Invitations form an important part of social and academic life. In Class XII English Writing Skills, Formal and Informal Invitations and Replies is one of the prescribed topics. Understanding how to draft them correctly is essential for scoring well in exams as well as for real-life communication.
This guide will help you learn:
- What invitations are and why they matter
- The difference between formal and informal invitations
- The correct format with clear explanations
- Model examples of invitations and their replies
What is an Invitation?
An invitation is a written or spoken request asking someone to attend an event such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary, school function, or meeting.
CBSE classifies invitations into two categories:
- Formal Invitations – Polite, structured, and impersonal.
- Informal Invitations – Personal, casual, and friendly.
Difference Between Formal and Informal Invitations
| Feature | Formal Invitation | Informal Invitation |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Polite, dignified, impersonal | Warm, friendly, personal |
| Form | Printed card / official notice / third person | Letter, note, or message in first person |
| Language | Formal, no abbreviations, uses passive/third person | Simple, conversational, direct |
| Purpose | Weddings, official functions, ceremonies | Birthdays, family gatherings, casual events |
| Replies | In third person, very short and precise | In first/second person, expressive |
1. Formal Invitations
Key Features
- Written in third person (not “I” or “we”).
- No abbreviations (write Doctor not Dr., September not Sept.).
- Simple, polite, and precise language.
- No signature required in printed cards, but details must be complete.
Format of a Formal Invitation (Card Style)
1. Name of host/organisation
2. Standard phrase of invitation (solicits the pleasure of your company, cordially invites, etc.)
3. Name of person(s) invited
4. Occasion/event
5. Day, date, time
6. Venue
7. RSVP (Reply if needed)
Example – Formal Invitation (Card Style)
Question: Draft a formal invitation on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Sharma who are hosting their daughter’s wedding.
Answer:
Mr. and Mrs. R.K. Sharma
solicit the pleasure of your company
on the auspicious occasion of the marriage of their daughter
Ananya
with
Rohit
(son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Mehra)
on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025
at 8:00 p.m. onwards
Venue: The Grand Palace, Civil Lines, Aligarh
RSVP
Mr. R.K. Sharma: 9810xxxxxx
Formal Reply (Acceptance)
Mr. and Mrs. S. Mehra
thank Mr. and Mrs. R.K. Sharma
for their kind invitation
to the marriage of their daughter Ananya
on 22nd January 2025
and shall be pleased to attend the ceremony.
Formal Reply (Regret)
Mr. and Mrs. S. Mehra
thank Mr. and Mrs. R.K. Sharma
for their kind invitation
to the marriage of their daughter Ananya
on 22nd January 2025
but regret their inability to attend
due to a prior engagement.
2. Informal Invitations
Key Features
- Written in the style of a personal letter or message.
- Use first person (I/we).
- Tone is warm, affectionate, and direct.
- Can include personal touches, like asking about health or sharing excitement.
Format of an Informal Invitation (Letter Style)
1. Sender’s address
2. Date
3. Salutation (Dear …)
4. Body (event details: occasion, time, venue, etc.)
5. Complimentary close (Yours lovingly/affectionately)
6. Name of the sender
Example – Informal Invitation
Question: Write an informal invitation to your friend to attend your birthday party.
Answer:
12, Zakir Bagh
New Delhi
20th July 2025
Dear Rohan,
I am turning 18 this Sunday, and I cannot imagine celebrating it without you.
We are hosting a small get-together at my place on 23rd July at 6:30 p.m.
There will be music, games, and lots of food.
Do come and make my evening special.
Yours lovingly,
Arjun
Informal Reply (Acceptance)
15, Rose Apartments
New Delhi
21st July 2025
Dear Arjun,
Thank you for inviting me to your birthday party. I’ll surely be there on 23rd July and I am excited to celebrate with you.
With love,
Rohan
Informal Reply (Regret)
15, Rose Apartments
New Delhi
21st July 2025
Dear Arjun,
I wish you a very happy birthday in advance. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend your party as I will be out of town with my family that day.
I will surely meet you once I am back.
Warm wishes,
Rohan
Tips for Scoring Full Marks
- Stick to the prescribed word limit (usually 50 words for invitations/replies).
- Do not add unnecessary details.
- Maintain consistency in tense and style (third person for formal, first person for informal).
- Neat presentation: clear structure, proper spacing, correct spellings.
Quick Recap
- Formal Invitation: impersonal, third person, card format, very brief.
- Informal Invitation: personal, first person, letter format, friendly tone.
- Replies: Always short and in the same style as the invitation (formal reply to formal invite, informal reply to informal invite).
Malik Mohd. Arshad is a Senior English Teacher at STS High School, Aligarh Muslim University, with 21+ years of experience in English Language Teaching (ELT). An M.A. in English and Linguistics, he combines traditional academic values with modern digital learning methods. He is also a certified alumnus of the Texas Intensive English Program (USA).