Have you been asked to a party but you have some other works to do or do not want to go and just want to ‘Netflix and Chill!’? When you get invited to a party, you basically have just two options: accept the offer or just pass it. If you are in a mood to attend it, you just need to welcome the invitation. But what do you do when you do not want to go? You can definitely decline the offer but if you do in the correct way, you will make a good impression.
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How to Decline an Invitation Gracefully
Here’s how you can politely say “no” to an invitation:
1. Simply and politely say no
If you want to decline the offer nicely, keep the reason for not being able to make it to the party extremely brief and simple. If you keep the reason short, it appears to more sincere and believable. A basic line like ‘Sorry I can’t make it to the party because I already have some plans for the same day.’ works just fine. You can add a line like ‘I wish I could make it there! Share each and every detail with me later.’ You need to show that you do want to attend the party eagerly. This formula works very well as you can decline the offer very effectively, stop the host from convincing you any more to change your decision and also, make a scope for future invitations.
2. Thank the party-giver for the invite
Acknowledge the host’s gift of invitation. A line like ‘Thanks a lot for inviting me to the party.’ make the hosts know that you care about the fact they thought of inviting you and minimize the feeling of any kind of rejection that they might feel. So, in order to keep the relationship intact, ask them how the event was the next time you meet them.
3. Reply timely
If you fail to RSVP, you are already in the bad book of the host or hostess. Never wait for the last minute to inform about your absence and presence too. If you respond timely, it shows consideration towards the hosts by letting them make an alternative plan or modify it.
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How you can politely say “NO” in different situations
Below, we are mentioning some sample replies to how you can politely say “no” in different situations:
Situation 1: You are too tired to go
What not to reply: I am damn tired. I can’t come.
What to reply: Sorry, I cannot come. I really appreciate your offer but I am exhausted and want to take the day off. I know you will understand.
No hostess likes to hear that you prefer sleep over her party. So, be polite and tell her that you are tired or just say that you already have some other plans.
Situation 2: You want to spend time with your partner
What not to reply: I want to spend time with my spouse.
What to reply: I am so sorry but unfortunately, I already have a date night planned for tonight. Hope you consider me for your next party.
If the hostess asks you to bring your partner along with you, tell her that the date night is going to be very special for the two of you.
Situation 3: You have been traveling a lot lately
What not to reply: I have been only traveling for the past few days. I can’t face it all again.
What to reply: Can we do it next week, please? I already have other plans on the same day.
Your hostess does not need to know that you do not have any plans, right? Just say you are busy on the exact same day.
Situation 4: You have made other commitments
What not to reply: I am not really well.
What to reply: Oh no! I have made some other commitments. I hope your party is a success.
Never ever lie about your health. It is not at all a good idea. Your lie can easily be caught by the hostess. So, just say that you have other plans.
Situation 5: You have got to attend another event
What not to reply: My son is suffering from cold. So, I have to be with him.
What to reply: It would have been fun to catch up with you after such a long time, but I am so sorry. I need to go to some other place that day. So, I will not be able to come.
As mentioned before, never lie about someone else’s health or even yours. It can even happen that the hostess decides to postpone the party for your son. She might even bring some changes to the menu. She can do many things to convince you to come. Therefore, be truthful and tell her that you have some other place to go.
Situation 6: You are not interested to go
What not to reply: I do not like kids. So, I can’t attend your son’s birthday party.
What to reply: I wish I could come to your son’s party, but I am stuck with some other things that evening. I would have loved to meet him. Give him lots of love on my behalf.
It is okay to not like kids, but do not bash those who do. Just say you are busy and let it go. Politely decline the offer if you do not want to be in someone’s bad side.
Situation 7: You are broke
What not to reply: I am on a tight budget. So, I don’t want to spend it on your destination wedding.
What to reply: Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend your wedding. I would have loved to come to Paris. When can we meet next?
It is not at all necessary to attend each and every friend’s wedding. Attending a destination wedding is a big financial investment. So, if you can’t attend, then politely decline the offer. Make it up to the couple by inviting them for a dinner.
These are some of the situations that we usually face. However, we do not find anything appropriate to say. Therefore, we think that the above-mentioned sample replies might be of a great help to you.
