14 Engagement Party Invitations to Get the Party Started

1. RSVP "no" early

As soon as you receive an invitation, you probably have an idea of whether or not you can or want to attend. Decline ASAP so the host has an opportunity to invite someone else, get a refund on your seat, and plan accordingly. Plus, you don’t want to carry the burden of accepting and dreading the event for weeks. It’s way more emotionally draining, and confusing for the host.

If you do want to attend, but are unsure if you can, check your calendar and let the host know your circumstances. Perhaps your sister is expecting her first baby around the same time as your college roommate’s wedding. Reach out to your friend directly and let them know that you may be able to come, or would like to come, but it’s dependent on another important factor.

Chances are, the host will respect and appreciate your honesty. And remember: for big events like weddings, guests = money, so giving the hosts as much time as possible to make adjustments before their event is imperative.

2. You don't have to explain yourself

This is a bit contradictory to what we just said, but if it’s not an up-in-the-air type of situation, you can just say “no.” Plain and simple. Hosts don’t need a laundry list of reasons you can’t go, and you don’t need to share yours.

3. Declining is *actually* quite respectful

Responding to someone, whether it’s an enthusiastic “yes” or a “no,” is way better than not responding at all – or worse, canceling at the last minute. It shows that you care enough about the person to give them an answer, and that your friendship allows for open communication. With anyone in your life, you should be allowed to ask for what you want, and what you need. If you can’t do this for yourself, do it for Future You.

4. Don't make up excuses

It’s just a no-no. If you fabricate an excuse, it can lead to way worse (and certainly more awkward) situations. For example, if you say you can’t go deep sea fishing this Saturday (when it’s really about not wanting to fish), the person might ask you to go with them another time, evidently putting you on the hook (pun VERY intended) for future excursions.

Alternatively, if you opt for blowing them off and they find out, they’ll probably feel worse and assume your response was personal to them. Whether or not that’s true is besides the point.

Being a bit more honest always goes a long way. Oh, and BTW, refusing an invitation isn’t that deep! Truly. It’s literally fine.

5. How to say "no"

Saying no is all about what you say and how you say it. Aim for a warm, neutral and matter-of-fact tone paired with a short, candid response. Don’t beg for forgiveness (and TBH if you have to do this, they’re probably not a great friend in the first place), give them a vague reason as to why you can’t go, or get defensive if they have questions. Repeat after us: saying no is normal!

BTW – by declining an invite you have to allow others to do the same. So if someone declines an invitation to your birthday party (which we know will be totally amazing), it’s OK.

Rifle Paper Co. Fall Foliage Invitation

Rifle Paper Co. does it again with this gorgeous fall foliage-inspired digital invite. The cute squirrels, owls, birds, and acorns in the design are absolutely the icing on the cake (or the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie, as it were).

minted. Give Thanks Wreath Invitation

If you're leaning toward a thick, rustic cardboard-inspired invitation, you still digital options in the digital world. This design even has a grainy texture for that lived-in, elevated casual vibe.

Mint Parcel Gourdness Gracious Invitation

Dot your invites with colorful gourds with this super cute and playfully chic design. As a bonus, you can use this color palette for your fall tablescape at the big event.

minted. Friendsgiving Wreath Invitation

Another cardboard-inpired option, this evite is the perfect complement to a party decorated in farmhouse or rustic fashion. Accent your table with wheat and pampas grass, add a burlap table runner, and tie fall leaves with little swigs of twine to create the perfect aesthetic.

Paper Raven Co. Lovely Oak Leaves Invitation

If you're the designated Friendsgiving host this year, consider this impeccably styled evite. If this isn't your exact color scheme, never fear — this design comes in three different colorways so you can be sure your invitation matches your event.

minted. Harvest Table Invitation

Tell your guests this year's party is going to be just as stylish as its pre-COVID precursors with this stunning invitation hued with neutrals, peach, and green.

Signature Green Envelope Give Thanks Invitation

Not one to shy away from making a statement? This elegant invite stands out with a boldly showcased message about what the holiday is really about: Gratitude.

Mr. Boddington's Studio Hands Full Invitation

Keep things chill with this casual, fun, and beautiful design. If you're not one to take yourself too seriously but still plan on hosting a stunning event, this paperless invite is for you.

Rifle Paper Co. Harvest Floral Invitation

Celebrate the harvest with this beautiful and on-trend invitation that showcases all the colors of fall. Your guests will expect the *most* pretty event when they receive this in their inbox.

Lori Danielle Autumn Warmth Invitation

Another Friendsgiving-specific option, this invitation showcases the rich, deeply saturated jewel tones for which autumn is known. Bonus points if you coordinate your outfit with this one.

Paperless Post Good Friends Good Food Invitation

Go modern with this typography-focused design that practically begs to be used if you live in a loft (or have an industrial design scheme in your home).

Felix Doolittle Falling Foliage Invitation

Forgoing the in-person gathering this year in lieu of a virtual party? Fancy up the occasion with an elegant invite so your friends and family can rest assured your new tradition is just as exciting as ever.

Land's End Slender Suit Wrap One Piece Swimsuit

The wrap silhouette on this suit is nothing but flattering, hugging in your waist to a tee.

Summersalt The Ruched Sidestroke One Piece

Add a little pinch of playfulness into your swim look with an asymmetrical strap! Plus, an all-black number will never not be chic.

Shade & Shore Shirred Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit

Square necklines are exceptionally flattering on plus-size body types, adding a feminine vibe to your collarbone and chest areas. The floral pattern on this particular one-piece is also springtime's perfect match – spring break, anyone?!

Lane Bryant Underwire Balconette Bikini Top

With plenty of support up top, this balconette-style bikini top will have the girls sittin' right.

Land's End Plus Size Ruffle Hem Mini Swim Skirt

For added coverage, swim skirts are the way to go – but they don't always have to be bulky! This one is frilled up with a subtle ruffled hem to give your gorgeous body added shape.

Wild Fable Bow Front Triangle Bikini Top

Polka dot swimsuits are everything this season. If you want to show some more skin, this adorable bikini (complete with bows on the front and sides!) is calling your name.

Land's End Plus Size Slender Suit Wrap Tankini Top

Tankinis offer a nice balance between a one-piece and a bikini, erasing the difficulty of putting (and taking off) a one-piece and covering up spaces where traditional bikinis simply don't cover. This top even comes ready with a slenderizing design so you can feel stunning in your curves!

Summersalt The Ruffle Oasis One Piece

Ruffles truly have our heart! This one-piece with ruffled straps is perfectly sectioned from bottom to top with a contrasting pattern to keep your look from being too monotonous.

Wild Fable Removable Rosette Extra High Leg Extra Cheeky One Piece Swimsuit

Okay, yes. Look at those lil' flowers! We adore that this one-piece lets some skin peek out without being too revealing or cheap-looking. Plus, the bold red color makes such a statement, whether you're at the beach or sitting poolside.

Shade & Shore Ruffle Plunge Tankini Top

Fitting you more like a top would, this ruffled cutie has all the coziness – and a gorgeous floral pattern – included.

Summersalt The Sea Breeze Cutout One-Piece

The retro revival is here! The bold stripes on the top half of this one piece swimsuit are totally classic, though not too overwhelming since the bottom half boasts a solid shade.