{"id":20202,"date":"2026-04-16T09:00:53","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T08:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/?p=20202"},"modified":"2026-04-13T13:53:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T12:53:30","slug":"how-to-politely-decline-an-invitation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/how-to-politely-decline-an-invitation\/","title":{"rendered":"How to politely decline an invitation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes life gets busy, plans clash, and circumstances mean we can\u2019t attend events we\u2019d absolutely love to. And knowing how to say no to an invitation can feel really tricky, especially when you\u2019ve been invited to something important like a wedding or a milestone birthday party.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But don\u2019t worry, as this is where we swoop in to save the day with our tips and message ideas for declining an invite. We\u2019ll run through how to let someone know you won\u2019t be able to attend, while still showing appreciation and gratitude!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips for declining an invitation\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we dive into our message ideas, let\u2019s start with some top tips for how to politely decline an invitation, no matter the event:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Respond promptly<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It\u2019s best not to leave the host waiting, as a quick reply shows consideration and respect.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Add a personal touch:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Alongside sending an RSVP, you could give them a call or a text too to let them know that the invite genuinely meant a lot to you.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Consider a small gift:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While there\u2019s no expectation, sending a little <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/gifts\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gift<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be a nice touch, especially if you can\u2019t attend an event like a wedding or a special birthday.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Using humour carefully<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A light-hearted comment can soften things, especially if you\u2019re close to the host.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Suggest an alternative meetup:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Planning lunch or a coffee date allows you to still celebrate in your own way!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to politely decline an invitation without giving a reason<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes you might prefer to keep things private and not give a reason, and that\u2019s completely fine. Here are some short and considerate ways to decline an invitation while still expressing gratitude:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m so sorry that I can\u2019t make it this time, but I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I won\u2019t be able to attend, but I\u2019m sending you so much love from afar and I can\u2019t wait to hear all about it.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m really grateful for the invite, but I unfortunately won\u2019t be able to come this time. Thinking of you and sending you all my best for the event.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So sorry but I won\u2019t be able to make it on this occasion. I hope it\u2019s full of fun, joy, and laughter.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wishing you a beautiful day even though I can\u2019t be there. Looking forward to hearing how everything went!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Funny and light-hearted ways to decline an invitation\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re particularly close to the person who\u2019s sent the invite (we\u2019re thinking siblings and best friends), it can be a nice touch to add a bit of humour to your message. Have a look at the below ideas and see if any fit the vibe:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I can\u2019t attend, so I\u2019m super sorry to inform you that your party will be absolutely terrible.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019d love to come, but my social battery is currently at 1%, so I probably wouldn\u2019t be much fun anyway\u2026 Next time for sure!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m so sorry that I can\u2019t attend, I have prior commitments that involve doing absolutely nothing on that day.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thanks so much for the invite but I can\u2019t make it this time. At least you don\u2019t have to witness my terrible dance moves!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Really appreciate the invite. Promise I\u2019ll raise a glass (or two) for you at home!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve sorted the phrasing, why not dive into our collection of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/cards\/sorry\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sorry cards<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and pick out a design to jot your message inside?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"blogpost-card-slider\"><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/sorry-card-619936e80e04f9000156f4d8\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/619936e80e04f9000156f4d8\/619936e80e04f9000156f4d8_large.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Please forgive me card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/618685c626661a000124ca67\/618685c626661a000124ca67_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Lovely pictures\" \/><p>Lovely pictures<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/cute-sorry-card-grey-and-white-cat-699de918c63de847495be7f7\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/699de918c63de847495be7f7\/699de918c63de847495be7f7_large.