When someone invites you to an event, a party, a gathering, or even a virtual meet-up, it’s more than just a casual gesture—it’s a sign that they value your presence. Saying “Thanks for the invite” is polite, but it’s also one of those phrases that can feel a bit overused or generic.
You’ve probably found yourself wanting to express your gratitude in a way that feels warmer, more genuine, or even a little more stylish. Maybe it’s for a friend’s dinner party, a coworker’s networking event, or a relative’s wedding. No matter the occasion, how you say thank you can leave a lasting impression.
The good news is, you don’t have to stick to the same old “Thanks for the invite.” There are plenty of creative and heartfelt alternatives that can make your response stand out while still feeling authentic. Some options are casual and playful, perfect for friends, while others are more formal and polished for professional settings.
In this guide, you’ll discover 12 other ways to say “Thanks for the invite”—complete with examples, tone suggestions, and little tips to help you choose the right one for any situation. Each phrase is broken down so you can see when and how to use it, ensuring you’re never short of the perfect response.
By the end, you’ll have a variety of go-to phrases that feel natural, express genuine appreciation, and make your relationships a little brighter. Whether you want to sound warm, witty, elegant, or straightforward, there’s an option here for you.
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Let’s dive into the list and find the perfect way to express your thanks.
1. “I Really Appreciate the Invitation”
Sometimes, simple sincerity is the best choice. “I really appreciate the invitation” is warm and straightforward, showing genuine gratitude without sounding overly casual.
You might use this in situations where you want to keep things polite but personal—such as being invited to a wedding, formal dinner, or business event. It works well in both spoken and written communication, whether you’re replying via email, text, or in person.
Breaking it into context, imagine a coworker invites you to a company gala. Responding with, “I really appreciate the invitation—it means a lot to me,” not only thanks them but also acknowledges their thoughtfulness.
You can make this phrase even warmer by adding a personal detail:
- “I really appreciate the invitation. I’ve heard great things about this event, and I’m looking forward to it.”
- “I really appreciate the invitation—it’s been far too long since we caught up.”
This choice works because it strikes the perfect balance between friendly and respectful. You’re not just acknowledging the invite; you’re making it clear that you value the person’s effort in including you.
2. “It Means a Lot That You Thought of Me”
When you want to add emotional depth to your thanks, this phrase is perfect. It goes beyond a simple thank you by showing you recognize the personal gesture behind the invite.
Use this when the invitation feels special or unexpected—like being invited to join a close-knit family dinner or being included in a small, private gathering. The sentiment here emphasizes the relationship you share with the person.
For example:
- “It means a lot that you thought of me. I’d be honored to join.”
- “It means a lot that you thought of me—thank you for including me.”
This is a particularly great choice for building stronger personal connections. It acknowledges the emotional weight of the invitation and makes the other person feel appreciated in return.
When used in professional networking, this phrase can subtly convey respect and gratitude without feeling overly formal. Just make sure to pair it with a clear confirmation or polite decline if you can’t attend.
3. “I’m Grateful You Included Me”
This is a warm, inclusive way to express thanks. By using the word “included,” you’re highlighting the feeling of belonging—which can be especially important in social situations where people value connection.
You might use this when someone invites you to an event with a specific group—such as a team lunch, friends’ trip, or family celebration. It tells them that you notice and appreciate their effort to make you feel part of the group.
Examples:
- “I’m grateful you included me—it sounds like a wonderful time.”
- “I’m grateful you included me; I can’t wait to catch up with everyone.”
Adding a follow-up comment about the event or the people attending helps make your response feel even warmer. This phrase works equally well in casual chats and more formal situations, making it a versatile option to keep in your back pocket.
4. “Thanks for Thinking of Me”
Short, sweet, and meaningful—this phrase works beautifully for both casual and semi-formal settings. It’s perfect for those times when the invite itself feels thoughtful, even if you can’t attend.
You might say:
- “Thanks for thinking of me—I wish I could be there.”
- “Thanks for thinking of me. I’d love to join.”
It’s a go-to choice for responding to last-minute invites or friendly gestures like a coffee meetup. It’s also an ideal phrase when declining an invitation, as it still leaves the other person feeling appreciated.
The beauty of this phrase lies in its flexibility—you can easily dress it up or down depending on the situation. It works whether you’re speaking to a close friend, a colleague, or even an acquaintance.
5. “I’m Honored by the Invitation”
If you’ve been invited to something formal, exclusive, or meaningful, “I’m honored by the invitation” conveys deep respect and gratitude. It’s a step above casual thanks, making it suitable for professional events, formal celebrations, and significant personal occasions.
