How To Uninvite Someone Politely? [30 Phrases & Excuses] (2023)

To uninvite someone politely, apologize, and explain the situation clearly and honestly. Express regret and offer an alternative solution or another opportunity to meet. Thank them for their understanding, avoid being confrontational, and make the cancellation as soon as possible. Express hope for future plans to maintain a positive relationship.

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Are you facing a situation where you don’t know how to uninvite someone politely? If yes then don’t worry because I am here to help you with this article.

In a relationship, you will come across many situations where you will need to uninvite someone.

For example, you invited your friend to your house and now he has arrived at your house and you don’t want to see him.

So, here are some tips and phrases that will help you to uninvite someone politely without hurting their feelings.

Contents

  • How To Uninvite Someone Politely
  • How Do You Uninvite Someone You Already Invited?
    • First of all, be polite and respectful.
    • Write down a polite letter explaining the situation.
  • How Do You Politely Uninvite Someone To a Wedding?
    • Step 1: Make It Clear
    • Step 2: Apologies
    • 3: Avoid The Situation
  • Is It Rude To Uninvite People?
  • Conclusion

How To Uninvite Someone Politely

Ever thought about how do you say you’re not invited nicely so that the other person understands you without hurting his/her feelings?

Here’s one example:

If you invited your friend for dinner, but now he’s arrived at your home and you don’t want to see him. So, instead of saying, “I’m not feeling well and can’t join you,” it’s better to say something like:

“I’d love to see you again, but I have an important meeting today. Let’s meet next week at my home.”

Or

“I’d love to see you again, but I have a prior engagement. Let’s meet next month at my home.”

Read on for more phrases and tips.

If you want to unwelcome or exclude someone, then you should use a formal word like uninvited or invite as a polite way. Also, try to keep your statements short and simple. This way, your friends won’t get confused while you try to explain.

These statements, phrases, and excuses to uninvite can help you to give a formal statement in the best way possible.

“I’m sorry, but I have an appointment tomorrow. Can we reschedule for another day?”

“We’d love to see you guys, but we have to attend an important family event.”

“Please don’t visit me for some time as I have a personal matter to handle.”

“I’d love to see you, but I have to leave on a business trip in two days. We can connect over Skype on the day before I leave.”

“I wanted to let you know that you’ll not fit into my schedule for a while. We’ll catch up when I get back.”

“I am sorry but the party is not allowing sober people, It’s only for the beer people.”

“I have a date with my wife and she really wants us to spend the evening together. So, I’d love to hang out with you later.”

“I’m afraid you won’t fit into my schedule for a while. Let’s make plans for the future.”

“I don’t feel like meeting you guys today as I have been sick and I want to take some rest.”

“Sorry, I have some other commitments today. How about we meet at the same time next week?”

“Please don’t come to visit me for the next few days. I have to go away for a short period.”

How To Uninvite Someone Politely? [30 Phrases & Excuses] (2)

“I’m sorry but my plans are already full.”

“Please don’t visit me as I am going through a very difficult time right now.”

“Sorry, but we are having a party at our house and I really want to host it. You can’t come.”

“It’s just a small family function and it doesn’t require any guests, so, I don’t think I can allow you to attend.”

“The situation is very serious and I don’t want to discuss it with anyone.”

“I am sorry, but we’re having a big party in our house and you’ll not fit into our schedule.”

“Please don’t come to visit me for a couple of days. My plans are full for the next few days.”

How Do You Uninvite Someone You Already Invited?

It becomes difficult when you have already invited someone and now you don’t wish to invite them.

Asking an uninvited guest to leave your party is a rude thing to do.

Even if your party is a social gathering, you should not ask a guest to leave unless you are sure that he/she will not cause a scene or cause inconvenience to others.

First of all, be polite and respectful.

After the person has arrived and you know that he/she is coming, call your guests to inform them about the guest and ask them to extend your hospitality.

If they decline, politely let them go.

However, if you know that the person is there to cause trouble or cause inconvenience to others, don’t let him stay.

In such case, a simple message, “Sorry, but this is not an appropriate time for you to visit us”, will do.

How To Uninvite Someone Politely? [30 Phrases & Excuses] (3)

Always you can use some of these phrases.

“I apologize, but I cannot permit my home to become a place for entertaining. Your visit is not welcome here.”

“We are having some private family time right now.”

You can also say, “Hey, why don’t you leave now?”, but you should not say it in public. Instead, say it in private.

Write down a polite letter explaining the situation.

When they come to the door and see your letter, they will understand that you don’t want them to be part of your party.

