How do I politely say I won't be able to attend?

How to Politely Decline an Invitation

There will be times when you’ll be invited to events that you won’t be able to attend. When this happens, it’s important to be polite and respectful when declining.

Here are a few tips on how to say no gracefully:

• Express regret. Let the person know that you regret that you won’t be able to attend their event. You can use phrases like:

  • “I wish I could, but…”
  • “I’m so sorry, but…”
  • “I’m really disappointed that I won’t be able to make it to…”

• Be brief and to the point. Don’t go into a lot of detail about why you can’t attend. Simply state that you have a prior commitment or that you’re unable to make it.

• Offer an alternative. If you’re able to, offer an alternative way to connect with the person. For example, you could suggest meeting for coffee or lunch another time.

Here are a few examples of polite declines:

• “Thank you for the invite, but I won’t be able to attend due to a prior engagement.”
• “I wish I could make it to your party, but I’m already committed to something else that evening.”
• “I’m so sorry, but I won’t be able to attend your wedding. I have a work obligation that I can’t get out of.”

By following these tips, you can politely decline an invitation without hurting the person’s feelings.