For example:
- “I’m honored by the invitation—it would be a privilege to attend.”
- “I’m honored by the invitation. Thank you for thinking of me.”
This phrase works well when you want to acknowledge the importance of the event and the fact that the host specifically wanted you there. It’s an elegant way to respond, especially if you’re writing a formal acceptance note.
6. “I Truly Value the Invitation”
This is another formal-yet-friendly alternative that fits well in situations where the invite feels especially meaningful. It emphasizes your appreciation in a way that feels sincere and respectful.
You might say:
- “I truly value the invitation and look forward to attending.”
- “I truly value the invitation—it’s always a joy to spend time with you.”
This phrase works best when paired with a warm follow-up comment. It shows you see the invitation as more than just a logistical detail—you see it as a gesture of kindness and connection.
7. “So Kind of You to Invite Me”
This phrase adds a touch of old-fashioned charm. It’s a polite, gentle way to express thanks, making it great for more traditional or formal events.
You could say:
- “So kind of you to invite me—I’m really looking forward to it.”
- “So kind of you to invite me, thank you.”
It’s especially nice for situations where you want to convey warmth without being overly casual. This makes it a safe and thoughtful choice for everything from community gatherings to family celebrations.
8. “I’m Looking Forward to It”
This is a great option when you want to show enthusiasm in addition to gratitude. It works well when you’ve already accepted the invitation and want to emphasize your excitement.
For example:
- “Thanks for the invite! I’m looking forward to it.”
- “I’m looking forward to it—it sounds like it will be an amazing time.”
It’s upbeat, friendly, and perfect for keeping the tone positive. This one works in nearly any setting, making it a versatile addition to your thank-you vocabulary.
9. “I Appreciate You Including Me”
This phrase is closely related to “I’m grateful you included me,” but it adds a subtle emphasis on the personal connection between you and the host.
Example uses:
- “I appreciate you including me—it means a lot.”
- “I appreciate you including me. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone.”
It’s a great way to show that you value the thought behind the invitation, not just the event itself.
10. “Much Obliged”
For something a little different, you could use “Much obliged.” It has a friendly, almost old-fashioned feel that can make your response stand out.
You might say:
- “Much obliged for the invite—I’ll be there.”
- “Much obliged, but I won’t be able to make it this time.”
It’s best used in informal settings or when you have a rapport with the person inviting you. The phrase is short but memorable, and it works especially well in spoken conversation.
11. “That’s Very Thoughtful of You”
This is perfect for when you want to highlight the kindness of the gesture. It’s warm, genuine, and works in both casual and professional settings.
You could say:
- “That’s very thoughtful of you—thank you for inviting me.”
- “That’s very thoughtful of you, and I’d love to attend.”
It shifts the focus slightly from the invitation itself to the act of inviting, which can make your gratitude feel even more personal.
12. “I Can’t Wait”
Sometimes, excitement is the best thank you. “I can’t wait” shows your enthusiasm and appreciation all at once.
Examples:
- “Thanks for the invite—I can’t wait!”
- “I can’t wait! It’s going to be so much fun.”
It’s a lighthearted, energetic choice that works well for friendly, informal events. This phrase makes the host feel like you’re genuinely excited to be there.
Conclusion
Finding the right way to say “Thanks for the invite” can help you strengthen relationships, make the host feel appreciated, and express your personality. Whether you choose something heartfelt like “It means a lot that you thought of me” or something enthusiastic like “I can’t wait,” your words have the power to set the tone for the event and your connection with the person inviting you.
Next time you receive an invitation—whether it’s to a formal dinner, a casual get-together, or a work function—consider choosing a phrase that fits the occasion and your relationship with the host. By doing so, you’re not just saying thanks; you’re making the moment feel more personal and memorable.
FAQs
1. Is it okay to say “Thanks for the invite” in a professional setting?
Yes, but for formal situations, you might want to choose a more polished alternative like “I’m honored by the invitation” or “I truly value the invitation.”
2. How can I make my thank-you sound more genuine?
Add a personal touch—mention something specific about the event or why you’re excited to attend.
3. What’s the best short alternative to “Thanks for the invite”?
“Thanks for thinking of me” is short, sweet, and works in most situations.
4. Should I still thank someone if I can’t attend?
Absolutely. A polite decline paired with gratitude helps maintain goodwill.
5. Can I use humor when thanking someone for an invite?
Yes, as long as you know the person well and the event is informal. Humor can make your response feel fun and memorable.
