How to Politely Decline an Invitation

You may scratch your head for hours trying to find the best way to politely decline an invitation. Most don't know that handling the invitation in the way you received it can avoid any mix up regarding etiquette. This rule of thumb alone may save you potential invitation embarrassment in the future. Add in a good dose of genuine regret to ensure you receive an invite next time.

• Respond in a way that is similar to your invite. If the issuer sent you an invitation in the mail, it's acceptable to send one back the same way. The snail mail invitations typically have a box where you can check no. You don't need to add anymore for this type of invite. Send your answer back as soon as you can. This way, the host can add or drop people according to her head count. The same principal works for email invites. Return an over-the-phone invitation with a call of your own.


• Inform the hostess that you need time to consider the invite. You can save yourself the embarrassment from having to say no on the spot. One good way to phrase this involves tell him that you need to check your calender.


• Adopt a good attitude towards declining an invitation. Bow out with a smile. Responding to an invite with a positive outlook ups your chances of receiving an invitation next time.


• Explain why you can't attend. Give the hostess a reason why you won't make it. Let them know about previous engagements or problems with child care.


• Send a gift to the host. Find a good bottle of wine to give him for a dinner party. Select a wedding present for the bride and groom if you can't make it to their wedding. Taking the time to purchase a gift lets the person know that you are thinking about them, even if you can't attend.