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Just to say sorry card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5ff499529ce00e00016c359a\/5ff499529ce00e00016c359a_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"badgerbee design\" \/><p>badgerbee design<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/sorry-5f945fa7267f5800011a6a05\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/5f945fa7267f5800011a6a05\/5f945fa7267f5800011a6a05_large.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Simple sorry card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5f945d7c509a010001893914\/5f945d7c509a010001893914_picture_medium.jpg?version=5\" alt=\"Ohh Jemma\" \/><p>Ohh Jemma<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/cute-sorry-card-oh-deer-686bd0cb48dd6a336532b9b3\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/686bd0cb48dd6a336532b9b3\/686bd0cb48dd6a336532b9b3_large.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Oh Deer card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5ff499529ce00e00016c359a\/5ff499529ce00e00016c359a_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"badgerbee design\" \/><p>badgerbee design<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/576bc9a2e4b099f13a16f23d\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/576bc9a2e4b099f13a16f23d\/576bc9a2e4b099f13a16f23d_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"The Sorry Sloth Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/574f26b4e4b077b5d9e23302\/574f26b4e4b077b5d9e23302_picture_medium.jpg?version=3\" alt=\"Jelly Armchair\" \/><p>Jelly Armchair<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/642483e1f5775829e71ef5b9\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/642483e1f5775829e71ef5b9\/642483e1f5775829e71ef5b9_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Cute Cat Sorry Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/6147236a2531fa00017e4bf7\/6147236a2531fa00017e4bf7_picture_medium.jpg?version=13\" alt=\"AbiGoLucky\" \/><p>AbiGoLucky<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to decline a birthday party invitation\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing a birthday party can be disappointing for everyone involved, especially when it\u2019s a milestone celebration. But if you can\u2019t attend, there are still plenty of ways to let someone know you\u2019re thinking of them:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Happy birthday! Sorry I can\u2019t be there to celebrate in person, but I\u2019m raising a toast from afar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Super sorry I won\u2019t be able to attend the party, but I know you\u2019ll have the most amazing time. Let\u2019s catch up soon so I can hear all about it?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m so sad to miss the party of the year. Cheers to you and a big happy birthday!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you so much for the invite, wish I could be there. Hope the party is amazing!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wishing you a fabulous party full of fun. Really disappointed that I can\u2019t be there this time, but we\u2019ll celebrate together very soon (drinks on me).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You could also send them love from afar with a thoughtful <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/cards\/birthday\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birthday card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. We\u2019ve got designs ranging from the heartfelt to the hilarious in our collection, so make sure to check them out:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"blogpost-card-slider\"><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6275230f445b6a000181696f\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6275230f445b6a000181696f\/6275230f445b6a000181696f_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"How to Write Someone\u2019s Name Funny Birthday Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/61f270f30b0ca600014dcac8\/61f270f30b0ca600014dcac8_picture_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Very British Problems\" \/><p>Very British Problems<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6257e6dd13a3610001182594\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6257e6dd13a3610001182594\/6257e6dd13a3610001182594_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Beautiful Birthday Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/58cd6299e4b08a851648a721\/58cd6299e4b08a851648a721_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Louise Tiler\" \/><p>Louise Tiler<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/623c7ad93eac180001e808e5\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/623c7ad93eac180001e808e5\/623c7ad93eac180001e808e5_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Happy Cupcake Birthday Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/60e3ec5422ccd300018dd5db\/60e3ec5422ccd300018dd5db_picture_medium.jpg?version=9\" alt=\"Sophie Crichton\" \/><p>Sophie Crichton<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/623ccf27279aea0001a2b376\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/623ccf27279aea0001a2b376\/623ccf27279aea0001a2b376_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Gov Form Birthday Present Excuses Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/564b1587e4b0be96d0c75408\/564b1587e4b0be96d0c75408_picture_medium.jpg?version=3\" alt=\"Pottsy Prints\" \/><p>Pottsy Prints<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6257e62bb0c421000117d3b9\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6257e62bb0c421000117d3b9\/6257e62bb0c421000117d3b9_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"From the Dog Birthday Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/58cd6299e4b08a851648a721\/58cd6299e4b08a851648a721_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Louise Tiler\" \/><p>Louise Tiler<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/625409f089487b0001123ea6\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/625409f089487b0001123ea6\/625409f089487b0001123ea6_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Squirrel Birthday Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/613928ffdc306f0001c75982\/613928ffdc306f0001c75982_picture_medium.jpg?version=14\" alt=\"Kalm Lettering\" \/><p>Kalm Lettering<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6294829b99ca590001cd4cb4\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6294829b99ca590001cd4cb4\/6294829b99ca590001cd4cb4_medium.jpg?version=5\" alt=\"Funny Office US Birthday Card For Friend &#8211; Have a Dwightful Birthday card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/57fd166ce4b04b8d3c64509c\/57fd166ce4b04b8d3c64509c_picture_medium.jpg?version=4\" alt=\"Naughty Nice.