INVITATIONS
An invitation is a formal request to someone to attend any specific occasion, celebration, programme or event.
Type of Invitations
(A) Formal
(B) Informal
(A) Formal Invitations
• To be written in third person.
• Details like address dress code or any other instruction are written at the bottom to the left or the right side
as per choice.
• Subject matter is generally written in the centre.
• No abbreviation to be used except for RSVP which stands for (Respondez s'il vous plait) which means
'Please Reply' and is put at the bottom.
• Simple present tense is used.
• Word limit 50.
• 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 of the programme may be given, if applicable.
1. Formal invitation for marriage/auspicious occasion
Example: Write a formal invitation for the marriage function of your daughter.
2. Formal Invitation for school events/exhibition for general public
Example: 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 Dec. 2019. 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)
3. Formal invitation to preside over/inaugurate/judge events
Example: You are Neha/Nakul, the President of the English Literary and Cultural Society of Government
Model Sr. Sec. School, Sector 19, Chandigarh. You have to organise an Inter Zonal Declamation Competition
on the topic "Communication Skills are very Important in Modern World" at 10 +2 level. You wish to invite
Dr. Shailesh Gupta, an eminent educationist to preside over the function to be held on 16 Jan, 2018 at 9:30
p.m.
FORMAL REPLIES ACCEPTANCE / REFUSAL
Points to Remember
• Acknowledge the invitation
• Be brief and specific
• Express thanks in third person
• Not to be signed at the end
• When accepting, confirm date and time
• If declining, give reason, convey your best wishes
• Give date and address at top left hand side
• Use simple language
• Word limit 50
Formal Acceptance
Example 1: You are Mr. Ajay Gupta of 7 Park Avenue, Delhi. Draft a reply accepting an invitation to attend
a house warming party hosted by your colleague.
Example 2: You are Dr. Shailesh Gupta, an eminent educationist. You have been invited to preside over on
Inter Zonal Declamation competition by Neha the President of English Literary club of Government Model
Sr. Sec. School, Sector-19, Chandigarh. Write a letter of acceptance of the invitation.
Formal Refusal
Example 1: You are Mr. Ajay Gupta of 7 Park Avenue, Delhi. Draft a reply of refusal expressing inability to
attend a house warming party hosted by your colleague.
Example 2: You are Dr. Shailesh Gupta, an eminent educationist. You have been invited to preside over an
Inter Zonal Declamation Competition by Neha, the President of English Literary Club of Government Model
Sr. Sec. School Sector-19, Chandigarh. Write a letter for refusal of the invitation.
(B) Informal Invitations
Informal invitation follow the ordinary personal letters pattern. These letters or invitations are written to
relatives, friends and known persons.
• Use first person 'I', 'We' and 'You' and avoiding using 'he', 'she' and 'They'
• Do not write subject and receiver's address.
• Write in warm and personalised style with relaxed and informal tone.
• Avoid writing unnecessary details.
• Begin with 'Dear' _________ (Name)
• Word limit 50
Example: You are Anuj / Anuja Goel of 23, Yojna Vihar, Delhi Write an invitation to invite all your friends
for the party you are giving to celebrate your post selection after pursuing B-Tech in DTU.
INFORMAL REPLIES ACCEPTANCE / REFUSAL
Informal Acceptance
Example: You are Rahul and have been invited to the post selection party of your friend Anuj. Write a reply
accepting the invitation you got.
Informal Refusal
Example: You are Rahul and you have been invited to the post selection party of your friend Anuj. Write a
reply regretting your inability to attend the same.
