Invitation and Replies: A Guide for Class 12 Students

Invitations act as the factor between the host and the guests, which sets the tone for the occasion. But it doesn’t stop at just sending out an invitation—knowing how to craft a good and thoughtful reply is just as important. Whether you’re accepting or declining an invitation, your response shows your respect and appreciation for the host’s inviting gesture. 

Invitations and replies Class 12 has been included in the Class 12 CBSE English Syllabus to help students with their overall growth in academic life. Learning how to draft an invitation and what and how to reply when someone receives one is essential to thinking about the future. Whether it’s for a school event, a family function, or any formal gathering, knowing how to properly write invitations and replies is a skill that can serve you well in both academic and about invitation writingsocial settings.

This blog will cover the important topics about Invitations and replies in Class 12, like everything  and how to write a good thoughtful reply, along with examples to help you know and learn the concepts better.

What is an Invitation?

An invitation is basically a formal request made to someone, asking them to attend a particular event or function. The invitation can be verbal or made via a voice call. The printed information on a card letter or verbal invitation will include every detail (time, place, venue, occasion type, host/inventor name). 

Based on the written type of invitation, it is divided into two categories: formal and informal. Invitations can be extended for various occasions, including weddings, birthdays, conferences, ceremonies, and more. The language used in invitations is usually polite and respectful, reflecting the importance of the occasion.

Types of Invitations: Class 12 English Writing

We can categorise invitations into two types. Let’s study about the two types below:

Formal Invitations

Formal invitations are basically written in a systematic and, you know, structured manner, often using printed cards or formal letters. These invitations are used for significant or official events where discipline and decorum are the keys.

• Format: Written in a formal style, often on printed cards or letters.
• Language: Polite, formal, and precise.
• Purpose: Used for official events like weddings, conferences, award ceremonies, etc.

Format of a Formal Invitation

1. Sender’s Name: Mentioned at the top or in the introductory sentence.
2. Greeting: Polite and formal, often starting with phrases like “You are cordially invited” or “It gives us immense pleasure to invite.”
3. Event Details: Mention the event name, date, time, and venue clearly.
4. Additional Information: Include any special instructions or requests, such as dress code, RSVP, etc.
5. Closing Line: A formal closing, such as “Yours sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by the name and designation of the sender.

Example of a Formal Invitation

Mr. and Mrs. Sharma
request the pleasure of your company
at the wedding of their daughter
Priya
with
Rahul
on Sunday, the 25th of August 2024
at 7:00 PM
at The Grand Palace, New Delhi.

RSVP: By 20th August 2024
Dress Code: Formal

Informal Invitations

Now let’s talk about Informal invitations. Informal invitations are like very relaxed and freestyle in both format and tone. These are used for personal events and can be casual and friendly in tone, focusing on the close relationships between the host and the guests.

Format: Casual and often personal in nature.

Language: Friendly, warm, and relaxed.

Purpose: Used for personal events like birthday parties, family gatherings, etc.

Format of an Informal Invitation

1. Greeting: A warm and friendly greeting, often starting with “Dear” or “Hi” or “Hey there!”
2. Event Details: Clearly mention the event, date, time, and venue.
3. Tone: Keep the tone light and casual.
4. Closing: A friendly closing, such as “Hope to see you there!” or “Looking forward to your presence.”

Example of an Informal Invitation:

Dear Rohit,

We are throwing a small birthday party for Ananya on the 20th of August at 6:00 PM at our home. We’d love to have you join us for the celebration!

Hope to see you there!

Best,
Sneha

What is a Reply?

A reply to an invitation is a response that acknowledges receipt of the invitation and indicates whether the invitee will be attending the event. Replies can also be formal or informal, depending on the nature of the invitation.

Types of Replies

1. Accepting the Invitation

When accepting an invitation, it’s important to show your appreciation for being invited and confirm your attendance in a courteous manner.

• Express gratitude for the invitation.
• Confirm attendance at the event.
• Mention any specific details, if necessary.

2. Declining the Invitation

If you are unable to attend the event, it’s essential to decline in a polite and respectful way while showing gratitude for the invitation.

• Express gratitude for the invitation.
• Politely decline, mentioning the reason (if appropriate).
• Convey good wishes for the event.

Format of a Formal Reply

1. Sender’s Address: Mentioned at the top (for letter replies).
2. Date: The date of writing the reply.
3. Receiver’s Name and Address: Mentioned below the sender’s address.
4. Salutation: Use “Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. [Last Name]” or a similar formal greeting.
5. Body: Express your acceptance or regret politely, along with a brief reason if declining.
6. Closing: A formal closing, such as “Yours sincerely” or “With best regards,” followed by the sender’s name.

Example of a Formal Reply (Accepting):

45, Park Street
New Delhi
16th August 2024

Mr. and Mrs. Sharma
The Grand Palace
New Delhi

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sharma,

Thank you for the kind invitation to the wedding of your daughter Priya with Rahul on 25th August 2024. It will be my pleasure to attend the ceremony and be a part of this joyous occasion.

Yours sincerely,
Siddharth Gupta

Example of a Formal Reply (Declining):

45, Park Street
New Delhi
16th August 2024

Mr. and Mrs. Sharma
The Grand Palace
New Delhi

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sharma,

Thank you for the invitation to the wedding of your daughter Priya with Rahul on 25th August 2024. Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to attend the ceremony. I wish the couple a lifetime of happiness.

Yours sincerely,
Siddharth Gupta

So yes, going through the blog, learning and understanding how to write invitations and replies is an must-known skill for Class 12 students, as it prepares you for both academic assessments and real-life social interactions. Whether it’s a formal wedding invitation or an informal birthday party, the key is to maintain the acceptable tone and clarity with your words and thoughts. Practice these formats, and soon, you’ll be able to handle any invitation or reply with confidence and finesse. Happy learning!