How to Respond to a Declined Invitation (in 50+ Unique Ways)

It happens to everyone at some point: you invite a friend to a party, a classmate to a study group, or a relative to a family gathering, and they say “no.” 

At times like this, it’s important to know how to respond. 

In this article I’ll help you understand simple and polite ways to handle situations when someone declines your invitation.

Let’s begin!

How to Respond to a Declined Invitation

If someone declines your invitation, you can respond in a polite way with a short message like this: 

“Thank you for letting me know about your decision. I understand that you have other commitments, and I appreciate your honesty. I hope we can find another time to get together. Take care!“

Assume they have a good reason

1. No worries at all, we understand completely. Perhaps we can find another suitable time.
2. Thank you for letting us know. We appreciate your honesty and hope you can join us next time.
3. It’s unfortunate that you can’t make it, but we completely understand. Let’s plan for another occasion.
4. We appreciate your prompt response. Hopefully, we’ll have the opportunity to meet at another event.
5. We’ll miss your presence, but we hope everything is alright on your end. Looking forward to catching up soon.
6. We understand that commitments can arise. We hope to cross paths on another occasion.
7. It’s a shame you can’t attend, but we trust you have a good reason. Take care.
8. We were looking forward to seeing you, but understand that plans can change. We’ll save a spot for you at our next gathering.
9. No problem at all. We respect your decision and hope everything is okay.
10. We’re sorry to hear you can’t join us but understand that situations can change. We’re hoping to see you soon.
11. While we will miss you at the event, we trust you have our best interests at heart. We hope to see you soon.
12. It’s unfortunate you won’t be able to join us, but we understand. Hoping we can catch up soon.
13. We’re sorry to hear that you won’t be able to make it, but we understand. We hope everything is going well.
14. We were looking forward to your company, but we trust you have a good reason. Let’s plan for another time.
15. We’ll miss you at our gathering, but no worries. We hope to see you at a future event.
16. Your absence will be felt, but we understand. We’ll save a seat for you next time.
17. It’s a shame you won’t be able to make it, but we hope everything is alright. Looking forward to our next meeting.
18. We are sorry to hear you can’t join us, but we understand. Looking forward to catching up soon.
19. No worries at all, we trust your judgement. We’ll plan another occasion soon.
20. We understand your situation. Take care and we hope to see you at our next gathering.

So, you can also check out the ways to respond You’re Making Me Blush, or funny responses for “Don’t let bedbugs bite.“

Accept their reason if they give you one

1. “I completely understand. Your presence will be missed, but there will be plenty of other opportunities.”
2. “No worries at all! We’ll definitely catch up at another time.”
3. “I appreciate your honesty and hope that we can connect in the future.”
4. “Thank you for letting me know. I hope everything is okay!”
5. “No problem, I definitely understand. Let’s plan something else when you’re free.”
6. “I appreciate your prompt response. Looking forward to catching up soon!”
7. “I understand that unforeseen commitments can arise. Let’s reschedule.”
8. “That’s quite alright. I hope we’ll get another chance soon.”
9. “Thank you for your honesty. Let’s find a better time that works for both of us.”
10. “I understand. Your reasons are perfectly valid and we can plan for another day.”
11. “That’s okay. I’m glad you considered it, let’s try for another time.”
12. “No worries, life can get busy sometimes. Let’s aim for a catch-up soon.”
13. “I understand you’re unable to attend, hope everything is okay on your end.”
14. “That’s alright. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know.”
15. “I get it. Hopefully, we’ll be able to connect at a later date.”
16. “No problem at all. Your reasons are understandable, let’s reschedule.”
17. “I appreciate your response. Let’s aim for another time.”
18. “I respect your decision, and I hope that we can find another time to meet.”
19. “Thanks for letting me know in advance. Let’s plan for another occasion.”
20. “I understand and respect your decision. Let’s hope for a better time in the future.”

Thank them for letting you know

1. “Thanks for letting me know! Maybe next time.”

2. “No worries, I appreciate your quick response!”

3. “Thanks for the heads up! Hope we can catch up some other time.”

4. “I understand, thanks for telling me. Let’s plan for another day!”

5. “No problem at all, thanks for getting back to me!”

6. “Thanks for your honesty! Let’s try to meet up soon.”

7. “I appreciate you letting me know. Have a great day!”

8. “Thanks for the update! We’ll definitely plan something in the future.”

9. “No issue, thanks for informing me. Enjoy your day!”

10. “Thanks for your response! Let’s keep in touch for another time.”

11. “I’m glad you told me, thanks! We’ll find another time that works.”

12. “Thanks for letting me know. Hope everything is okay!”

13. “No hard feelings, thanks for the heads up!”

14. “I appreciate your quick reply. Let’s plan something soon!”

15. “Thanks for being upfront! We’ll catch up another time.”