If this fails, you can explain the situation again by saying that you would like to host a more intimate get-together with close friends only.

You can also make it clear that you don’t want to be disturbed.

This is quite common when you don’t know a person very well. The person who is uninvited may feel hurt and upset and may even threaten to sue you.

How Do You Politely Uninvite Someone To a Wedding?

How To Uninvite Someone Politely? [30 Phrases & Excuses] (4)

A wedding is a great social event that brings people together. At this type of event, it can be really tough to figure out how to politely ask a person to leave the party.

It is especially tough if the guest is someone you don’t know well and you want to avoid getting into an awkward situation.

If you are hosting a wedding, then the following steps will help you out.

Step 1: Make It Clear

People often want to come to the wedding, but if they don’t know you or your spouse, then they may be uncomfortable attending the event.

The best way to tell them that you don’t want them at your wedding is to let them know upfront.

For example, say something like “I’m sorry, but I just don’t think I’d feel comfortable having you attend.”

If you don’t want people at your wedding, then tell them so. They may not like it, but this is the best way to politely get rid of them.

Step 2: Apologies

If you were rude in letting the person know that you don’t want them at your wedding, then make sure to apologize for being such a bad host.

You should also offer an explanation for why you don’t want them there.

If you do not want to spend the time explaining yourself, then simply say something like “I don’t know you well enough to ask you to come to my wedding, but I really appreciate the invitation.” People are usually understanding.

3: Avoid The Situation

If you really want to avoid the situation at all costs, then it would be best to simply stay away from the person.

This will most likely ensure that they won’t want to attend the wedding at all.

Is It Rude To Uninvite People?

Obviously, uninviting peopleare rude and disrespectful, so if you want to avoid that, then you should just stay away from them.

As long as they aren’t causing trouble, you shouldn’t have to worry about hurting their feelings by avoiding them.

However, if you’re not inviting someone, then you can simply say “Thanks for the invitation, but I’ve decided not to include you on my guest list.”

Or, if you have a really good reason for doing so, you will most likely find that your actions will be understood.

If you don’t want to spend the time explaining yourself, then simply state that you don’t feel comfortable having them as a guest.

Conclusion

At last,I think I can safely conclude that the only real option that you have is to explain your actions and give an explanation of why you made the decision you did.

You’ll need to decide whether you’d rather deal with the situation or just skip it together.

However, if they don’t want to go, that is their right.

No one is forcing them to go, and if you’re really worried about offending them by uninviting them, then I would advise you to reconsider your decision to invite them in the first place.

Also, read:

35+ Excuses To Get Out Of The House To Meet Your Lover

How To Avoid a Kiss? [Use These 35 Phrases To Refuse Politely]

How to Respond to Being Uninvited

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FAQs

How do you uninvite someone to excuses? ›

Say something like, “I'm really sorry, but I'm just not comfortable with you being here. I think it would be best for everyone if you left.” If you feel comfortable with it, you can also explain to the individual why you want them to leave. Don't be rude, though; be straightforward yet polite.

How do you disinvite someone from a trip? ›

Let's start.
  1. Clarifying the Reason(s) Why You Don't Want to Invite Someone.
  2. How to Uninvite Someone From a Trip.
  3. Put Yourself in the Other Person's Shoes.
  4. If It's Not Personal Make It Clear.
  5. Suggest Alternatives.
  6. It Shouldn't Always Be Easy to Say No.
  7. What's the Worst Thing That Can Happen?
Apr 18, 2023

How do you politely uninvite someone to a meeting? ›

Invite them but make sure they stick to the agenda and purpose. Send a nondescript email notifying them they are no longer required at the meeting and leave it as that. Chat with them beforehand and explain why they were uninvited.

How rude is it to uninvite someone? ›

Uninviting someone is one of the rudest things you can do to someone. There is no way you can do it “politely.” So don't do it. They will never think of you the same. So, if they matter to you in any way do not tell them not to come.

How do you politely make excuses? ›

You start off with something polite first, what you cannot do, then a small compliment. “Please let me know when… Sorry I cannot make it…. thanks for your understanding”. or “I'm sorry that doesn't fit in my schedule…

How do you decline an invitation without giving a reason? ›

“Oh, thank you so much for thinking of me! Unfortunately I won't be able to make it, but thank you for the invitation!” “Oh, that sounds lovely, but I won't be able to make it. But have a great time!”

What to say when someone asks why they weren t invited? ›

If someone asks you why they were not invited to your party, you might explain those limitations if they are indeed the case. If you had other reasons for not inviting this particular person, I don't think it is polite to point them out. A simple “I am sorry, but I was limited as to my guest list” should suffice.

