INVITATION

An invitation is sent to near and dear ones on the occasions such as marriage, births
celebrations, etc. It is formally extended to general masses for public events or
functions.

INVITATIONS AND REPLIES

INVITATIONS
FORMAL
CARD FORM
LETTER FORM
INFORMAL
LETTER FORM
REPLIES
FORMAL
CARD FORM
LETTER FORM
INFORMAL
LETTER FORM

Note: A reply can either be accepted or declined. When declining an invitation,

always give a reason for declining.

FORMAL INVITATION (There are two types of formal invitations)

Printed invitation card inviting guests to be present on a particular occasion.
Such invitations do not include the name of the addressee.
Handwritten letter addressed to a VIP invited to preside over a social, cultural
and educational function. In such invitations the name of addressee (VIP)
appears prominently.

POINTS TO REMEMBER
To be written in third person
No abbreviation to be used
Simple present tense is used
Each entry to be mentioned in a separate line e.g.,
(a) The name of the person(s) who is/are inviting
(b) Formal expressions like 'request the pleasure of your company'
(c) Time and date of event
(d) Purpose and occasion of invitation.
For RSVP, address and telephone no. is given at which the invitee may contact for any
queries.
Name of the Chief Guest, programme may be given.

FORMAT OF FORMAL INVITATION

Name of the host issuing the invitation
Standard expression for invitation , request the pleasure of your
company, solicit your benign/gracious presence)
Purpose of occasion (reason for invitation)
Name of honouree (people for whom the event is organized like marriage/ birthday)
Day, Date and time of the event
Venue of the event (complete address)
In case of VIP, name of chief guest /VIP
RSVP i.e. respond if it pleases you)
Telephone or mobile number of the host
Address of the host

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EXAMPLES OF STANDARD EXPRESSIONS
cordially request the pleasure of your company
solicit your gracious presence
request your benign presence
invite you to join
cordially invite you to
request the pleasure of your company
seek the pleasure of your company/ presence
cordially request the honour of your presence

FORMAT OF FORMAL INVITATION / PRINTED CARD

Each of the following is written in a separate line
1. Name of host /hosts
2) Formal phrase of invitation/ standard expression
3. Purpose / Reason of invitation (wedding, birthday, inauguration, annual function)
4. Name of honouree (birthday person, groom, bride)
5. Day / date /time of function or event
6. Venue with complete address
7. Complimentary close
8. RSVP (Respond if it pleases you)
9. Address of host
10. Contact number

FORMAL INVITATION
1. Write a formal invitation for the marriage function of your daughter.

Mrs. and Mr. Madan Sharma

Solicit your gracious presence on the auspicious occasion
of the marriage of their grand daughter

SONALI
(Daughter of Mrs. Savita and Mr. Rahul Sharma)

With

SHRIDHAR
(Son of Mrs. Sushma and Kapil Sharma)
on
17th December, 2022
at
7.30 p.m.
at
Red Carpet, Party Lawn, Preet Vihar, Marg, Delhi-110031

R.S.V.P. With best compliments from

MadanSharma Vinod Sharma & All Relatives
B-36, Rajdhani Enclave
Vikas Marg, Delhi
Ph. : 9971620445

2. Your father, Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta, residing at K-18, 13thCross Malleswaram,
IIT-
JEE Entrance Examination and securing admission in IIT Powai,Mumbai. He wants
you to draft a formal invitation for him on\his behalf. Draft the invitation for him in
not more than 50 words.

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 Mrs. And Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta

Seek your auspicious presence

at the Grand Celebration Party

IIT-JEE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

at 8.00 p.m. on 1st October, 2022

at

UTSAV BANQUET HALL

84-Dr. Raj Kumar, Road, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore-55

RSVP With Best Compliments

Raj Kumar Guptafrom
K-18, 13th Cross Friends and Relatives
Malleswaram
9971000000

3. Draft an invitation on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Thakur of 22A, Gali No - 8, Roshan
Vihar Tilak Nagar, New Delhi, which they may use to invite their friends and relatives
on the birth anniversary of their son Neelesh at their residence on 8th May, 2022.

