Conventions for replying to formal invitations

downshifter

I've received a formal invitation to a cocktail dress/black tie civic event - all medals and chains of office to be worn so quite a do. I'm not going and wondered what the conventional response would be? I remember my parents used to go to this type of thing and always responded in the 3rd person, eg Mr and Mrs Joe Bloggs thank Sir and Lady Bloggtype-Blogge for their kind invitation etc and are pleased to accept / but regret they are unable to attend.

But that was a long time ago - is it still expected to reply in this manner?

Thanks

DS

scottishminnie

I bought 2 cards to reply to a wedding invitation we can't make it to.

The first one states

Thank you for your kind invitation to the wedding of XXX.
Mrs and Mrs Joe Bloggs regret that they are unable to attend.

and the second is a bit more informal and states
Thank you for the invitation.
Although XXX would really like to be there, sadly it is not possible.

I'll be sending the first one as I'm a bit of a stickler for doing things properly and the second one feels over familiar. I think the last time I picked a blank hand made card because I didn't like the standard "with regret" cards ,and wrote inside "Thank you very much for your kind invitation, sadly Mr and Mrs Joe Bloggs regret that we will be unable to attend.

HTH

mrs_thrifty_2

Hello - yes, I think you should reply in the 3rd person as you state in your post. A formal invitation requires a formal response. Better to be too formal than not!