Formal invitations typically include the date, time, attire, and reservation method. Don’t throw your invitation out if it arrived in the mail. You may need some of the information later! You may be required to reply to formal invitations via mail, email, telephone, or online. Check your calendar before responding to the invitation to ensure that you’re free on that day.
If the invitation asks you to accept or decline using a specific method, do not use an alternative response method. In other words, it the invitation asks you to respond online, do not send a letter. If the invitation asks you to reply via email, do not call. It is generally seen as inappropriate to not follow the invitation’s instructions.
Online reservation sites are designed to be easy to use. It shouldn’t be too hard to accept the invitation digitally. If you struggle with navigating the website, contact the website before reaching out to the host. Their servers may be down or you may not understand the instructions. If you can’t make the event, politely decline before the RSVP date. Send a note or let the host know in person that you’re sorry you can’t show up.
For example, you may write, “Thank you for the lovely invitation to your annual dinner party. I am deeply honored and happy to accept your kind invitation. I will be bringing my partner, Taylor Walters. ” Close your email with “Sincerely,” or “Thank you,” followed by your name. Include your title if you’re responding to an invitation by a colleague or business organization. If you’re emailing your response and the dinner is hosted by someone you have a professional relationship with, use your professional email account. If it’s a personal friend, use your personal email account. If you’re mailing your response, handwrite your response on a sheet of nice cardstock or paper. Include your signature instead of writing your name out. Invitations that require a written response typically include a blank response card with the invitation.
It is exceptionally rare that you need to call the host directly to accept a dinner invitation. If the host does answer the phone, be cordial and say something like, “Hello! This is Alfred O’Brian. I’m calling to thank you for the invitation and to let you know that I will be attending your dinner on the 9th. ” Answer any follow-up questions and thank the host again before hanging up. [4] X Research source
You typically get invitations like these from organizations or groups. If the letter is impersonal and looks like it could be sent to anybody, it’s probably fine to show up without actively accepting the offer.
Informal invitations are often used when you’re having a conversation with the host. You may also receive an informal invitation via email, social media, or text message.
If every guest waits to respond to their invitation, the host may think that no one is interested in coming and cancel the event.
There are no hard rules when it comes to how you reply to an informal invitation. Use whatever method the host used to invite you and do your best to mirror the host’s tone, whether it’s causal, silly, playful, or serious. [9] X Research source
If you don’t know the host very well, don’t offer to help with anything. This can come off as invasive and presumptuous.
If it’s a formal invitation for a professional event, don’t contact anyone to discuss your issue. It will be more polite to decline and attend the next dinner. For example, you may say. “Mr. Davis, I apologize for not responding to the invitation yet. I may have to go out of town for work the weekend of the party, but I’m not sure yet. Is it okay if I contact you a few days after the date on the invitation? If it isn’t, I completely understand. Sorry about this!”
Since this is a dinner party, avoid showing up in the middle of everyone’s meal. If you’re going to be late and you know that the meal starts at 9 pm, show up at 10 pm at the earliest to catch everyone during after-dinner drinks.
This is particularly important if you don’t know the host very well.
If the event is listed as “Black Tie,” you need to follow a specific dress code. You can wear a black suit with a white undershirt and black tie (or bowtie). Alternatively, any ball gown or long dress will work.