How do you retract an invitation? ›

How to write this cancellation letter:
  1. Tell the reader why you need to cancel or postpone the invitation.
  2. Either suggest other arrangements or tell what other arrangements you are making.
  3. Close with an expression of gratitude or anticipation for a future meeting.

How do you tell someone they can't go on vacation with you? ›

Backing Out: Different Ways To Tell Your Travel Buddy
  1. Offer a sincere apology. An apology may seem like the easiest way out, but make sure that you only give it if you actually mean it. ...
  2. Explain truthfully. ...
  3. Reschedule. ...
  4. Give alternatives. ...
  5. Make it up to them.
Jan 31, 2019

How do you apologize to forget to invite someone to a meeting? ›

For example, if you forget to invite someone to a meeting that is happening in an hour, you could say to your colleague, “I am sorry, I have made an error. I forgot to double-check the meeting invitation list in haste, and I forgot to add you to the list. Please accept my apology; it was an innocent mistake.

How do you end a meeting respectfully? ›

To close a meeting effectively, provide clarity by summarizing the main meeting ideas and clarifying any questions, agree on the action items and due dates, and end with energy, on a positive note, by thanking the participants.

What to do when someone comes over uninvited? ›

Be direct and turn them away.

If they show up unannounced say something like, “Hi! I'd love to catch up but wish you'd let me know beforehand. I'm not free today.” If they're asking to stay at your house try, “I'm sorry, but we can't host right now” or “Unfortunately, it won't work for us to host.”

Can you say uninvite? ›

Both disinvite and uninvite are correct.

How do I decline an insincere invitation? ›

Be honest. You mentioned your "life stage", and I would use that -- "I would like to do X, but I just started being married / raising a child / caring for a parent / decorating my new house / recovering from excessive joining, and can't at this time." People value honest and sincerity. Be honest and sincere.

What are reasonable excuses examples? ›

If the person concerned will be on holiday he will have a reasonable excuse for not being there. Obviously being in hospital would be a reasonable excuse, as the person could not be there at the time to make the objection.

What is a fancy word for making excuses? ›

Some common synonyms of excuse are alibi, apologia, apology, plea, and pretext. While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

What is the most used excuse? ›

Top five most common excuses
  • I'm too tired: 49 percent.
  • I don't have enough money: 48 percent.
  • I don't have enough time: 48 percent.
  • It's too inconvenient: 31 percent.
  • I'm too forgetful: 28 percent.
May 18, 2020

How do you reject someone nicely? ›

7 ways to reject someone nicely
  1. Be honest. They don't say that honesty is the best policy for nothing. ...
  2. Prepare yourself. ...
  3. Do it face to face. ...
  4. Stick with "I" statements. ...
  5. Know that what you're feeling is normal. ...
  6. Avoid putting it off. ...
  7. Don't give false hope.

How do you say no gently? ›

These 10 phrases can be used as substitutes for the simple “no” next time you find yourself backed into a corner.
  1. Sadly, I have something else going on.
  2. I have another commitment.
  3. I wish I were able to.
  4. I'm afraid I can't.
  5. I don't have the bandwidth for that right now.
  6. I'm honored you asked me, but I simply can't.
Jan 7, 2022

How do you respond to you're invited? ›

Here are some examples: I am pleased to accept your invitation. Please let me know if I can bring something. Thank you for the invitation.

How do you write an event cancellation message? ›

How to write a cancellation letter for an event
  1. Choose a letter format. The first step is to choose a letter format. ...
  2. Make the cancellation clear. ...
  3. Share why the event was cancelled. ...
  4. Apologise for the cancellation. ...
  5. Include information about event refunds. ...
  6. Share words of appreciation.
Sep 5, 2022

What is it called when you take back an invitation? ›

1 draw in, pull back, pull in, reel in, sheathe. 2 abjure, cancel, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, eat one's words, recall, recant, renege, renounce, repeal, repudiate, rescind, reverse, revoke, take back, unsay, withdraw.

How do you cancel a party wording? ›

Party Cancellation Email Example Template

We're sad to inform you that our [event name] at [venue] on [date] has been [cancelled or postponed]. The difficult decision was made to [postpone or cancel] the event because of [reason for cancellation or postponement].

