Have you ever received an invitation that you knew you wouldn’t be able to attend? Perhaps you felt guilty declining the invitation or you weren’t sure how to express your regrets without sounding rude. The good news is, writing regrets only on invitations is easy once you know how! In this article, you’ll learn exactly what to say and how to say it. Plus, you’ll find examples that you can easily edit to fit your needs. So the next time you need to decline an invitation, you’ll sound polite, sincere, and thoughtful. Let’s dive in!
The Best Structure for Writing Regrets Only on Invitations
When writing invitations, it is crucial to set the right tone and convey the right message to your guests. Sometimes, you might need to indicate that only a select group of people can attend your event. In such cases, you can use the ‘regrets only’ approach.
However, the way you phrase your regrets-only message will determine whether your guests will understand it or ignore it altogether. Therefore, it is essential to use the right structure when writing your regrets-only message.
The first step is to start with a clear and concise opening statement. For example, you can write ‘We regret to inform you that only invited guests are welcome to attend the event.’ This statement sets the tone for the rest of the message and lets your guests know that they should not assume their attendance unless they have received a formal invitation.
The next paragraph should provide specific details about the event, such as the date, time, and location. This information will help your guests identify the exact event they are invited to and avoid confusion.
In the third paragraph, you can specify the purpose of the event or any special dress code. For example, you can write ‘The event is meant to celebrate our anniversary, and the dress code is formal.’ This information will help your guests understand the nature of the event and ensure that they arrive dressed appropriately.
The final paragraph should reiterate the regrets-only policy. You can write, ‘We kindly request that if you are unable to attend, please let us know by a certain date. Otherwise, we will assume that we will see you at the event.’ This statement will encourage your guests to respond promptly and minimize confusion.
In conclusion, when writing regrets-only messages on invitations, you should use a clear and concise structure. Start with an opening statement that sets the tone, provide specific details about the event, specify the event’s purpose or dress code, and reiterate the regrets-only policy. This way, you can ensure that your guests understand the message and respond accordingly.
Regrets Only Sample Invitations
Regrets Only: Baby Shower
Dear [Name],
We are delighted to invite you to [Name’s] baby shower on [date]. Unfortunately, if you are unable to attend, please let us know by [date] so we can adjust the guest list accordingly. We can’t wait to celebrate this special occasion with you.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Regrets Only: Corporate Dinner
Dear [Name],
We cordially invite you to attend our annual corporate dinner happening on [date]. In case you cannot join us, please kindly notify us through this RSVP by [date], so we can update our reservations accordingly. Thank you, and we hope to see you soon.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Regrets Only: Wedding Ceremony
Dear [Name],
You are cordially invited to the marriage ceremony of [Name] and [Name] on [date]. If you’re unable to join us, kindly RSVP on or before [date] to allow us to estimate the final headcount for the reception. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this wonderful occasion.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
Regrets Only: Birthday Party
Dear [Name],
Please come and celebrate [Name]’s birthday on [date] with us. If you can’t make it, please RSVP on or before [date] so that we can make any necessary adjustments. We hope to see you there to make [Name]’s celebration even more fun and memorable.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Regrets Only: Graduation Party
Dear [Name],
You are invited to join us in celebrating our graduation on [date]. Please respond by [date] if you’re unable to attend. We’re eager to share our happiness with you and create unforgettable memories together.
All the best,
[Your Name]
Regrets Only: Dinner Party
Dear [Name],
We’re hosting a dinner party on [date], and we would be thrilled if you could join us for this special occasion. RSVP by [date] if you cannot attend, so we can finalize the preparations accordingly. We look forward to enjoying an entertaining evening with you.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Regrets Only: Housewarming Party
Dear [Name],
We are thrilled to invite you to our housewarming party on [date] as we celebrate our new home together. Please RSVP by [date] if you cannot attend, so we can adjust the headcount and plan everything accordingly. We can’t wait to show you our new digs and spend a wonderful evening with you.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Writing Tips for Regrets Only on Invitations
Writing an invitation that includes the Regrets Only option can be a little trickier than crafting a standard invitation. It’s important to ensure that guests know how to RSVP and have all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind when writing a Regrets Only invitation:
- Be clear about the deadline for RSVPs: Guests need to know when they need to respond by so they can make an informed decision. It’s best to include a specific date and time rather than a vague request to “RSVP soon.”
- Keep the wording simple: When writing the invitation, keep the language straightforward and easy to understand. Use simple sentences and avoid any ambiguous phrasing that might confuse guests.
- Provide contact information: Make sure that guests know who to contact if they have any questions or concerns about the invitation. Include a phone number or email address where they can reach you or someone else who can help.
- Consider the formality of the event: Regrets Only invitations work well for casual events, but for more formal affairs, it might be better to use a traditional RSVP format. Consider your audience and the nature of the event when deciding on wording.
- Make sure the invitation includes all necessary information: Even though guests only need to respond if they can’t attend, it’s still important to include all the information they need to make a decision. This includes date, time, location, dress code, and any other pertinent details.
- Send the invitation early: Since guests only need to respond if they can’t attend, it’s important to give them as much time as possible to make plans. Send the invitation out earlier than you would for a traditional RSVP so guests have enough time to respond.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can craft a Regrets Only invitation that is clear, concise, and easy for guests to understand. With the right wording and attention to detail, you can ensure that everyone knows how to RSVP and has all the information they need to make an informed decision.
FAQs – How to Write Regrets Only on Invitation
What does regrets only mean on an invitation?
Regrets only means that the host requests a response only if the recipient is unable to attend the event. If you can attend, you do not need to respond.
When should I use regrets only on an invitation?
Regrets only should be used when the host only wants a response from those who cannot attend. This is often used for large events where the host needs an accurate headcount but doesn’t want to be inundated with responses from those who can attend.
How do I include regrets only on an invitation?
To include regrets only on an invitation, add “Regrets Only” underneath the RSVP details on the invitation. This will let guests know that they only need to respond if they are unable to attend.
What should I do if I can attend but received an invitation with regrets only?
If you are able to attend but received an invitation with regrets only, you do not need to respond. However, if you want to let the host know that you’ll be attending, you can reach out directly to them to confirm.
Can I still respond if I can attend even if the invitation says regrets only?
No, if the invitation says regrets only, you should only respond if you cannot attend. This helps the host get an accurate headcount without getting inundated with unnecessary responses.
Why do hosts use regrets only on invitations?
Hosts may use regrets only on invitations for large events to get an accurate headcount without being overwhelmed with responses from those who can attend. It can also be a way to save on printing costs by only including RSVP details for those who cannot attend.
What should I do if I RSVP’ed with regrets only but my plans change?
If you originally responded with regrets only but your plans change, it’s best to reach out to the host directly and let them know that you’ll be attending. This will ensure that they have an accurate headcount for the event.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope this guide was helpful in understanding the proper way to use “regrets only” on an invitation. Remember to always include an RSVP deadline and contact information for your guests to make the process as smooth as possible. Now that you have this knowledge, go ahead and start planning your next event with confidence! Thanks for reading and be sure to visit our website again for more event planning tips and tricks.