\" \/><p>Naughty Nice.<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/629e6912b3a96500018a5bd6\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/629e6912b3a96500018a5bd6\/629e6912b3a96500018a5bd6_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Stranger Things Birthday Card &#8211; Enjoy It to the Max! card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5ea3114ca037f70001448ddd\/5ea3114ca037f70001448ddd_picture_medium.jpg?version=5\" alt=\"Emma Blue\" \/><p>Emma Blue<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/625d7eee1dd67b0001cc896d\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/625d7eee1dd67b0001cc896d\/625d7eee1dd67b0001cc896d_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Woofy Birthday Daschund Birthday Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5e886426848bd2000186db32\/5e886426848bd2000186db32_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Childish Ramblings\" \/><p>Childish Ramblings<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6255552e1dd67b0001cc74c3\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6255552e1dd67b0001cc74c3\/6255552e1dd67b0001cc74c3_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Funny Cassette and Pencil Retro Birthday Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/564b1587e4b0be96d0c75408\/564b1587e4b0be96d0c75408_picture_medium.jpg?version=3\" alt=\"Pottsy Prints\" \/><p>Pottsy Prints<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/62b09ad09e78da0001d3fae2\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/62b09ad09e78da0001d3fae2\/62b09ad09e78da0001d3fae2_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"I Am on Strike From Celebrating Birthdays Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5af96b7a16630f6f8343c648\/5af96b7a16630f6f8343c648_picture_medium.jpg?version=8\" alt=\"PopDogShop\" \/><p>PopDogShop<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6274f545445b6a000181687e\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6274f545445b6a000181687e\/6274f545445b6a000181687e_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Funny Very British Birthday Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/61f270f30b0ca600014dcac8\/61f270f30b0ca600014dcac8_picture_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Very British Problems\" \/><p>Very British Problems<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/62b6319b3e7a0f000183402f\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/62b6319b3e7a0f000183402f\/62b6319b3e7a0f000183402f_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Happy Birthday Decade Old Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/58ced344e4b08a851648bc66\/58ced344e4b08a851648bc66_picture_medium.jpg?version=4\" alt=\"Naomi Park\" \/><p>Naomi Park<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Our guide on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/blog\/what-to-write-in-a-birthday-card\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what to write in a birthday card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is bursting with more message ideas too).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polite ways to decline an engagement party invitation\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engagements are full of fun and excitement, and your message can definitely share in that joy even if you can\u2019t be there in person:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Huge congratulations on your engagement. So sorry that I can\u2019t make it, I wish more than anything that I could be there to celebrate with you,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m so thrilled for you! Sorry I\u2019ll miss the party, but I\u2019m sending you both lots of love.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thanks so much for the party invite. I won\u2019t be able to make it on that date, but celebratory drinks are on me next time we meet up!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What wonderful news! I won\u2019t be able to attend the party, but I\u2019m excited to hear all about it. Have the best night celebrating.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While I won\u2019t be able to make it this time, I\u2019ll be thinking of you and sending you lots of love. (Double celebrations at the wedding are in order).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/cards\/engagement\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">engagement cards<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are on hand to help you say a massive congrats too! Here\u2019s a little snippet of our lovely collection:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<div class=\"blogpost-card-slider\"><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6064c909cfd26a0001779bdc\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6064c909cfd26a0001779bdc\/6064c909cfd26a0001779bdc_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Jelly Rings Engagement Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/60105fd4e1c5a30001f3e9ba\/60105fd4e1c5a30001f3e9ba_picture_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Back to the drawing board illustration\" \/><p>Back to the drawing board illustration<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/61fa8fdc6f1b1d00013435fb\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/61fa8fdc6f1b1d00013435fb\/61fa8fdc6f1b1d00013435fb_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"You Got Engaged! Friends TV Show Wedding Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/60a8e69554a1110001d61c16\/60a8e69554a1110001d61c16_picture_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Cardology\" \/><p>Cardology<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/60d07aa4191a360001847086\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/60d07aa4191a360001847086\/60d07aa4191a360001847086_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Funny Engagement &#038; Wedding Card &#8211; Engaged Lock card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/60af83f0c604c9000137b471\/60af83f0c604c9000137b471_picture_medium.jpg?version=3\" alt=\"Sketchy