I Need a Polite Invitation Decline Response

Since she sent the invitation by e-mail, I would simply respond with, "Thank you so much for the invitation, but I won't be able to attend this time. Have fun and good luck!"

I agree to be honest. Say something like, Thanks for thinking of me. As you know, I went to the last party, and although I love the clothes, they are out of my price range so I'll have to pass on these parties. I know you'll still have fun without me." Good luck!

Do you really need to give a reason...

Just say, "I'm so sorry, I can't make it that night"...

Are you also looking for a way to decline not only this invitation but others in the future?

"Thank you soooo much for the invite. The clothing line is very nice, but really out of my budget. I'm not one to go to a party if I'm not really able to purchase the item being sold. Thanks again for thinking of me, though."

If you want to add, "I'd love to get a catalog from time to time, if possible to see if there is anything that catches my eye for a special occasion."

Otherwise, just say that you are busy or unable to attend.

You don't need an explanation, just decline. If she asks later, tell her the truth. Just mention that the clothes are out of your budget range, and while you'd like to support her, you just can't. Honesty is the key. Good luck!

I have had various in-home parties like this before and people have declined the invitation. Some give reasons and others do not. I am not offended by it. I think Sally gave a reasonable response. Just politely decline the offer without giving a reason. If your friend would press you about it, then just say I am watching my budget right now and don't have any extra to spend on such items. I don't think that would be offensive.
HTH,
A.

i never lie about this sort of thing, it's so unnecessary. i think it's really important that friends feel comfortable declining this sort of party. if i were to have one (incredibly unlikely) i'd just hate it if i knew my friends dragged themselves there unwillingly and were resentful.
it is not rude in the slightest to say 'thank you for thinking of me! i thought the clothes were adorable last time, but not in my budget. i won't make it to the party, but let's have a coffee date the following week!'
be positive, polite, and firm.
khairete
S.

You can say, "Sorry, but I can't make it." That should be enough. This isn't really a social get-together; it's a business showing. You can answer in a businesslike way.

I don't go to demonstration parties for anything, for the same reason you state.

Probably a Cabi party, right? Their clothes ARE really expensive.

I think I'd just tell her that you don't want to take up space at her party - you already came to one and you know that she wants to invite people who are in the market to buy.

Dawn

"Thanks for the invite, unfortunately I won't be able to make it. Hope you have a great time"....

What Angie H said, and also, I've had people decline by telling me they "can't afford to buy anything extra right now, but thanks so much for the invite".

Don't you hate it when you get invitations which are basically "invoices" to this type of parties, MLM? Ugh

You do not "owe" her an explanation. Just say you are unable to attend but thanks for the invitation anyway.

Do the same thing the next time. Eventually they get the message.

This is one reason I refuse to attend the MLM parties... Invoices. I'd rather jsut give somebody a check donation and not waste my time.

If it's a friend just tell her the truth, she'll understand!
Not having, or simply not wanting to spend the money on frivolities like expensive clothing is nothing to be ashamed about :)

Honestly, if you don't tell her the truth right now, you're going to receive these invites over and over in the future and will again have to decline -- over and over. Save yourself the excuses and just be straight up with your friend: "Honestly, I don't spend that much money on clothing for myself."

I make it a point to never attend these types of home shopping experiences for candles, jewelry, lingerie, housewares, etc. I'm just not interested and I hate feeling pressured!

"Sally, while I enjoyed the Spring gathering, and know that I would love the Fall showing, I'm afraid the prices of the clothes I was most interested in were above my clothing budget. I hope you understand."

there is no reason to lie. I would tell my friend the truth...

Thank you for the invite. The clothes are really nice, unfortunately, I cannot afford to spend that much money on clothes. So I will not be attending.

Can we get together some time during the week for coffee?

I'm honest with friends when I can't afford something. I went to a Lia Sophia party on Friday night and I wasn't planning to buy anything, my friend knew this and just wanted to spend some girl time together. I ended up buying a necklace that will work at my sister's wedding in November. It will hurt my budget this week, but it was really perfect! I also won a necklace, so I made out.

But I have no problem telling people when things are out of my budget or when it's a tight month or whatever. Honesty is the best policy :).

And I schedule my parties when I know I'll have some play money to order things, so I bet other people do that too. Just because I have play money one month, doesn't mean you will too.

Thank her for thinking of you but you aren't interested right now. Wish her well at the party and ask if she would like to join you for coffee/tea sometime.

I would be honest and tell her that although you like the clothes (if you do), they are priced out of your budget and that you don't feel comfortable going to the parties knowing you aren't going to buy anything.

It sounds like you handled it well. For the future, keep in mind that you don't have to provide a reason when you decline an invitation. You can always simply say "Thank you so much for the invitation. Unfortunately, I can't make it that night."

Was it a Cabi party? Just be honest with her. "I'd really love to see you, but I can't justify $90 capris and $80 shirts. I'd love to meet up with you another time. " She knows the clothes are overpriced & unaffordable for most, I'm sure.