What's a believable excuse to turn down a wedding invitation?

Question

It's going to be really expensive and I just don't have the money to fork out for clothes, travelling, gifts etc.

Answer 1

You have no reason to have to make up an excuse. Not being able to afford going is a perfectly acceptable reason to decline an invitation. Send them a small gift with your regrets that you can't join them in person on their special day. If you care about the bride and groom, and certainly they care for you to invite you to their wedding, they will appreciate your honesty and understand your need to live within your means.

Answer 2

You don't need to announce any of this on the invitation. As long as you are providing food and seating for your guests, then you don't need to give them advance notice of anything else. The only time you would notate the type of reception on the invitation would be if you weren't serving a full meal. That way, people would be aware that they should make plans to eat beforehand/afterward so that they're not famished. The time of day would clue them into the fact that there won't be lunch or dinner (example, a reception at 11 p.m., 2 p.m., or 9 p.m. would call for snacky-type foods rather than a meal, since those are not traditional mealtimes), but you would also write "Light refreshments to follow" (something like cheese, fruit, and cake) or "Cocktail reception to follow" (hors d'oeuvres only) or "Dessert reception to follow" (fruit and sweets/cake) so that people know not to expect a meal. Your invitation could say something like: Jane Anne Smith and Paul Ryan Jones request the pleasure of your company as they exchange marriage vows Thursday, the thirty-first of October two thousand thirteen five o'clock in the evening Reception to follow *** Side note: You're really expecting people to attend a Thursday wedding? Be prepared for a lot of declines.

Answer 3

You dont need an excuse you just tell them that you're very sorry, but you wont be able to make it to the wedding and then you try to at least send them a nice gift, not expensive just nice.

Answer 4

A formal greeting is sufficient. No need to go. The people should change the time old traditions. Presently no time even to attend funeral what of other celebrations. Marriage is exclusive a private affair between two families. Let it remain so that we shall not west our money and that will help in national economy.

Answer 5

Unless it's someone really close, such as a family member, you really don't need to provide an explanation at all. But if you do provide an explanation, have it be the truth.

In your reply, just state that you cannot attend, but wish the couple well, and include a gift if you wish.

Answer 6

The truth is always the best. What you could do is send a gift card for their
favourite place to eat, or to buy something they might need. If they are your friends then they should understand. If they don't there is nothing that can be
done. Good luck.

Answer 7

Do you even NEED an excuse? Just send your regrets. If you feel compelled to do so, you can write a vague note about having a previous engagement the same day.

Answer 8

Well you could tell the truth. But if you don't want to do that, just tell them you already have a previous engagement that you have committed to attending like a meeting or something out of town. I am sure they will understand. Good luck! :)

Answer 9

I've had a few refusals, and no explanations, to be honest as a bride I am not worried WHY people are not coming and have not asked for an explanation from them, just a simple RSVP saying you are unable to attend is more than good enough.

Answer 10

Be honest, this is the best way . Say your congrats and best wishes to the bride and groom and move on. They're not expect everyone to come to there wedding . Unexpected stuff happen where it is impossible to do or go **