Print Co\" \/><p>Sketchy Print Co<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/61e949985141f500016c15ff\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/61e949985141f500016c15ff\/61e949985141f500016c15ff_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Happily Ever After Congratulations Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5ea041455d4bfe0001d90fa8\/5ea041455d4bfe0001d90fa8_picture_medium.jpg?version=3\" alt=\"Kimberley Rose Studio\" \/><p>Kimberley Rose Studio<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/61ed836c6e45b90001212ee3\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/61ed836c6e45b90001212ee3\/61ed836c6e45b90001212ee3_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Celebrate the Future Mr &#038; Mrs Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/6103069b9d50020001eaed1a\/6103069b9d50020001eaed1a_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Sarah Marie Olivia\" \/><p>Sarah Marie Olivia<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/5fa53ce461f57d0001b93cd4\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/5fa53ce461f57d0001b93cd4\/5fa53ce461f57d0001b93cd4_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"A Toast to Your Engagement Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5f9d994eb1128b00012ca07a\/5f9d994eb1128b00012ca07a_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Abi Page Illustration\" \/><p>Abi Page Illustration<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/61eed1bbb6e4860001f7ec14\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/61eed1bbb6e4860001f7ec14\/61eed1bbb6e4860001f7ec14_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Happy Engagement Weirdos Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5eafe8b34c9c3c00019e54a7\/5eafe8b34c9c3c00019e54a7_picture_medium.jpg?version=14\" alt=\"Christine Cuddihy Illustration\" \/><p>Christine Cuddihy Illustration<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/61ffb5dd5d1ad40001c84910\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/61ffb5dd5d1ad40001c84910\/61ffb5dd5d1ad40001c84910_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Botanical Engagement Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5eafe8b34c9c3c00019e54a7\/5eafe8b34c9c3c00019e54a7_picture_medium.jpg?version=14\" alt=\"Christine Cuddihy Illustration\" \/><p>Christine Cuddihy Illustration<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/621f8dc55f55740001b46bae\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/621f8dc55f55740001b46bae\/621f8dc55f55740001b46bae_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Yay You&#8217;re Engaged Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5fc4e7460723ab0001313a86\/5fc4e7460723ab0001313a86_picture_medium.jpg?version=6\" alt=\"@gabiandgaby_design\" \/><p>@gabiandgaby_design<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And yes, we\u2019ve of course come up with a bunch of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/blog\/what-to-write-in-an-engagement-card\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">engagement card messages<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for you to explore too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to say no to an invitation to a wedding\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Declining a wedding invitation can feel intimidating, but there are a variety of polite and warm ways to let the couple know:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you so much for inviting me to your special day. Wish I could join, but I\u2019ll be sending you lots of love. Hope the day is wonderful!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you for the invite. I\u2019m so sad I can\u2019t make it, but I hope your wedding day is absolutely magical.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s so kind of you to invite me to your wedding. Sadly, I can\u2019t be there, but I\u2019m sending you both my best wishes and lots of happiness for the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m really sorry I can\u2019t come due to prior commitments, but I hope your day is full of love and laughter. Can\u2019t wait to hear all about it.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you for the wedding invite. I\u2019m really sorry that I can\u2019t be there on your special day, but I\u2019m sending you hugs and best wishes for a wonderful day.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If none of the above quite hit the mark, we\u2019ve got another guide filled to the brim with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/blog\/wedding-wishes-when-you-cant-attend-the-wedding\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wishes for when you can&#8217;t attend a wedding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And don\u2019t forget to send the happy couple a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/cards\/wedding\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wedding card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> filled with some nice words for their future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"blogpost-card-slider\"><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6284b79b8c93e1000110bc00\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6284b79b8c93e1000110bc00\/6284b79b8c93e1000110bc00_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Mr &#038; Mr Wedding Day Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5946cf12e4b0c0cb59d080c5\/5946cf12e4b0c0cb59d080c5_picture_medium.jpg?version=16\" alt=\"Summer Lane Studio\" \/><p>Summer Lane Studio<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/62780878e2488800015c7733\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/62780878e2488800015c7733\/62780878e2488800015c7733_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Wedding Bells Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/60c9c88db024a20001b86191\/60c9c88db024a20001b86191_picture_medium.jpg?version=3\" alt=\"Palette&Petal\" \/><p>Palette&Petal<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/62860dc78c93e1000110c17b\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/62860dc78c93e1000110c17b\/62860dc78c93e1000110c17b_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"A Cheesy Wedding Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/60741f3557d86300014a643b\/60741f3557d86300014a643b_picture_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Jess