16. “Understood, thanks for letting me know. Take care!”

17. “Thanks for your honesty, it means a lot. Maybe another time!”

18. “No worries at all, thanks for the quick response!”

19. “Thanks for telling me in advance. Let’s stay in touch!”

20. “I respect your decision, thanks for informing me. Hope to see you soon!”

Tell them you’ll miss them

1. “We’ll definitely miss your presence. Your absence will certainly be felt.”
2. “Oh, we were looking forward to catching up with you. Your company will be missed.”
3. “We understand, but your absence will surely be noticed.”
4. “No worries at all. But we’ll miss you, no doubt!”
5. “Such a shame you can’t make it. We’ll miss you!”
6. “You will be missed, but we understand.”
7. “Your presence would have added to the joy, we’ll miss you.”
8. “We respect your decision, but your absence will be felt.”
9. “So sorry to hear you can’t join us. We’ll miss you.”
10. “We were looking forward to seeing you. But we understand, and we’ll miss you.”
11. “Understood. We’ll miss your company, though.”
12. “We’ll definitely miss you. Hope to see you soon.”
13. “Your company will be missed. Hope everything is okay.”
14. “We’ll miss you at the event. Take care.”
15. “We were eagerly waiting for you. We’ll miss you.”
16. “Wish you could have made it. We’ll miss you.”
17. “We’ll miss your energy and charm. Hope to catch up soon.”
18. “We’ll be missing out on your great company.”
19. “We’ll miss your presence and laughter.”
20. “We’ll miss you. Your absence is our loss.”

Try to let it go if you two aren’t super close

1. “No problem, thanks for letting me know!”

2. “All good, maybe another time!”

3. “Thanks for the heads up!”

4. “No worries, have a great day!”

5. “Understood, thanks for your response!”

6. “Cool, thanks for telling me!”

7. “That’s okay, take care!”

8. “No issue, appreciate your honesty!”

9. “Got it, thanks for the quick reply!”

10. “Alright, thanks for letting me know. Have a good one!”

Feel free to ask why if they’re a close friend or family

1. “No problem! Just curious, is everything okay?”

2. “Thanks for letting me know. Is there any particular reason?”

3. “Understood. Hope all is well, anything you want to talk about?”

4. “I respect that. Is there something going on you’d like to share?”

5. “Got it. If you don’t mind me asking, why can’t you make it?”

6. “Thanks for the heads up. Is everything alright on your end?”

7. “No worries. Just wondering, is there a specific reason?”

8. “I understand. Anything you feel like sharing with me?”

9. “Okay, no issue. Is there something I should know?”

10. “All good. Just out of concern, is there a reason?”

Be upfront about your feelings if you’re hurt

1. “I’m a bit disappointed, but I understand. Thanks for letting me know.”

2. “Honestly, I’m a little sad to hear that, but I appreciate your honesty.”

3. “I was really looking forward to it, so it’s a bummer. Thanks for telling me, though.”

4. “Not going to lie, I’m a bit upset, but I get it. Thanks for the heads up.”

5. “Feeling a little down about this, but I respect your decision. Thanks for being honest.”

6. “I was excited about our plans, so this is a bit disheartening. Thanks for informing me.”

7. “This news is a bit of a letdown, but I understand things happen. Thanks for letting me know.”

8. “Kind of hurt to miss this chance to meet, but I appreciate your response.”

9. “I won’t hide that I’m a bit hurt, but I respect your choice. Thanks for being upfront.”

10. “Feeling a little let down, but life goes on. Thanks for your honesty.”

Consider negotiating if it’s a practical issue

1. “Understood! If it’s a timing issue, can we find a better date that works for you?”

2. “No problem! Is there a location that’s more convenient for you?”

3. “Got it! Would it help if we changed the time or place?”

4. “I see. If it’s about the day, are there other days that are better for you?”

5. “Thanks for letting me know. Is there anything I can do to make it easier for you to join?”

6. “That’s too bad. If it’s because of the event’s timing, we can find a more suitable slot for you.”

7. “I respect your decision. If it’s about childcare, we can arrange a babysitter.”

8. “I understand your concern. If it’s dietary restrictions, we can accommodate your food preferences or requirements.”

9. “No worries. If the dress code is bothering you, it’s more casual than formal.”

10. “Completely understand if you’re busy. If work is keeping you away, perhaps I can help find a balance.”

11. “I was hoping you could make it. If it’s about the cost, it’s taken care of.”

12. “Oh, that’s unfortunate. If it’s a matter of transportation, I can arrange a ride for you.”

13. “Not a problem. If the venue is a concern, we can choose a more convenient place.”

14. “I understand if you can’t make it this time. We have more events in the future and would love to have you join us then.”

15. “No worries if you can’t attend. If you have any concerns or doubts, I’m happy to help.”