Handwritten acceptance, most formal

This is the most formal way to respond to a wedding invitation. This form is not widely used and I do not really recommend it, as it provides more opportunity for confusion if the host is unfamiliar with the formal conventions. Notice that the sample guests are accepting the invitation to the reception. Traditionally it was appropriate to accept an invitation to the ceremony, because they took place in a house of God, which does not require an invitation for entry.

Note that the location of the reception is optional, and both the location and the time are not included when declining.

Mr. and Mrs. James Brown
accept with pleasure
the kind invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
to the wedding reception of their daughter
Chloe
and
Mr. Joshua Jones
on Saturday 22nd January 2009
at 2:00 pm

Handwritten acceptance

Mr. and Mrs. James Brown
accept with pleasure
the kind invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
for
Saturday 22nd January
at 2:00 pm

Handwritten regrets

Mr. and Mrs. James Brown
regret that they are unable to accept
the very kind invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
for
Saturday 22nd January

Handwritten split acceptance/regret

If more than one person has been invited, but not all are able to attend, the following form is used:

Mr. James Brown
accepts with pleasure
the kind invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
for
Saturday 22nd January
at 2:00 pm
Mrs. James Brown
regrets that she is unable to attend

Handwritten acceptance with children

If you and your children are invited on one invitation, their names should have been written on the inner envelope along with yours. You would respond the same way:

Mr. and Mrs. James Brown
Hannah, Katie and Thomas
accept with pleasure
the kind invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
for
Saturday 22nd January