INVITATION & REPLIES

INVITATION

An invitation is a formal request to someone to attend any specific occasion, celebration, programme or event.

Type of Invitation:

A. Formal:

1. Printed Card: to invite many, do not include the name of the addressee.
2. Letter Format: to invite single person: Chief Guest/judge etc., addressed to a VIP

B. Informal: 1. Letter Format

A. FORMAL INVITATION

• Written in third person and in the center alignment.
• No abbreviation to be used.
• Simple present tense is used.
• Each entry to be mentioned in a separate line e.g.,

1. The name of the person(s) who is/are inviting
2. Formal expressions like 'request the pleasure of your company'
3. Time and date of event
4. 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

1. Formal invitation for marriage/auspicious occasion

Example 1: Write a formal invitation for the marriage function of your daughter.

Mrs. and Mr. Madan Sharma Solicit your gracious presence on the auspicious occasion of the marriage of their grand daughter SONALI (Daughter of Mrs. Savita and Mr. Rahul Sharma) With SHRIDHAR (Son of Mrs. Suman and Kapil Sharma) on 17 December 2022 at 7.30 p.m. at Red Carpet, Party Lawn, Preet Vihar, Delhi-110031 With best compliments from Vinod Sharma & All Relatives R.S.V.P. Madan Sharma B-36, Rajdhani Enclave, Vikas Marg, Delhi Ph. : 9868xxxxxx

 

2. Formal Invitation for school events / exhibition for general public.

Example 1: 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. 2022. 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).

The Principal, Staff and Students of Laxmi Public School, Model Town, Delhi request the pleasure of your company on ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATION on Sunday, 24 December 2022 at 5.30 p.m. in the School Auditorium Honorable Education Minister has very kindly consented to be the Chief Guest. R.S.V.P. Admn. Officer 011-27xxxxxx Special Instructions: (This card admits only two. You are requested to be seated by 4.30 p.m.) Note : Entry Free

Questions for Practice

1. You are the member of Punjab Academy, Delhi. Draft a formal invitation to invite all the members for the discussion on a book written by an eminent writer.
2. You are organising an Exhibition of Painting 'Nayika Series' on 30th November, 2022 at Azad Bhavan Art Gallery at 5:45 p.m. Draft an invitation card to invite the General Public.
3. On the occasion of Van Mahotsav function in your school. Draft an invitation to invite a renowned environmentalist for a tree plantation drive in your school.
4. You are Suman/Sonu the Head Girl/Boy of New Field School. Your school has decided to celebrate "The Grand Parent's Day" in school. Draft a formal invitation to be sent to the grand parents of students of your school giving details of the programme.
5. Your school is celebrating Annual Sports Day. Draft a formal invitation to be sent to parents and SMC members giving details of event.

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

1. 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.

9 January 2022 7, Park Avenue, Delhi Mrs. and Mr. Ajay Gupta thank Mrs. and Mr. Satish Sharma for their kind invitation on the house-warming party on 17 January, 2022 at 11 a.m., which they are delighted to accept. It's their great pleasure to attend the ceremony.

2. Formal Refusal

Example 2: 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.

9 January 2022 7, Park Avenue, Delhi Mrs. and Mr. Ajay Gupta thank Mrs. and Mr. Satish Sharma for their kind invitation on the house-warming party on 17 January, 2022 at 11 a.m., but regret their inability to accept the same due to urgent and unavoidable assignment abroad.

Question for Practice

1. You are AV Raman of Mysore. Prepare a formal reply expressing inability to attend the marriage of a colleague owing to a prior engagement.
2. You are Vidya Sagar for 21 Rajya Park, Jaipur. Draft a formal reply of acceptance to an engagement function.
3. You are a renowned environmentalist Vinod Kumar of 10, Nehru Park, Delhi. You have been invited to inaugurate the Van Mahotsav function. Due to prior engagement, you will not be able to come for the occasion. Draft a suitable reply of refusal for the same.
4. You are renowned environmentalist Vinod Kumar of 10, Nehru Park, Delhi. You have been invited for a tree plantation drive function Draft a suitable reply of acceptance to attend the function.

2. Formal invitation to preside over/inagurate/judge events.

Example 1:

You are Anu Verma, Secretary of the Worldwide Publisher’s Association. Write an invitation to Mr. Aravindham Choudhary, requesting him to inaugurate the World Book Fair on December 26, 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. [KVS, AGRA, PB-1, SET-1, 2023-24]

Answer:

S-19, Sector-19
Vasundhara, Delhi

06 December 2023

Mr. Aravindham Choudhary
35A, Model Colony
Panuchkula, Chandigarh

Subject: Invitation to Inaugurate the World Book Fair

Sir,

The Worldwide Publisher’s Association, New Delhi, is organizing the World Book Fair from 26.12.2023 to 15.01.2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. We are pleased to invite you to inaugurate the event at 10.00 am. on 26.12.2023. As you are an internationally famous bestselling author, your benign presence will motivate and inspire the readers.