Mrs. and Mr. Thakur

request the pleasure of your being presence

on the auspicious occasion of the
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Of
their son

NEELESH THAKUR

at 08: 30 p.m.
On
08th May, 2022

at their residence
22A, Gali No - 8, Roshan Vihar
Tilak Nagar, New Delhi
R.S.V.P.
Mrs. and Mr. Thakur

4. On April 30, your school is conducting its annual sports day. You want Mr. M. S.
Dhoni, a noted Cricket Player to be the chief guest and give away the prizes to the
winners and of the school competitions. Write a formal invitation in about 50 words
requesting him to grace the occasion. You are Rahul, Sports Secretory, Royal Oak
International School, Gurugram, Haryana.

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 Royal Oak International School, Gurugram, Haryana
takes immense pleasure in inviting

Renowned Cricket Player

Mr. M.S. Dhoni

to grace the occasion of

Annual Sports Day

On
April 30, 2022

From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

At
school Campus
Looking forward to a positive response from your end.
Rahul
(Sports Secretory)

5. Modern Public School, Delhi is organising an Inter School Music Competition. You
have decided to invite noted classical musician, Mohan Gandhi as the judge and
guest of honour. Draft a formal invitation for him in 50 words. You are Neeraj /
Neetu, Cultural Secretary.

The Principal, Staff and Students of

Modern Public School
Cordially invite

Mohan Gandhi

As
the guest of honour and judge
for
Inter School Music Competition
On
April 30, 2022

From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

At
school Campus
We hope you shall accept our humble request and grace the occasion.

Neetu Jha
(Cultural Secretary)

6. You are a student of Laxmi Public School, Model Town, Delhi. The School is holding
its Annual Function at 5.30 p.m. on 24th December, 2022. The Education Minister has
consented to be the Chief Guest. Design an invitation card to be sent to the parents
and other invitees. (Word Limit 50).

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 The Principal, Staff and Students of
Laxmi Public School, Model Town, Delhi

request the pleasure of your company

On

ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATION

On
Sunday, 24th December, 2022
At
5.30 p.m.
In
the school auditorium

Honourable Education Minister has very kindly consented to be

the Chief Guest.

R.S.V.P.
Administrative Officer
9971620xxx
Special Instructions:
This card admits only two.
You are requested to be seated by 4.30 p.m.

Note : ENTRY FREE

7. Draft a formal invitation to be sent to your friends and relatives on the occasion of
the inaugural ceremony of your new showroom.

M/s Sharma Brothers

request your being presence

at the inaugural ceremony of their new showroom

BEAUTEX
(readymade garments)
On Sunday, 25th July, 2022 at 11:00 am
at
Shop No. 26, Janakpuri, New Delhi.

RSVP
Sharma Brothers
9971620445

8. The Ballooning Club of India, New Delhi, invites its members to visit international
Balloon Mela 2022. Draft a formal invitation card giving necessary details.

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 The Ballooning Club of India, New Delhi

request the pleasure of your company

on
the inaugural ceremony of

INDIAN INTERNATIONAL BALLOON MELA 2022

On Sunday, 25th July, 2022 at 11:00 am

at
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Mr. Sourav Ganguali the Chairman of BCCI has kindly consented

to be the Chief Guest.

RSVP
(Secretary)
9971620445

9. You are Kamal / Komal the Principal of Sushil Public School, Model Town, Delhi.
Draft a formal invitation to be sent to the grand parents of the students on the
occasion of The Grand Parents Day. Invent other details yourself.

The Principal, Staff and Students of

Sushil Public School, Model Town, Delhi

request the pleasure of your company

On

THE GRAND PARENTS DAY

On
Sunday, 26th July, 2022
At
5.30 p.m.
In
the school auditorium

Honourable Education Minister has very kindly consented

to bethe Chief Guest.