Moorhouse\" \/><p>Jess Moorhouse<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6284d24573b69e000174a13e\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6284d24573b69e000174a13e\/6284d24573b69e000174a13e_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Floral Wedding Cake Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/599a9a73e4b007e44662f0a5\/599a9a73e4b007e44662f0a5_picture_medium.jpg?version=4\" alt=\"SABIVO Design\" \/><p>SABIVO Design<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/626af6287eb41f0001ce54e9\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/626af6287eb41f0001ce54e9\/626af6287eb41f0001ce54e9_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Finally Fucking Married Funny Wedding Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5a64871ce4b01342796289c8\/5a64871ce4b01342796289c8_picture_medium.jpg?version=4\" alt=\"Blush & Blossom\" \/><p>Blush & Blossom<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/5b4a3770c5b4fb6611aa2c61\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/5b4a3770c5b4fb6611aa2c61\/5b4a3770c5b4fb6611aa2c61_medium.jpg?version=6\" alt=\"Happy Ever After Wedding Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/58cd6299e4b08a851648a721\/58cd6299e4b08a851648a721_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Louise Tiler\" \/><p>Louise Tiler<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/60f94b7fbbd29a0001989eb3\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/60f94b7fbbd29a0001989eb3\/60f94b7fbbd29a0001989eb3_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Hooray! It&#8217;s Finally Your Big Day Wedding Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5ea041455d4bfe0001d90fa8\/5ea041455d4bfe0001d90fa8_picture_medium.jpg?version=3\" alt=\"Kimberley Rose Studio\" \/><p>Kimberley Rose Studio<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/612f77ca9cb1330001b73a59\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/612f77ca9cb1330001b73a59\/612f77ca9cb1330001b73a59_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Congratulations on Your Life Sentence Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/59d2a36fe4b06a323680d276\/59d2a36fe4b06a323680d276_picture_medium.jpg?version=4\" alt=\"Rishi\" \/><p>Rishi<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/61249c7fe5988e0001386d00\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/61249c7fe5988e0001386d00\/61249c7fe5988e0001386d00_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Ugly Cry Wedding Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5ef75124e4011b00015301d0\/5ef75124e4011b00015301d0_picture_medium.jpg?version=16\" alt=\"Belly Flops\" \/><p>Belly Flops<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/627e3c297ce1e40001568516\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/627e3c297ce1e40001568516\/627e3c297ce1e40001568516_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Wedding Day Cute Rings Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5eafe8b34c9c3c00019e54a7\/5eafe8b34c9c3c00019e54a7_picture_medium.jpg?version=14\" alt=\"Christine Cuddihy Illustration\" \/><p>Christine Cuddihy Illustration<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/62860ddc14100a0001be960d\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/62860ddc14100a0001be960d\/62860ddc14100a0001be960d_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Beautiful Wedding Congrats Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5fa3cb2072d371000166bd36\/5fa3cb2072d371000166bd36_picture_medium.jpg?version=9\" alt=\"Poppy & Mabel\" \/><p>Poppy & Mabel<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to politely decline an invitation to a baby shower<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wondering how to politely decline an invitation to a baby shower while still showing excitement for the parents-to-be? Here\u2019s some message inspiration to get you thinking:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you for inviting me to your baby shower. I\u2019m so sorry I can\u2019t make it, but I\u2019m so excited for you and your little one.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Really sorry that I can\u2019t be there, but I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll be showered in so much love that you won\u2019t even notice I\u2019m missing. (Card and gift have been sent, keep an eye out!)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Gutted that I can\u2019t come, but I hope it\u2019s a wonderful celebration for you and your little family.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0I so wish I could be there to celebrate with you. I\u2019ll be thinking of you all day and sending you lots of love.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you so much for the invite. I won\u2019t be able to make it on that day sadly, but I\u2019d love to meet up for a celebration when you\u2019re next free? Hope you have the loveliest baby shower.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/cards\/baby-shower\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baby shower cards<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fit the occasion perfectly, so have a little look and see if any designs catch your eye:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"blogpost-card-slider\"><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/62252d0d8f5cb40001934067\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/62252d0d8f5cb40001934067\/62252d0d8f5cb40001934067_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Awesome People Make Awesome Babies Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5d01ec30198e4f0929e72843\/5d01ec30198e4f0929e72843_picture_medium.jpg?version=12\" alt=\"@EmilySwallow\" \/><p>@EmilySwallow<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/623c3eb67ad89a0001786609\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/623c3eb67ad89a0001786609\/623c3eb67ad89a0001786609_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Over the Moon for Your Baby News Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/60b77b2afe4fe20001b29db1\/60b77b2afe4fe20001b29db1_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Creationery\" \/><p>Creationery<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/62714f778d003d0001bc51d4\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/62714f778d003d0001bc51d4\/62714f778d003d0001bc51d4_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Welcome