While many wedding online RSVP tools exist to help hosts optimize response tracking, you may on occasion be asked respond to a wedding invitation via email. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you. Let’s review some tips and examples for responding to an invitation for a wedding, bridal shower, or engagement party by sending email.
Step by step instructions
- Check the invitation for RSVP instructions. You’ll only want to RSVP by email if that is their request.
- Create a new email draft and carefully type in the email address of the host. Double check for typos!
- Respond as soon as possible. It’s important to RSVP as soon as you can. This gives the host enough time to plan and prepare for the number of guests they’ll be expecting.
- Keep your response short and sweet. In your email, simply let the host know whether or not you’ll be able to attend. You don’t need to go into great detail or explain your reasoning. Check out our samples and tips on this below.
Crafting your email rsvp response
When responding to an email invitation, you should make sure that your message is clear, polite and expresses gratitude. Follow these steps:
- Be polite and formal: Use proper spelling and grammar. Include your contact information so that the person receiving your email may contact you easily if needed.
- Be positive: Even if the answer is no, do not sound negative. Remember to say thank you, even if it is just to say thank you for thinking of me when sending out invitations.
- Include all details: Make sure to include all details requested by the host. This may include dietary restrictions, meal choices, mailing address, etc.
- Respond on time: Send your RSVP email as soon as you can to help the host with their planning.
Wedding invitation RSVP wording examples
Sample 1: Simple Regrets
If you are not attending the wedding, a short note is still necessary. Since you are declining the invitation, you do not need too much information.
Providing a reason for declining is optional. You can choose to offer a reason why you cannot attend such as vacation plans already made prior to receiving this invitation. We’d recommend providing a reason if you are particularly close with the couple.
If you are not providing a reason, you can simply write:
“Dear Mr. and Mrs. Richards,
Thank you for inviting us to celebrate with you. We regret that we will not be able to attend your wedding on June 6th.
Best wishes,
David and Rebecca Smith”
Sample 2: Group attending
If you are responding for a group, be sure to include the total number of attendees along with the names and any requests.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Richards,
Thank you for inviting us to attend the marriage of your daughter, Hannah. We are honored to be included in the celebration and look forward to seeing you at the ceremony on Saturday, June 15th at St. Mary’s Church in Little Rock.
The following 4 people will be attending:
David Smith
Rebecca Smith
Junior Smith
Michelle Smith – Vegetarian Meal
Traditionally RSVPs were sent by mail. Today couples have multiple options of collecting RSVPs digitally to save time and money. Since RSVP’ing by email may be a newer concept for weddings, we hope this post helped to guide your next RSVP by email.
