Mary Killen Mary Killen

Dear Mary: How do I reject a wedding invitation without causing offence?

iStock 
issue 10 April 2021

Q. I have just been invited to a wedding where the groom will be the only person I know. Much as I like the groom, I don’t really want to go, because the wedding is on New Year’s Eve, in Glasgow. However, he has asked me so far in advance that I can’t think of a reason to say no. Mary, what should I do?
— Name and address withheld

A. Accept immediately with great enthusiasm and the proviso that there is a very small chance there may be a work thing at that time which you can’t talk about but would definitely pre-empt your coming. Send a generous wedding present soon (think how much you will be saving in travel and accommodation costs) and nearer the time cancel, as you feared you might have to. The groom will only remember your initial enthusiasm and your generous present and will feel sorry for you that you cannot come.

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