RSVP
(Principal)
9971620445
Special Instructions:
This card admits only two.
You are requested to be seated by 4.30 p.m.

Note : ENTRY FREE

10. Sunrise Global School, Agra is going to organize a one-act play competition in the
school auditorium. You have decided to invite noted stage artist, Nalini to grace the
occasion. Draft a formal invitation for her in about 50 words. You are Karuna/Karan,
Cultural Secretary.
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 The Principal, Staff and Students
Of
Sunrise Public School
take pleasure in inviting
noted stage artist

MS. NALINI

to grace the one-act play competition

in
the School Auditorium
on
Tuesday, 1st July, 2022
From 8:30 am to 11:00 am

Awaiting a favourable response from your end.

RSVP
Karuna, Cultural Secretary
9971000000

FORMAL INVITATION LETTER FORMAT

An invitation written formally in the letter format has the following characteristics:
Meant for an individual (a formal letter of invitation)
Include the name of the invitee
These are to be written on run on lines. The sentence is not broken into different
words/phrases.
Other details are similar to the mass scale invitations.

1. SAMPLE-FORMAL INVITATION-LETTER FORMAT

Kamala Nehru School
Cantonment
Bangalore

17th December, 2022

Mr. K. J. Singh
District Commissioner of Police
Police Lines
Bangalore

Subject: Invitation

Sir

function on 4th January, 2023 at 5.30 p.m. in the Activity Hall of the school. We shall consider
it a great honour if you could grace the occasion and preside over the function as the Chief
Guest and give away the prizes.
Yours faithfully
Principal

2. t. Peters School, Nainital.

The 20thAlumni Meet will be held on Sunday, the 28 th January, 2023 at 8.00 p.m. at
Plaza Hotel. Write invitation letter to all the old students of the school to attend the
meet.
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St. Peters School
Nainital

10th December, 2022

Dear Alumna/Alumnus,

The 20thAlumni Meet of St. Peters School, Nainital will be held on Sunday, 28th January, 2023
at 8 p.m. at The Plaza Hotel . Old students, along with their spouses will be our guests of
honour. Kindly assemble at 8.00 p.m. in the banquet hall for a get-together, dance and dinner
party.

Meenakshi
(Secretary)

INFORMAL INVITATIONS
Main Characteristics:
Informal invitations follow the pattern of ordinary personal letters. These letters are written to
relatives, friends and acquaintances.
These letters are first/second person presentations.
Personal feelings and emotions find an expression.
address is given in the usual place.

The date of writing is given, but the year is generally omitted.

The style and tone are relaxed and informal.
Different tenses are used as the sense demands.
The compl

1. Rohit has got success in CBSE-PMT and gotadmission in Shivaji Medical College,
Nagpur. He wants to celebrate it with his friend. Write an informal invitation giving
details of venue, time and date. Do not exceed 50 words.

33/427
Priya Vihar
New Delhi

15th December, 2022

Dear Varun

You will be glad to learn that I have secured 50thrank in the CBSE-PMT competition. I have got
admission Shivaji Medical College, Nagpur . I want to share a few
happy moments of my life with you at a dinner in the Hotel Kanishka at 9.00 p.m. on 25 th
December, 2022. Please join the celebrations and merry-making.
Yours sincerely
Rohit

2. You are Leena Sen. The wedding of your elder sister Reena Sen is going to be held
on the 15th January, 2023 at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur. Write out an informal
invitation to your friend Veena requesting her to attend the function.

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4357
Vasant Kunj
Raj Nagar

10th December, 2022

Dear Veena

You will be pleased to know that the wedding of my elder sister Reena Sen is going to be held
on the 15th January, 2023 at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur. The whole family will move there in the
morning. I invite you to join us at lunch in the hotel on the 15 th January, 2022. The wedding
ceremony will take place at 8: 00 pm in the evening. I hope you will join us on the auspicious
occasion.
Yours sincerely
Leena

3. You are Ankit Verma. Your friend from Malaysia is staying in the hostel. Invite him
to join Diwali celebrations with you at your residence.