How to tell someone you dont want to go on a trip with them anymore? ›

How to Gently Tell Someone You'd Rather Travel Alone
  1. Focus on your reasons why.
  2. Use “I” statements.
  3. Be firm and direct.
  4. Know that they may be hurt.
  5. Offer an alternative for both of you.
Feb 26, 2019

How do you say you won't be able to attend? ›

The many ways to say "no."
  1. I'm sorry, but I won't be able to make it.
  2. I wish I could be there, but I can't.
  3. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend.
  4. I'm afraid I won't be able to come.
  5. I'm not going to be able to make it.
  6. It pains me to say this, but I won't be able to attend.
  7. Sadly, I won't be able to join you.
Sep 14, 2022

What is sincere apologies examples? ›

Every apology should start with two magic words: "I'm sorry," or "I apologize." For example, you could say: "I'm sorry that I snapped at you yesterday. I feel embarrassed and ashamed by the way I acted." Your words need to be sincere and authentic .

How do you say sorry can't make it? ›

You can say something like, “I'm sorry, I don't think I can make it on time.” This is a polite and straightforward way to let them know that you are not feeling well and will not be able to make it in on time. Another way to phrase it is, “Can we meet another time? I'm afraid I won't be able to make it in on time.”

How do you cancel a client? ›

Use phrases like:
  1. “I understand how important this is...”
  2. “I'm really sorry, but I need to change the schedule...”
  3. “Let's reschedule this as soon as possible...”
  4. “I'm available next [X DAY] between [X AND X TIME OF DAY]...”
  5. “I'm sorry I can't make this meeting, but please fill me in on any important notes...”
Sep 12, 2019

Is it rude to drop by uninvited? ›

If someone shows up unexpectedly and you don't feel comfortable letting them in, that is perfectly fine. "This is an instance where you would most certainly be honest with the person and tell them, 'You know, I want to make sure I'm protecting you, so I'm not going to open the door,'" Swann tells Patch.

How do you say no to uninvited guests? ›

Be Honest Upfront
  1. “Sorry! We don't have the space for houseguests at the moment”
  2. “Unfortunately we're unable to host any guests right now”
  3. “I'd love for you to visit sometime, but this weekend won't work for us!”
  4. “I know we'd have a great weekend!
Jun 10, 2021

How do you say no to an invitation synonym? ›

1 abstain, avoid, deny, forgo, refuse, reject, say `no', send one's regrets, turn down.

Is ignoring an invitation rude? ›

Yes, it is rude to ignore an invitation. It isn't rude to politely decline and send your best wishes. You can always say no. Not dignifying the invitation with a response is rude.

How do you respectfully decline an invitation to speak? ›

Express appreciation for the invitation, mentioning specifically what you were invited to do in a specific event on a specific day. Express regret that you are unable to accept the invitation, briefly mentioning the reason without elaboration. If appropriate, suggest a qualified replacement.

How do you politely turn someone down from hanging out? ›

“I'm really excited to hang out with you but (I've got some personal things to take care of / I'm busy that night / it's a work night). Can we reschedule and do something soon?” “I'm sorry I've been unavailable the past few times you've asked me out.

How do you respond to an invitation if you are not sure? ›

  1. I'm not sure whether I can but I'll check my calendar and let you know.
  2. Perhaps I can make it. Let me check my calendar.
  3. Perhaps I can reschedule something. I will see what I can do.
Dec 5, 2018

How do you apologize for canceling an event? ›

How to Write a Cancellation Apology Email
  1. Provide necessary information.
  2. Extend your apologies.
  3. State the reason for the cancellation.
  4. Thank them and try to propose other arrangements.

How do you say I can't come politely? ›

How to say no politely
  1. I'm sorry, I'm busy on Friday.
  2. I'm afraid I can't make this Friday.
  3. It would be really nice, but I'm afraid I can't come.
  4. That sounds great, but I'm afraid I can't come.
  5. That's a really nice invitation, but I'm afraid I can't come.
Nov 9, 2016

How do you ask someone to hang out without sounding desperate? ›

How to Ask a Friend to Hang Out
  1. 1 Gauge their interest with an open-ended invitation.
  2. 2 Keep your phrasing casual.
  3. 3 Ask what they're up to on a certain day.
  4. 4 Invite them to a short, low-key outing.
  5. 5 Lock down a time, date, and place.
  6. 6 Include them in group plans you already have.

How do I decline an uninvited guest? ›

Be Honest Upfront
  1. “Sorry! We don't have the space for houseguests at the moment”
  2. “Unfortunately we're unable to host any guests right now”
  3. “I'd love for you to visit sometime, but this weekend won't work for us!”
  4. “I know we'd have a great weekend!
Jun 10, 2021

What is a synonym for decline an invitation? ›

Synonyms of turn down (verb reject) dismiss. rebuff. refuse.

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