’t just get the invitation card and keep without letting know if you are coming for the wedding or not.
You should follow the protocol and tell them that you are not coming. It is more respectful to let them know that you are not coming than keeping quiet.
They need to know if they count on you or not, as they must reserve a place for you at the celebration (at the table, for food, for wedding souvenirs, etc.).
Remember to apologize for not attending.
3. Avoid leaving your confirmation of absence until the last minute.
If from the moment you receive the invitation card you already know that you will not be able to attend the wedding, tell them immediately or a few days after receiving the invitation.
Communicate as soon as possible. If the card was sent to you by digital means, you can present your excuses through email or a call.
If the invitation arrived physically, by traditional mail, excuse yourself by sending a card by the same means.
It is also possible that the couple has enabled their marriage website so that the guests can confirm their attendance.
Read also: 17 Things Wedding Guests Shouldn’t Do
4. Do not give many details about your absence
If the reasons why you will not attend are very personal or you simply prefer not to go just out of commitment, you do not need to provide more details of the reasons.
The important thing is that you apologize for not attending, but it is not necessary to justify yourself.
If you consider it convenient and appropriate to give details about your absence, then do so.
5. Appreciate the couple for invitation and congratulate them
Building the guest list is not an easy task because in this process the couple has to do hard work that is often uncomfortable and can even bring conflicts for themselves.
In the midst of this, they chose you among the guests who will celebrate them, so the least you can do is thank them for taking you into account.
6. Use some of the apology phrases for not attending the wedding
If you decide not to attend the wedding and you will express it directly through a call or in writing, and you need a little push to know what apology phrases for not attending the wedding you can say, we can give you some ideas.
• “Regrettably, I won’t be able to attend your wedding even though I appreciate your consideration. I wish you an unforgettable day and that happiness always accompanies you.”
• “Thank you for making me part of this great event, although I will not be able to attend, I send you a big hug and my most sincere congratulations.”
• “Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend your wedding, but I want to reward you with a special invitation.”
• “I am extremely happy for you and I wish you all the happiness in the world, thank you for wanting to make me part of that special moment, however, it is impossible for me to be present.”
• “We’re sorry we can’t make it to your wedding, but we look forward to celebrating it the next time we meet. Best wishes on that special day.”
• “Thank you very much for the invitation, it means a lot to me. Although I would like to be present, I have another commitment for that date. Receive my most sincere congratulations.”
• “I would love to celebrate with you, but unfortunately I will not be able to attend. Enjoy your day.”
• “Thank you for including me on that special day. I will not be able to attend, but I will be thinking of you with all my love. Congratulations!”.
Read also: What Do You Say In Wedding Wishes (Best Things To Say)
7. If something come up at the last minutes and you finally cannot attend
If you confirm attendance and in the end something last minute comes up that prevents you from attending, then contact the couple as soon as possible, apologize for the unforeseen event and if possible tell them a little about what happened.
They will surely understand.
8. If possible, visit the couple
If it is a couple close to you, it would be great if you invite them to have a drink or dinner with you, to celebrate their union in advance, since you will not be able to be with them while they say “yes I do” on the altar and exchange their rings.
9. Send a gift on the wedding day
Another good thing that you could do for the couple is to send them a special gift on the day of the marriage.
It does not have to be a large or expensive gift, but it does have to be an emotionally valuable gift.
Remember to include a card with phrases of love and good wishes.
10. Avoid sending someone “on your behalf”
If you cannot attend, but you have thought of sending someone on your behalf, but that person has not been invited, give up the idea.
Don’t send someone who wasn’t directly invited by the bride and groom.
Read also: What To Write In A Wedding Card Funny (10 Funniest Phrases)
11. Never make an unbelievable excuse
If you are thinking of rejecting the wedding invitation because of your own personal reasons, then do not think of inventing an unbelievable excuse in order not to look bad, as this can be worse.
Saying that you have another wedding, that you scheduled a surgery, that you are going on a trip or that you have a work meeting, when it is not true, can only make you look like a liar.
12. Always use subtle and affectionate language
In whatever communication channel you choose to communicate with the couple, always try to use emotional and heartfelt words to express your excuses.
Love phrases will never hurt. Keep in mind that this is one of the most important moments in the couple’s life and that beyond the event, it is important that the bond you have with them last.
Read also: What To Write In A Wedding Day Card (8 Best Messages)
Conclusion
Remember that it is totally valid to reject a wedding invitation, the key is to use love phrases to let the couple know about your absence, who with great enthusiasm thought of you to accompany them in this important step in their lives.
Later, they will surely regret your absence, but they will appreciate that you have notified them in a timely manner.