315/2
Raja Gardens
New Delhi

25th October, 2022

Dear Konishk

You know that Diwali, the festival of lights, is approaching. It gives me great pleasure to invite
you for Diwali celebrations at my

Yours sincerely
Ankit Verma

WRITING REPLIES
(FORMAL AND INFORMAL)
OR
RESPONDING TO INVITATIONS
A formal reply is usually very short. It is brief and to the point. The quality of a good reply is
that it must always be pleasant. Even while declining the invitation or expressing inability to
attend one must be polite and courteous. Formal replies demand a formal tone and treatment.
There is no room for unnecessary details or superfluous matter in them.
An informal reply or private letter may, however, express personal feelings or desires in an
intimate style and informal tone.

Main characteristics:
Formal Replies
Acknowledge the invitation.
Express thanks in third person.
When accepting, confirm date and time
If declining, give reason, convey your best wishes
Not to be signed at the end
Give date and address at top left hand
Do not exceed the word limit (usually 50 words).

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 REPLY TO FORMAL AND INFORMAL INVITATION
REPLIES ACCEPTANCE / REFUSAL

Formal Acceptance:
1. You are Mr. Harsh Malhotra of 25, Rama Vihar, Gurugram. Draft a formal reply to
Mrs. & Mr. Chawla accepting the invitation to attend the birthday party of their son.
Invent other details yourself.

25, Rama Vihar

Gurugram

25th January, 2023

Dear Mr. Chawla

Mrs. and Mr. Harsh Malhotra thank Mrs. and Mr. Chawla for inviting them on the occasion of
15th Birthday of their son, Master Santosh Chawla on Monday, 30 th January, 2023 at Om
Sweets, Sec. 23, Gurugram at 8p.m., which they are delighted to accept. It's their great
pleasure to attend the ceremony. They wish the young boy many happy returns of the day.
Best Wishes
Harsh Malhotra

2. You are Vikram Gaur of House No 15, Jhankar Colony, Agra. Draft a formal reply
accepting an invitation to be present on the occasion of the wedding of Ankush S/o
Mr.& Mrs. Shankar of 24, Green Park Road, Kanpur.

House No 15
Jhankar Colony
Agra

10th January, 2023

Dear Mr. Shankar

Mr. and Mrs. Vikram Gaur thank Mr. And Mrs. Shankar for inviting them on the occasion of the
wedding of their son Ankush at 24, Green Park Road, Kanpur on 15 th January, 2023 and assure
them that they will be present on the occasion to wish the newlyweds a very happy married
life. They will reach Kanpur by the Agra Mail which leaves Agra at 8.00 a.m.
Best Wishes
Vikram Gaur

3. You are Mr. Ajay Kumar of 7 Park Avenue, Delhi. Draft a formal reply accepting an
invitation to attend a house warming party hosted by your colleagueMrs. and Mr.
Satish Sharma at 56, South Delhi Apartment Delhi.

7, Park Avenue
Delhi

9th January, 2023

Dear Mr. Satish Sharma

Mrs. and Mr. Ajay Gupta thanks Mrs. and Mr. Satish Sharma for their kind invitation on the
house warming party at 56, South Delhi Apartment, Delhi, on 17th January, 2023 at 11
a.m.,which they are delighted to accept. It's their great pleasure to attend the ceremony.
Best Wishes
Ajay Gupta

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4. You have received an invitation to be the judge for a Cultural Literary Competition

acceptance. You are Joe/Joyce.

Anna Nagar
Chennai

15thSeptember, 2022

Sir/Madam

I would like to express my gratitude for being invited to be the judge for a Cultural Literary
Competition to be conducted in your school. I confirm my acceptance and will make sure I
am present on the scheduled date and time.
Yours sincerely
Joe/Joyce

5. You are Akshya / Aakriti. You have been invited to participate in a seminar on

Respond to the invitation by writing a letter to the Secretary of the club.

