When Is It Okay to RSVP "No" to a Wedding?

Sometimes you know you'll attend a wedding long before you receive the invitation in the mail. Other times, the struggle is real—your pen hovers over the reply card, wavering between the "will attend" and "declines with regret." But is it ever okay to decline? For the answer, we turned to etiquette experts Diane Gottsman and Julie Blais Comeau.

"Before replying 'no,' it's important to consider the relationship you hold with the [couple], and how it will affect your relationship if you choose to skip the wedding," offers Gottsman. "If it's an immediate family member or a very close friend, it's an invitation you should weigh carefully before saying no."

But if the answer is still unclear, these are the three times it's okay to decline:

1. It's a Destination Wedding 

"Couples who are planning destination weddings expect this," explains Comeau. Some may even have a waiting list—the second string of guests they will invite as regrets come in. "Depending on your relationship, you may or may not share that the reason you will not be attending the festivities is financial," Comeau adds. "Should you choose to, it is best to do so in person. The couple may even know of a cousin who can offer you a ride, or a neighbor that has a spare room for that weekend."

2. Obligatory Prior Commitments

If you have a prior commitment that you can't reasonably reschedule, such as a pre-booked, prepaid family vacation, or an important business event that others are relying on you to attend, it's okay to let the newlyweds-to-be know. "Let the couple know there are circumstances out of your control, and you will do whatever you can to help before the big day," Gottsman suggests. "A good friend will understand."

3. Attending Would Cause You Emotional Distress

"For example, if your former sister-in-law invites you to her wedding, you may not want to attend because you don't want to see your ex," offers Gottsman. "Or perhaps you would say no to being a bridesmaid when you know you can't give the duty the responsibility or time it deserves."

Once you decide to decline, you should ideally share the news in person, not through the mail. "Start your wedding invitation regrets by thanking your friend for inviting you," says Comeau. "Don't lie or make up a story, especially if this is a close friend. Explain the reality of your business calendar, family situation, or financial difficulties. But there's no need to go on and on—keep it short and to the point." If you've already purchased it, this is a great time to give the newlyweds-to-be their wedding present, too. "Remember, declining a wedding invitation does not liberate you from the obligatory wedding gift," Comeau says.