How to reply to a wedding invitation email

Updated November 12, 2026

Reply by the RSVP date, and sooner if you can. Say clearly whether you're coming, include any guest or meal details they asked for, and add one warm line for the couple. If you can't go, send a kind decline with good wishes. Don't leave it as a maybe, because couples pay per guest.

Reply: By the RSVP date, ideally within a week. Couples give final head counts to venues and caterers, so your answer affects real planning. Early answers are a gift to them.

What your reply should say

Congratulate the couple warmly, in your own words.
Say clearly whether you'll attend, and for how many people.
Add any details they asked for, such as meal choice or dietary needs.
Close with one warm line about seeing them or celebrating from afar.

3 replies you can copy

Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].

1Happily accept

You're coming and want to confirm details.

Subject Re: [Couple names]'s Wedding

Hi [Name],

Congratulations, and thank you for inviting us! We'd be delighted to be there on [date].

Please count [number] guest(s): [names]. Meal choice: [choice]. Dietary needs: [needs or none].

We can't wait to celebrate with you.

Thank you for including us in your special day.

Please give the happy couple my best.

Love,
[Your name]

2Kindly decline

You can't attend but want to be gracious.

Subject Re: [Couple names]'s Wedding

Hi [Name],

Congratulations! Thank you so much for inviting me. I'm truly sorry, but I won't be able to be there on [date].

I'm so happy for you both and will be thinking of you that day. I'd love to see photos and take you out to celebrate soon.

With love,
[Your name]

3Ask a question first

You need an answer before you can commit, such as travel, plus-one or kids.

Subject Re: [Couple names]'s Wedding

Hi [Name],

Congratulations, and thank you for the invitation! I'd love to come. Before I confirm, could I ask about [plus-one / children / travel details]?

I'll reply with my final answer by [date], before your RSVP deadline.

Thank you again for including me.

Please let me know if you need anything else from me.

Warmly,
[Your name]

Already late? Send this instead

For when you are after the RSVP date late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.

Subject Re: [Couple names]'s Wedding

Hi [Name],

Congratulations, and I'm so sorry I missed your RSVP date. I should have answered sooner.

If there's still room, I'd love to come. If not, I understand completely. Please tell me either way.

Thank you, and congratulations again,
[Your name]

Mistakes to avoid

Answering "maybe." The couple needs a firm number, so decide or say when you will.
Bringing an uninvited guest without asking. Check how the invitation was addressed.
Waiting until after the deadline, which can cost them money or seats.
Using the reply to complain about travel or cost.
Forgetting meal or allergy details if the invitation asked for them.

Questions people ask

Can I bring a guest if it doesn't say plus-one?

Check how the invitation was addressed. If only your name appears, it's safest not to assume. You can politely ask whether a guest is welcome, and accept the answer gracefully. Asking is far better than turning up with someone the couple did not plan for, since seats and meals are counted.

What if I RSVP yes and then can't go?

Tell the couple as soon as you know and apologize briefly. Early notice may let them adjust numbers. Don't wait until the day, and consider sending a card or gift as a kind gesture. Check the details of any registry or gift note too, but never feel you must send more than a kind word.

More reply guides

How this page was made

Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.