Handwritten acceptance, most formal

This is the most formal way to respond to a wedding invitation. Most people today do not use this form, and I do not really recommend it, because it provides more opportunity for confusion if the host is unfamiliar with the formal conventions. Notice that our guests are accepting the invitation to the reception. Traditionally it was impossible to accept an invitation to the ceremony, because they took place in a house of God, which requires no invitation for entry.

Note that the location of the reception is optional, and both the location and the time are omitted when declining.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jones
accept with pleasure
the kind invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
to the wedding reception of their daughter
Helen
and
Mr. John Matthew Smith
on Saturday, 23rd March
at 3:00 pm

Handwritten acceptance

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jones
accept with pleasure
the kind invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
for
Saturday, 23rd March
at 1:00 pm

Handwritten regrets

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jones
regret that they are unable to accept
the very kind invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
for
Saturday, 23rd March

Handwritten split acceptance/regret

If more than one person has been invited, but not all are able to attend, the following form is used:

Mr. Mark Jones
accepts with pleasure
the kind invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
for
Saturday, 23rd March
at 1:00 pm
Mrs. Mark Jones
regrets that she is unable to attend

Handwritten acceptance with children

If you and your children are invited on one invitation, their names should have been written on the inner envelope along with yours. You would respond the same way:

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jones
Hazel, Charles and Margaret
accept with pleasure
the kind invitation of
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
for
Saturday, 23rd March