25, Aram Bagh

Road Meerut

5th May, 2022

The Secretary Lions Club

Meerut

Subject: Acceptance of Invitation

Sir

for the under-privileged children. I would like to utilise this opportunity to share my
experiences with other like-minded enthusiasts and experts. I hereby confirm my participation
in the seminar.
Yours sincerely
Akshya / Aakriti

Formal Refusal:
1. You are Mr. Ajay Kumar of 7 Park Avenue, Delhi. Draft a formal reply of refusal
expressing inability to attend a house warming party hosted by your colleagueMrs.
and Mr. Satish Sharma at 56, South Delhi Apartment, Delhi.

7, Park Avenue
Delhi

9th January, 2021

Mrs. and Mr. Ajay Gupta thanks Mrs. and Mr. Satish Sharma for their kind invitation on the
house warming party at 56, South Delhi Apartment, Delhi, on 17th January, 2023 at 11
a.m.,but regret their inability to accept the same due to urgent and unavoidable assignment
abroad.
Best Wishes
Ajay Gupta
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2. You are the principal of a reputed school and you are invited for the inauguration
of a painting exhibition near your school. Send a reply in not more than 50 words,
expressing your inability to attend the exhibition. You are Ashwini/ Ashwin.

MGM Palace
JK Colony
Mumbai

15thSeptember, 2022

Dear Sir/Madam

I would like to thank you for inviting me for the inauguration of the painting exhibition. But,
I regret my inability to attend the inauguration due to a prior commitment. I have to attend
a meeting of principals conducted by the DPS on the same day the inauguration is
scheduled. Please accept my best wishes for the conduct of a successful event and excuse
me for not being a part of it.
Yours sincerely
Ashwini/Ashwin
Principal

3. You are Vaibhav / Vaishali. You are invited to attend the wedding function of your

your inability to attend it. (50 words)

101, Safdarjung Colony

New Delhi

4th January, 2022

Dear Sangita

Thank you for your cordial invitation on the occasion of you

regret that I will not able to be with you on the happy occasion, because we are leaving for
Mumbai for the Christmas holidays. Please excuse my absence. Do convey my best wishes
and regards to the couple.
Yours sincerely
Vaibhav / Vaishali

5. You are Akshya / Aakriti. You have been invited to participate in a seminar on
your distinct.
Respond to the invitation by writing a letter to the Secretary of the club.

25, Aram Bagh

Road Meerut

5th May, 2022

The Secretary Lions Club

Meerut

Subject: Inability of Invitation

Sir

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due to some previous commitments which keep me confined to my place on that day.
Thanking you once again for your kind invitation.
Yours sincerely
Akshay / Aakrit

Informal Replies
Acknowledge the invitation in first person.
Use second person for the sender of invitation.
Mention acceptance/regret.
Specify the reason in case of refusal.
Use warm and simple language.
Do not exceed the word limit (usually 50 words).

Informal Acceptance:
1. You are Manoj /Mini, living at 217 MIG Flats, Surya Vihar, New Delhi. You have
been invited to attend a birthday party of your closest friend. Respond to this
invitation.

217 MIG Flats

Surya Vihar
New Delhi

15th March, 2022

Dear Shuchi

I have received your invitation for your birthday party on 25 March, 2022 at 5 p.m. at Hotel
Janpath. I am extremely happy to know that all our old friends are likely to be there. I would
like to confirm my participation. Looking forward to the momentous occasion. With love.
Manoj/Mini

Informal Refusal:
1. You are Aakash/Varsha living at 205, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. You have been

Respond to the invitation, regretting your inability to attend it.

205, Vasant Kunj

New Delhi

4th December, 2022

Dear Neha

regret my inability to be with you on this happy occasion as we shall be leaving for Shimla for
summer holidays on 1 st January, 2023. Please excuse my absence. Do convey my regards and
best wishes to the couple.
Yours sincerely
Varsha/Aakash

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