If you’ve ever received an RSVP invitation and wondered how to respond properly, you’re not alone.
Whether it’s a wedding, party, business event, or casual gathering, knowing how to reply to an RSVP shows respect and helps the host plan better.
Maybe you searched for the right way to say you’ll attend, or gently decline, without sounding awkward or rude.
This article will solve that problem. We’ll share dozens of ways to respond to an RSVP—formal, informal, idiomatic, and professional—so you can choose the perfect phrase for any situation.
Because responding to an RSVP isn’t one-size-fits-all.
The tone changes depending on who invited you and the event type.
Let’s explore all your options.
Formal Ways to Respond to an RSVP
Formal replies are best for weddings, official ceremonies, or events where etiquette matters. These phrases show politeness and respect while making your intentions clear.
- I am honored to accept your kind invitation
- Thank you for inviting me; I will be delighted to attend
- It is with great pleasure that I accept your invitation
- I regret to inform you that I am unable to attend
- Unfortunately, I must decline due to prior commitments
- I look forward to celebrating this special day with you
- Please accept my apologies as I will not be able to join
- It would be my pleasure to attend your event
- I am grateful for the invitation and will be present
- I appreciate the invitation but must respectfully decline
- I will gladly attend and look forward to the occasion
- Sadly, I will not be able to attend due to scheduling conflicts
- Thank you for including me; I accept with gratitude
- Regrettably, I have a prior engagement and cannot attend
- I am pleased to confirm my attendance
- With thanks, I will be attending your event
- My sincere apologies, I am unable to be there
- I would be delighted to join you on this occasion
- Thank you for the invitation; please count me in
- I regret that I cannot be present at this time
- It would be an honor to attend
- Thank you for thinking of me; I accept the invitation
- Unfortunately, I will be out of town and unable to attend
- I look forward to the event and will be there
- I appreciate the invitation, but must send my regrets
- I will be pleased to attend and celebrate with you
- Sorry, I have other commitments that day
- Thank you for inviting me; I am pleased to confirm
- I regret that prior plans prevent my attendance
- It will be a pleasure to attend your event
Informal Ways to Respond to an RSVP
For casual parties, birthdays, or friendly gatherings, informal language is natural and warm. Use these phrases to accept or decline in everyday conversation style.
- Count me in!
- I’d love to come, thanks for inviting me
- Sorry, I can’t make it this time
- Sounds fun, I’ll be there
- I’m in! Looking forward to it
- Can’t make it, but thanks for asking
- I’m coming for sure!
- Sorry, I have other plans that day
- I’ll be there, can’t wait
- Wish I could come, but I can’t
- I’m free, so I’ll be there
- Not able to make it, sorry
- I’m excited to join you!
- Unfortunately, I won’t be able to come
- Yep, I’ll be there!
- Sorry, I’ll have to pass
- I’m down for it, thanks
- I won’t make it this time
- I’ll definitely be there
- Thanks, but I’m booked that day
- Looking forward to it!
- Sorry, I’m tied up that day
- I’ll come for sure!
- Can’t swing it, but thanks
- I’m happy to attend
- Sorry, got something else going on
- I’ll be there with bells on
- Nope, can’t make it
- See you there!
- Sorry, I have to skip
Idiomatic Ways to Respond to an RSVP
Idioms add color and personality to your RSVP replies. These are great for texts, social media, or casual invites where you want to be fun and creative.
- I’m all in!
- Count me on board
- I’ll be there rain or shine
- You can bet on me
- I’m game!
- Sorry, can’t make the cut this time
- I’m on the guest list for sure
- I’ll show up with bells on
- Can’t make it, I’m tied up
- I’ll be there with bells on
- I’m good to go
- Sorry, I’m out of commission
- I’m in like Flynn
- I’ll take a rain check
- I’m in the mix
- Sorry, I’m off the hook this time
- I’m down for it
- I’m hitting the party for sure
- Sorry, I’m out of pocket that day
- I’ll be there to paint the town red
- Can’t make it, I’m under the weather
- I’m all set to join
- Sorry, I’m off the grid then
- I’ll be there with bells on
- Count me among the guests
- I’m in the saddle for this one
- Sorry, I have to bail
- I’ll rock up for sure
- Sorry, I’m booked solid
- I’m on board
Professional Ways to Respond to an RSVP
In business or formal workplace events, your RSVP should be polite, clear, and professional. Use these phrases in emails, meeting invites, or official correspondence.
- Thank you for the invitation; I will attend
- I appreciate the invitation and confirm my attendance
- Unfortunately, I am unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts
- I regret to inform you I cannot attend
- I look forward to participating in the event
- Thank you for including me; I will be present
- I must respectfully decline due to prior commitments
- I am pleased to accept your invitation
- Apologies, I will not be able to join
- I confirm my attendance with gratitude
- Thank you for the invite; I will be there
- Regretfully, I have a conflicting appointment
- I will attend and look forward to the event
- I appreciate the invitation but must decline
- I will join the event as scheduled
- Sorry, I am unavailable at that time
- Thank you for the opportunity; I accept
- I am unable to attend but appreciate the invite
- Looking forward to the event and will attend
- I must decline due to other obligations
- I confirm my participation
- Apologies, I cannot attend due to prior engagements
- Thank you for inviting me; I will attend
- I will be there and appreciate the invitation
- Unfortunately, I am committed elsewhere
- I look forward to the meeting and will attend
- Please consider this my acceptance
- Regrettably, I will not be able to join
- Thank you for the kind invitation; I accept
- I must decline but thank you for including me
Conclusion
Responding to an RSVP is a small but important act of respect.
The way you reply sets the tone for your relationship with the host and helps them plan effectively.
Whether you want to be formal, casual, idiomatic, or professional, using the right phrase makes a big difference.
Practice these phrases so you feel confident next time an invitation lands in your inbox or mailbox.
The right words keep things clear, polite, and friendly—no matter the occasion.
