STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Here is what my Emily Post book says:

When an invitation includes an RSVP but no response card, be guided by the information on the invitation.  If there's an address below the RSVP notation, write to the hosts at that address.  When there is no address on the invitation itself, respond to the return address on the mailing envelope. 

Written responses are written by hand, normally on plain or bordered notepaper or monogrammed stationery.  When you regret, excuses are not included, but in a personal note, you might explain your absence if you want.

There are three basic types of responses:

Formal response.  Written in the 3rd person, this reply follows the wording of the formal invitation:

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Smith

accept with pleasure

your kind invitation

for Saturday, the nineteenth of June

Informal response.  Written in the first person, these replies reflect, but don't mimic, the phrasing of a formal or informal invitation:

We are happy to share your joy

and look forward to attending

the marriage of your daughter

Anna Karen

on Saturday, the nineteenth of June

Meredith and Harold Smith

or

I sincerely regret

that I cannot attend

your wedding

on Friday, the second of April

Jack Saunders

Personal note.  Usually written to hosts you know well, a personal note should be brief but sincere:

Dear Ann and John,

Rob and I are delighted to accept your invitation to attend Margaret and Tom's wedding on June nineteenth.

Yours sincerely,

Britany Ellis

or

Dear Agatha,

I am so sorry that I can't join you and Max for your wedding.  I have to be in Chicago on business, but you two will be first in my thoughts on your special day.

Love to you both,

Dottie

Hope that helps!

it looks like you're set with the rsvp info, but I just wanted to comment on how interesting English weddings are!  I'm assuming you haven't been to one yet - it's a bit different.  My husband and I went to one in Quorn (in Leicestershire) in a 12th century church.  before the ceremony we accompanied the groom at the pub down the street from the church for a pre-wedding drink (traditional for the groom to do this). the church (being so old and made of stone) was cold (this was in the autumn) and the bride and groom do all the legal paperwork at the altar.  anyway - it was different & fun.  when is the wedding?

I didn't wear a hat, and I believe there were only a few who wore them.

I found the following from a British advice column about wearing a hat to a wedding:

"As for the hat, it's a bit late for Accessorize as they are doing woolly hats now, but have a look in House of Fraser, Debenhams and John Lewis for hats to suit your budget. Failing that you could always try a cute hair accessory (try www.johnnylovesrosie.co.uk) or even go hatless! You don't have to wear a hat unless you want to, and big brimmed straw ones can be ageing on a young person."