What is the proper way of declining someone's invitation for a party, bridal & baby shower etc? Say, they're your new family members, and you don't know them well at all.
2006-09-12 16:51:28 · 32 answers · asked by Hanna 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Well, especially if they're new family, the polite thing is TO go to the shower so that you CAN get to know them. But if you don't want to do the first polite thing, and still choose to politely decline, then you should just tell the person you're supposed to RSVP to, "I am sorry, but I already had plans for that day" and then (again, if they're family) send a small gift along with another family member that you know.
2006-09-12 16:55:41 · answer #1 · answered by Hot Lips 4077 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian. Once in a while, I will invite someone to church with us - not for the 'conversion' or whatever, but because our Pastor will be speaking on something that relates to that persons life. Sometimes it is good to get a different view that you have never thought about to help think outside the box, if you know what I mean. I will invite people to our church plays - at Easter and Christmas - because our church always puts on a great show, and they are usually on the front page of the newspaper. If someone is staying the night at my home on Saturday, I will invite them to come along Sunday morning - but am never pushy about it. I don't believe that a true follower of Christ (I'm generalizing to my faith because I can't fathom to speak on others that I am not familiar with) should be pushy or overbearing in any way. The best way to decline is to simply be totally honest - not half honest or running around the truth - and say "No thank you, I am not interested." Done. If they push then tell them that if they continue to force the issue then they will no longer be seeing you. I would rather keep a friend or acquaintance than lose one because I was an ***. Many events are held at churches since you can usually book them for free or a fraction of a cost of other venues. If you don't even want to step into a church, make sure you confirm where it is you are going (easy enough to ask for the address, directions, name of the building etc.) and then you can back out based on the venue. Again, if someone from the church is there and invites you, just say no thank you and that you are only there for this specific function and not interested in the church.
2016-03-19 04:35:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for you, you are being polite to let them know in advance!
Anyone throwing a shower or party worries a lot about hurting people's feelings by leaving them out, or getting their names wrong, or that the invitations didn't arrive on time, or by not having enough food or the right kind for all attending.
Honestly, the worst you could ever do would be to call them on the day and add to their problems by cancelling. You are being really considerate to decline now, send a gift, & let them focus on who is going to be there. Believe me, they are just going to say, OK, two people less to worry about.
(Since it's family, if someone asks later for your reasons, though, you'd better both have the same story ready about a conflict of dates!)
2006-09-13 02:45:03 · answer #3 · answered by WomanWhoReads 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well that don't mean you should not go. It will give you a change to get to know them. My cousin just had a baby shower a few weeks ago. That was like the first time the whole family's got together and meet each other. Everyone didn't talk some stayed in their own groups. However things turned out fine.
If you must decline you could simply tell them why you dont want to go. Or just tell them "thanks but you aren't feeling too well."
2006-09-12 17:00:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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RE:
What's the polite way to decline invitation?
What is the proper way of declining someone's invitation for a party, bridal & baby shower etc? Say, they're your new family members, and you don't know them well at all.
2015-08-18 05:43:51 · answer #5 · answered by Tyler 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they're new family members, you should probably attend. You might be setting yourself up for future ' hatred' for not showing up.
Generally you just say I'm so sorry I'm not able to attend your......but thank you for thinking of me.
2006-09-12 17:00:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them you appreciate their invitation, that it's very thoughtful of them to invite you, but you're sorry you won't be able to be there.
2006-09-12 17:43:12 · answer #7 · answered by Esther 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think sometimes it is financially impossible to accept all the invites like that. New family members are also hard to buy for so I would send a gift card $10-$15 and a nice card just to show them you are not a snob.
2006-09-12 16:58:46 · answer #8 · answered by ncgirl 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just say you're busy that day. If they're polite, they won't ask /what/ you're doing. If they're not so socially graceful, just make something up.
2006-09-12 17:00:49 · answer #9 · answered by Michael D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well how else are you going to get to know them? But if you really don't want to go just say " Thanks for the invitation, I will try to attend but I am not really sure right now. Send a gift instead. Or just be honest and tell them thanks but that you really never or hardly ever attend showers and such and that they are just not your thing.
2006-09-12 19:48:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