Etiquette Guide: Writing a Wedding Cancellation Letter

Wedding Party

Those in the wedding party may be purchasing formal wear and spending money on their attire, which is usually no small cost.

One letter can be addressed to all, there is really on need to hand write or to specially write a letter to each individual.

Phone calls can follow up the letters to those who might have had a major role in the actual wedding itself. The main reason for writing the letter is to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Important To Be Cautious

It is also important to be cautious when addressing friends and family and not put personal feelings in the letter.

Even though the relationship may have gone sour, this letter is going to both parties’ friends and family and should be nonspecific in nature.

Start the letter like a typical letter. The address of the sender should be listed first on the left hand of the page, followed by the date and then the person the letter is going to.

It is not necessary to put both parties’ names, if the relationship has split. If it is a delay in the wedding, then it would be acceptable to put both parties on the letter.

Because you will be addressing many people from many places, a formal salutation is best, especially if you don’t know the person.

The first paragraph should be used to reiterate the parties’ names and the dates of the nuptials you are cancelling.

Make sure to start with an apologetic tone even in the first paragraph, as some people may be upset by this cancellation.

The second paragraph can state a small generic reason of why the event is being cancelled or rescheduled, but this is up to the party and is not required.

This section needs to mention a thank you for the gifts and to also state that they will be returned.

Give a specific time table, as to when the gifts will be returned. End with an additional apology followed by a formal closing.