We genuinely hope that you will accept our invitation. It would be highly appreciated if you could reply to us by the 10th of December 2023, so that we can make the necessary arrangements for your travel and accommodation.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anu Verma
Secretary
Worldwide Publisher’s Association

Example 2: 

You are Niharika Ishwaran, Vice Principal of Karpagam College of Arts and Science, Sundarapuram, Coimbatore – 641054. A new batch has passed out of your college for which Graduation Ceremony is being organized. Invite Dr. Shankar Devan an eminent Cardiologist of Chennai to be the chief guest for the function.

Answer: 

The Vice Principal
Karpagam College of Arts and Science
Sundarapuram, Coimbatore – 641054

07/01/2022

Dr. Shankar Devan
21/56, East Tambaram
Chennai – 600089

Subject: Formal Invitation to be the Chief Guest for the Graduation Ceremony

Dear Sir

We are pleased to invite you to be the Chief Guest for the Graduation Ceremony that is to be held on the 24th of January, 2022 at Karpagam College of Arts and Science. We would be honoured to have you present our students with their degree certificates. It would be a great chance for the students also to interact with you about the different career opportunities they have.

We genuinely hope that you would accept our invitation. It would be highly appreciated if you could reply to us by the 13th of January, 2022, so that we can make the necessary arrangements for your travel and accommodation.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely
Niharika Ishwaran
Vice Principal

Example 2: 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.

Answer:

Govt. Model Sr. Sec School,
Sector-19, Chandigarh

16 January 2022

Dr. Shailesh Gupta
35A, Model Colony
Panuchkula, Chandigarh

Subject: Invitation to preside over Inter Zonal Declamation Competition

Sir,

The English Literary and Cultural Society of our school is organizing an English Declamation Competition on the topic “Communication Skills are very Important in Modern World” on 21 January 2022 at 9:30 a.m. in the school auditorium. Your benign presence will motivate and inspire our students.

We genuinely hope that you would accept our invitation. It would be highly appreciated if you could reply to us by the 18th of January, 2022, so that we can make the necessary arrangements for your travel and accommodation.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Neha
President
English Literary and Cultural Society

FORMAL ACCEPTANCE

(To Preside / Inaugurate / Judge Events etc.)

Example 1: 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.

73, Sector-11-A Chandigarh 18, January 2022 Dear Neha Many thanks for inviting me to preside over the Inter Zonal Declamation Competition to be held on 21 January 2022 at 9.30 p.m. I shall be highly delighted to attend the function and enjoy listening to the views of students. It will be kind of you, if you could provide me the official transport. With warm regards Yours sincerely Shailesh

FORMAL REFUSAL

(To Preside / Inaugurate / Judge Events, etc.)

   

73, Sector-11-A Chandigarh 17, January 2022 Dear Neha Many thanks for inviting me to preside over the Inter Zonal Declamation Competition to be held on 21 January 2022 at 9.30 p.m. but I am sorry to say that I shall not be able to attend the same due to a prior appointment with my doctor. With warm regards Yours sincerely Shailesh

 

Questions for Practice

1. As Secretary of the Literary Society of your school, write a letter of invitation to an eminent journalist inviting him to address the students on a talk show to be held in your school.
2. You are a well-known scientist you have been invited to deliver a lecture on the importance of Nuclear Energy in the Science Centre. Write a reply accepting the invitation.
3. You are a noted stage artist and have been invited to perform at a stage show in a cultural event in Noida. However, due to a prior engagement, you are unable to attend the same. Write a reply refusing the invitation. 

 

B. INFORMAL INVITATION

Informal invitation follow the ordinary personal letters pattern. These letters or invitations are written to relatives, friends and known persons.

Points to Remember

• 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 personalized style with relaxed and informal tone.
• Avoid writing unnecessary details.
• Begin with 'Dear' _________ (Name without sir name)
• Word limit 50

Example 1:

Rohit has got success in CBSE-PMT. He wants to celebrate his admission to Shivaji Medical College, Nagpur by throwing a party to his friends. Write an informal invitation giving details of venue, time and date.

Answer:

33/427 Priya Vihar
New Delhi

15 July 2022

Dear Varan

You will be glad to learn that I have secured 80th rank in the CBSE-PMT competition. I have got admission in a prestigious institution – Shivaji College, Nagpur. I want to share a few happy moments of my life in the company of my old Mends at a dinner in the Hotel Kanishka at 9.00 p.m. on 23 July, 2022.

Please join the celebrations and merry-making.

Yours sincerely
Rohit

Example2:

You are Leena Sen. The wedding of your elder sister Reena Sen is going to be held on the 15th May, 2022 at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur. Write out an informal invitation to your friend Vinnie requesting her to attend the function.

