Content updated on 24 April 2026
A wedding. A birthday party. A school function. How do we formally or informally request someone's presence? Invitations and their replies are an essential part of social and official communication. In this lesson for Class 11 and 12 students, you'll learn the difference between formal and informal invitations, the correct format for each, and how to write polite, well‑structured replies. Whether it's a printed card for a grand event or a warm note to a friend, this guide will help you craft invitations and responses with elegance and accuracy.
✅ Recommended for: Class 11–12 (Social & Formal Writing) | CBSE & UP Board
(Click any topic to jump straight to that section)
1. What are Invitations & Replies?
An invitation is a written request for a person's presence at an event. A reply is the response—accepting or declining. Invitations are of two types: Formal (printed cards for official events, weddings, school functions) and Informal (personal letters or notes to friends and family). Replies follow the same formality level as the invitation received.
2. Format of a Formal Invitation (Card Style)
A formal invitation is written in the third person, using full sentences without abbreviations. It is laid out like a card:
- Host's name(s): "Mr. and Mrs. Sharma request the pleasure of your company..."
- Event: The occasion (wedding, annual function, inauguration).
- Guest's name: Often included: "...at the marriage of their daughter Anjali with..."
- Date, Time, Venue: Clearly mentioned in separate lines.
- RSVP: Contact details for confirmation (optional but common).
Example: "Mr. and Mrs. Joshi solicit your gracious presence at the wedding reception of their son Rahul on 15th May 2026 at 8 PM, Hotel Grand, Delhi. RSVP: 98765XXXXX."
3. Format of an Informal Invitation (Letter Style)
An informal invitation is written like a friendly letter, in first/second person.
- Sender's Address and Date: At the top left.
- Salutation: "Dear Riya,"
- Body: The invitation in a warm tone—mention the event, why the guest should come, time, place.
- Closing: "Yours lovingly / With love," and your name.
4. Format of a Reply (Acceptance / Refusal)
Replies are also of two types:
- Formal Reply: Third person, mirroring the card style. "Ms. Sneha Kapoor thanks Mr. and Mrs. Sharma for the invitation and has great pleasure in accepting it."
- Informal Reply: Friendly letter, warm acceptance or polite refusal with a reason. "Dear Aunt, thank you for the invite! I'd absolutely love to come. See you on the 15th!"
5. Solved Examples (5 Complete Sets)
Show Solution
Anjali
with
Kartik
(Son of Mr. and Mrs. Suresh Nair)
Time: 8:30 PM onwards
Venue: The Grand Banquet, Civil Lines, Agra
Ms. Priya Kapoor and family thank Mr. and Mrs. Rajendra Verma for their gracious invitation to the wedding of Anjali and Kartik on 12th December 2026 and have great pleasure in accepting it.
They wish the couple a lifetime of happiness.
Show Solution
Delhi Public School, Noida
Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: School Auditorium
Mr. and Mrs. Rajan Gupta thank the Principal, DPS Noida, for the kind invitation to the Annual Day Celebration on 22nd February 2027 but regret their inability to attend owing to a prior family engagement.
They send their best wishes for a successful event.
Show Solution
New Delhi – 110016
Guess what? I'm turning 18 on 10th May, and I'm throwing a small party at my place! There'll be music, cake, and all our favourite snacks. It wouldn't be a real celebration without you.
The party starts at 6 PM. Come a bit early—we'll catch up before the others arrive. Let me know if you can make it. I'm already excited!
Oh, I wouldn't miss it for the world! Thank you so much for inviting me. I'll be there by 5:30 PM, and I'm bringing a little surprise (no peeking!).
Really looking forward to celebrating with you. See you on the 10th!
Show Solution
Jaipur – 302020
We've finally settled into our new home, and Mummy has planned a Griha Pravesh pooja on 8th May at 10 AM. It's a small family gathering, and your presence would mean the world to all of us. Do try to come with Bhabhi. The blessings and your warm company will make our new house feel like home.
Hope to see you!
Congratulations to all of you on the new house! I wish I could be there to celebrate, but unfortunately, I have a pre‑scheduled business trip to Mumbai on the 7th and won't return until the 9th. I feel terrible missing this special occasion.
I'll definitely visit as soon as I'm back. Sending lots of love and blessings for the pooja.
Show Solution
Springfields School, Shimla
"Colours of the Hills"
An Annual Student Art Exhibition
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: School Art Gallery
Smt. Nandini Varma thanks the Arts Club of Springfields School for the invitation to inaugurate the exhibition "Colours of the Hills" on 18th April 2026 and confirms her gracious presence.
She looks forward to witnessing the creative spirit of the young artists.
6. Practice Questions (Write Your Own Invitations & Replies)
Show Sample Answer
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: The Roseate, NH-8, New Delhi
Show Sample Answer
Summer's here, and I'm planning a 3‑day trek to Triund near Dharamshala from 5th to 7th June. A few of us from college are going, and it won't be the same without you. The views are breathtaking, and we'll camp under the stars! Let me know soon—booking needs to be done.
Show Sample Answer
DAV International School, Amritsar
Time: 9:00 AM
Venue: School Assembly Ground
Show Sample Answer
Guess what? I'm receiving the Best Speaker award at our Annual Function on 20th November, and you have to be there—it's because of your bedtime stories that I love speaking! The function starts at 5 PM at school. Papa will pick you up. Please, please come.
Show Sample Answer
St. Xavier's Senior Secondary School, Ranchi
Knowledge Centre – New Library Block
Time: 10:30 AM
Venue: School Library Block
- Advertisement Writing Guide — Classified & display ads.
- Job Application & Bio‑data — Professional job applications.
- Hindi Grammar Hub — เคจिเคฎंเคค्เคฐเคฃ เคเคฐ เคเคค्เคคเคฐ เคฒेเคเคจ।
- Worksheets Master Hub — Practice sheets for every topic.
๐ Invitation Writing & Replies Worksheet – Class 11 & 12
This worksheet provides extensive practice in writing formal and informal invitations and replies. It includes card‑style and letter‑style prompts, reply drafting tasks, and full invitation sets. Includes 50 questions.
Invitation Writing Worksheet »Answer key included • Aligned with CBSE & UP Board curriculum