Little Star Constellation Baby Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5eafe8b34c9c3c00019e54a7\/5eafe8b34c9c3c00019e54a7_picture_medium.jpg?version=14\" alt=\"Christine Cuddihy Illustration\" \/><p>Christine Cuddihy Illustration<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6282363873b69e00017495f9\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6282363873b69e00017495f9\/6282363873b69e00017495f9_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Welcome To The World Baby! Cute New Baby\/New Arrival Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/6239b21cad46b50001d1588d\/6239b21cad46b50001d1588d_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Josie Gledhill\" \/><p>Josie Gledhill<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/620f82b06acdf80001c44d9e\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/620f82b06acdf80001c44d9e\/620f82b06acdf80001c44d9e_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Welcome Little One! Safari London Bus New Baby Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5ea85f0d848bd20001951bdf\/5ea85f0d848bd20001951bdf_picture_medium.jpg?version=14\" alt=\"Pickled Post\" \/><p>Pickled Post<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6272a874dfa6c6000117c0ae\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6272a874dfa6c6000117c0ae\/6272a874dfa6c6000117c0ae_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Bun in the Oven &#8211; New Baby, Pregnancy Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/60f43f16c5eae20001524200\/60f43f16c5eae20001524200_picture_medium.jpg?version=4\" alt=\"AmySrvc Illustration\" \/><p>AmySrvc Illustration<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/626abdd0b685c9000178f47b\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/626abdd0b685c9000178f47b\/626abdd0b685c9000178f47b_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Hello Little One Sloth Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5ee64ba6b5afef000143743c\/5ee64ba6b5afef000143743c_picture_medium.jpg?version=3\" alt=\"cory reid\" \/><p>cory reid<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/6229079d37c89c0001970eed\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/6229079d37c89c0001970eed\/6229079d37c89c0001970eed_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Dominos Style Baby Delivery Congratulations Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/5f98567298a3310001502c32\/5f98567298a3310001502c32_picture_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"The Girl Next Draw\" \/><p>The Girl Next Draw<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/628279328c93e1000110b3b9\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/628279328c93e1000110b3b9\/628279328c93e1000110b3b9_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Teeny Tiny Human Congratulations Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/58d9268ee4b08a8516495df8\/58d9268ee4b08a8516495df8_picture_medium.jpg?version=4\" alt=\"Joanne Hawker\" \/><p>Joanne Hawker<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/627e857057b41a00014db289\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/627e857057b41a00014db289\/627e857057b41a00014db289_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"Welcome to the World Little One Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/62547d8ba7d4b300011fe1ba\/62547d8ba7d4b300011fe1ba_picture_medium.jpg?version=2\" alt=\"Sherbet Lemons\" \/><p>Sherbet Lemons<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"card-slide\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/card\/628507c68c93e1000110bdce\"><img class=\"card-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=600,format=auto,quality=90\/card\/628507c68c93e1000110bdce\/628507c68c93e1000110bdce_medium.jpg?version=1\" alt=\"New Baby Definition Congratulations Card card\" \/><div class=\"card-creator\"><img class=\"creator-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/58d9268ee4b08a8516495df8\/58d9268ee4b08a8516495df8_picture_medium.jpg?version=4\" alt=\"Joanne Hawker\" \/><p>Joanne Hawker<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to say no to an invitation: final thoughts\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And there you have it, a bunch of different ways to politely decline an invitation and let someone know you won\u2019t be able to attend.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether it\u2019s a birthday, baby shower, or just a casual get-together, there\u2019s always a way to bow out without hurting anyone\u2019s feelings. Saying no to an invite doesn\u2019t need to feel awkward, just make sure to show appreciation and gratitude while being honest about why you can\u2019t make it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, if you\u2019re looking for more insights and tips, you\u2019ll find everything you need over on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/blog\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thortful blog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. From special occasion inspiration to more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thortful.com\/blog\/category\/what-to-write\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what to write<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> guides, we\u2019ve got you covered.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sometimes life gets busy, plans clash, and circumstances mean we can\u2019t attend events we\u2019d absolutely love to. And knowing how to say no to an invitation can feel really tricky, especially when you\u2019ve been invited to something important like a wedding or a milestone birthday party.\u00a0 But don\u2019t worry, as this is where we swoop&hellip;<\/p>\n<a class=\"read-more-link\" href=\" https:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/cards\/new-baby-definition-congratulations-card\/ \">Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":20203,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[469],"tags":[474],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Politely Decline an Invitation | thortful<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering how to politely decline an invitation? 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