Answer:

4357, Vasant Kunj
Raj Nagar

1 May, 2022

Dear Vinnie

You will be pleased to know that the wedding of my elder sister Reena Sen is going to be held on the 15th May, 2022 at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur. The whole family will move there in the morning. I invite you to join us at lunch in the hotel on the 15th. The wedding ceremony will take place at 8 in the evening.

I do hope you will join us on the auspicious occasion.

Yours sincerely
Leena


Example 3:

Your parents have completed 25 years of happy married life. Invite your aunt, living in Hyderabad, to join you in the Silver Jubilee celebration of their marriage at your residence.

Answer:

245 Rose Gardens
Mangalore

25 March, 2022

Respected Aunt

My parents Sh. R.S. Swaminathan and Smt. Parvathi Devi will be completing 25 years, of their happy, prosperous and eventful married life next month. We are going to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of their married fife on 5th May, 2022. It will be a simple ceremony. Only family members and close friends are invited.

Do join us on this auspicious day.

Yours sincerely
S.R. Parthasarthy

Example 4:

You are Atul Gupta. You are opening a new branch of your business house NEWLIGHT FURNISHINGS at C-32, Ansal Plaza, Delhi. Write an invitation to your uncle to attend the inauguration ceremony and bless you.

Answer:

2475D Model Town
Delhi

27 November, 2022

Dear Uncle

With the grace of God and your blessings I am diversifying my business concern. A new branch of our NEWLIGHT FURNISHINGS will be inaugurated at C-32, Ansal Plaza, Delhi on 5 December, 2022 at 9.00 a.m.

Please come in time to join the ceremony and shower your blessings on us.

Yours sincerely
Atul Gupta

Question for Practice

1. You have been successful in IIT entrance examination. Write a suitable invitation to your friends inviting them for a get together to celebrate the occasion.
2. Mrs. and Mr. Sharma wishes to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary. As Mr. Sharma write an informal invitation inviting their best friend Mrs. and Mr. Vohra. Write necessary details.
3. Neeraj/ Neha has got very good percentage in final board exams. He got admission in reputed college in Delhi University. He wants to celebrate with his friend. Write an informal invitation giving necessary details.
4. You are Neena/ Naveen of 21, Shakti Vihar Delhi. You have opened a Departmental Store in Chandani Chowk. Draft an informal invitation to invite your friend on the inauguration ceremony.

 

INFORMAL ACCEPTANCE

Example 1

You are Ritu Sharma of 29A, Nirman Vihar, Delhi and you have received an invitation from your friend Jaimy Jackson to attend the Christmas Party on December 24, 2023 at S-45, Green Park. Write a reply accepting the invitation. [KVS, AGRA, PB-1, SET-1, 2023-24]

ACCEPTANCE 29A, Nirman Vihar Delhi   December 17, 2023   Dear Jaimy Many thanks for inviting me to attend the Christmas Party on December 24, 2023, at S-45, Green Park. I shall be highly delighted to attend the same and will enjoy the party with great fun.   Yours truly Ritu

Example 2

You are Rahul and have been invited to the post selection party of your friend Anuj. Write a reply accepting the invitation you got.

ACCEPTANCE 7-C, Yojna Vihar, Delhi 10 May, 2022 Dear Anuj Many thanks for inviting me to attend your post selection party which will be held on 16th May 2022 at your home. I shall be highly delighted to attend the same and will enjoy the party with great fun. Yours truly Rahul Gupta

 

INFORMAL REFUSAL

Example 1: 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.

REFUSAL 7-C, Yojna Vihar, Delhi 10 May, 2022 Dear Anuj Many thanks for inviting me to attend your post selection party, but I am sorry to say that I shall not be able to attend the same as I shall be out of station next week. I shall miss this joyous occasion. I wish you all the best for the future.God Bless You Yours truly Rahul Gupta

Questions for Practice

1. You are Akash/Ashini. You have been invited to attend the wedding of your friend's sister. Respond to the invitation accepting it.
2. You are Varun/Veena of 23, Ramesh Nagar Delhi. Your friend Neeraj has invited you for a party to celebrate his good board result and admission to a prestigious college. Draft a reply accepting the invitation.
3. You are Shaan/Shruti of C-29, Pragati Apartment, Rohini Delhi. You have received an invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of his newly opened Departmental Store. Write a reply accepting the invitation.
4. Your friend is throwing a party to celebrate his success in board exams. Send a reply regretting your inability to attend the same due to a prior engagement.
5. Mr. and Mrs. Narang of 2, Newland Apartment, Rohini have decided to have a party on the occasion of sixteenth birthday of their daughter. You are unable to attend the function. Write a reply in about 50 words.
6. You are Shaan/Shruti of C-29, Pragati Vihar. You have received an invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony newly opened shop of your friend Karan. Write a reply of refusal, regretting your inability to attend the ceremony.