What Does “Thanks for the Invite” Mean? Plus, When & How to Use It

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Learn how to accept or reject invitations politely

Co-authored by Bailey Cho Reviewed by Tami Claytor

Last Updated: August 23, 2023 Fact Checked

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• Meaning
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• Usage
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• Alternative Phrases

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“Thanks for the invite” is a casual way to thank friends and family members for inviting you to an event. We'll explain when and how to use this phrase, plus provide more formal alternatives for professional or workplace invitations. With this guide, you'll learn how to express appreciation and accept or decline invitations gracefully.

Things You Should Know

• “Thanks for the invite” is an informal response to thank someone for inviting you to an event.
• Follow up with another sentence to confirm whether you can attend the event, such as “I’d love to go” or “Unfortunately, I have to pass.”
• Alternatively, use the phrases “Thank you for the invitation” or “I appreciate the invitation” to express gratitude in formal and professional settings.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

What does "Thanks for the invite" mean?

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1. “Thanks for the invite” is used to express gratitude for an invitation. Whether you’re invited to a New Year’s Eve celebration or a friend’s graduation, “Thanks for the invite” is a casual way to thank someone for inviting you to an event. The phrase is often stated before you accept or decline their invitation, and it’s strictly reserved for informal settings with friends, family members, and close colleagues.

   • Technically speaking, "Thanks for the invitation" is more grammatically correct than "Thanks for the invite" because invitation is a noun while invite is a verb, though it can sometimes be used as a noun, such as in the case of this phrase.
   • The phrase “Thanks for the invite” doesn’t replace an RSVP or confirm that you’re attending an event, but it does share your gratitude for getting invited in the first place.
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Section 2 of 3:

When & How to Use "Thanks for the Invite"

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1. 1
   Reply with “Thanks for the invite” when accepting an invitation. Did you just get invited to a party, dinner, or celebration? Use “Thanks for the invite” to respond to the other person and show them your appreciation. It’s a polite and informal way to affirm you got their message. Just be sure to confirm whether you can accept their invitation with a follow-up sentence.

   • Them: “We’re grabbing a late dinner after work. Do you want to join?”
   • You: “Thanks for the invite! I’d love to go with you guys. What time?”
2. 2
   Use “Thanks for the invite” to soften your rejection of an invitation. Even if you can’t make it to an event, it’s common courtesy to thank the other person for inviting you. Briefly explain why you can’t attend, or express how badly you wish to be there. Offering a detailed response is more genuine and polite, and it lets the other person know that you’re not just brushing them off.

   • Them: “The squad is going out Thursday night. You down?”
   • You: “Oooh, thanks for the invite! I actually have a major presentation the next morning, so I think I’ll have to pass. I totally wish I could go out with you guys though😢”
3. 3
   Say “Thanks for the invite” after you’ve attended an event to be polite. If you enjoyed your time at the event, thank the person who invited you as you’re leaving. Take a few minutes to socialize and let them know that you had a wonderful experience—it’s sure to make them feel good inside!

   • “Thanks for the invite! The dinner was delicious, and your house is beautiful.”
   • “Again, thanks so much for the invite. My husband and I had the best time!”
   • “Thanks for the invitation. It’s been a blast!”
4. 4
   Use “Thanks for the invite” sarcastically if you didn’t get invited to a gathering. If your friends or family members do something fun without letting you know, use “Thanks for the invite” as a snide way to call them out on their behavior. Throw in an emoji to convey slight annoyance, or send the phrase with a passive-aggressive period to show that you’re seriously upset.

   • “Ummm, Paris?! Thanks for the invite 😒”
   • “So, everyone went to Nobu last night? Thanks for the invite.”
   • “Was anyone going to tell me you guys went on vacation? Thanks for the invite😔”
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Section 3 of 3:

Alternative Phrases

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1. 1
   "Thank you for the invitation." Whether you’re invited to a business dinner, fundraising event, or conference, use this phrase to thank someone for inviting you in formal and professional settings. It’s simple, polite, and lets the other person know that you received their message, but be sure to confirm whether you can attend the event in a follow-up sentence.

   • “Jeanette, thank you for the invitation. I’m happy to sit in the meeting on Monday, and I will be available to sign the contract afterward.”
   • “Bob, thank you for the invitation. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the event because I will be out of the country, but I hope you consider me for the next one.”
   • “Thank you for the invitation. I would love to represent our brand at the charity gala next Friday! Please send me additional details about the event when you have time.”
2. 2
   "I appreciate the invitation." Whether you’re speaking to someone in person or over email, respond to a professional invitation with this polite and formal phrase. It shows you appreciate the other person’s efforts to include you, even if you can’t attend their event.

   • “Kevin, I really appreciate your invitation. I will attend the workshop on Thursday, and I am more than happy to present the data from the project.”
   • “I appreciate the invitation. I will be at the trade show on Thursday morning, but I am available to meet up for lunch at 2PM. Does that time work for you?”
   • “Beth, I appreciate your invitation. Unfortunately, I have a medical appointment during that time, but I am free afterward. Please let me know what other times you are available.”
3. 3
   "Thank you for thinking of me." If someone goes out of their way to include you in something or they invite you to lift your spirits, use this phrase to properly thank them. Maybe they invite you to a group dinner when no one else does, or maybe they ask you to grab a drink after a stressful week at work. No matter who is inviting you, respond with “Thank you for thinking of me” to let them know how much you appreciate their effort and care.

   • Them: “I noticed you were having a hard time this week. Want to go for a hike this weekend?”
   • You: “Thank you for thinking of me. 🥹❤️ I would love that! What time should we meet up?”
4. 4
   "I’ll be there." If a friend, family member, or close colleague invites you to an event, reply with this phrase to let them know you can attend. It’s friendly, casual, and straight to the point, and it’s perfect for when you don’t have any questions to ask them.

   • Them: “We’re going to Kylie’s party on Friday. Wanna join?”
   • You: “I’ll be there!”
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