How do you decline a party invitation at the office?

Question

The party is Friday and I just do not want to go. It is in honor of the proud acheivement of a 3rd marriage to our manager. It's a shower, with a potluck theme. The invitation clearly stated that our next in command is collecting money to give to the bride to be as a gift from us all. I don't have the money and I don't have the time for a potluck.

Polite declines please?

Answer 1

" Sorry, I can't make it." Then don't say anymore. Sounds tacky and greedy.

Answer 2

I agree with saying you have prior plans, however if the party is at work during work hours, the only way you can use that is by saying you have a doctor appointment.



As for the money, can you just give $5? They can't actually demand everyone to contribute. That would be tacky. Just say, "Look, I really don't have the money to spare right now." If they press the issue just keep repeating that you don't have the money. It's none of their business why you don't.

Answer 3

I think that is a bit much, they want money and food? If the party is after hours then you should just tell them that you are unable to attend because you have a prior commitment. If the party is during working hours I suggest you just give a minimum amount (or tell them you can't spare it) and suggest that you bring an add on to the pot luck (things like sodas, wine, napkins, cups, plates, forks or a dessert) are always needed at these kinds of things (unless your office stocks them then just bring the drink/dessert). Stay for a bit and then cut out back to your office/desk and at 5 go home to your "appointment". You will keep your reputation and get to leave all at the same time.



There's always a sick day.

Answer 4

You'll come up with a believable excuse for not attending the party..like..your girlfriend has a job interview and you've agreed to look after her children. Yes it's a lie but forgiveable (heck, I don't blame you for not wanting to go to this party, no matter how much you like/dislike the manager).

$5 is the minimum acceptable in our office for occasions just as this. It's a thorn in my side when we collect money for people who make way more money than us.

Also: Dear Abby would say that if you're expected to bring food to a gathering you are NOT expected to give a gift.

Why don't they just all go out for a drink together and give her a card???

Answer 5

You are unable to attend. You do not need to explain your private life to anyone in the office, and IMO that is a terrible imposition esp for a 3rd marriage. The more you try to explain or the more detailed you try to be, the less believable it sounds...and I never heard of collecting money for the "bride" that is just tacky tacky tacky. If forced, give a dollar.

Answer 6

there is a few good feed lower back here. i could in basic terms upload that once you're section of an workplace it extremely is a specialist artwork surroundings...you're actually not their family individuals...you're there to accomplish a activity. each and every from time to time those issues get at a loss for words. The section which will become gentle is they do could be attentive to you and grace some style of "artwork-bond" with you. i think of extremely than seeing this as the two/or....it incredibly is conceivable to be absent as we communicate ("Sorry...i've got already made different commitments.") and then next time...make arrangements to be there....or while there's a coffee social time...connect in. this sort you have got the suitable of the two worlds. you're fairly in touch (now not completely ignoring them) yet they be attentive to which you additionally are unavailable the fairly some time. in the event that they're that antagonistic/bizaare of their mindset that that may now not conceivable...it's time to think approximately yet another artwork surroundings the place bearing on is finished in a extra healthy way. it incredibly is been my journey that a lot relies upon on the chief/boss and their attitudes. frequently their tone will set the tone for the entire workplace. in spite of each and every thing...once you're working difficult, the projects they require are being finished...an mindset of hostility that publicizes "it incredibly is in no way adequate" makes it impossible to do your suitable artwork. wish it incredibly is powerful and choose you nicely.

Answer 7

It is sticky business when it involves your boss, but if you have a good working relationship with your co-workers honesty to a point is always a good thing, but I have been in that situation and had to be honest about not having the money and felt awful, but it is what it is. Talk to the person on the side and tell her that the money is tight and you feel awkward and embarrassed, then see how she responds. Or diplomacy is always a good thing. That is a tough one.

Answer 8

Simply say thank you for the invitation however you have prior plans for that evening. No need to say anything more.

Answer 9

If its your boss suck it up and go.As for "paying the bride",tell you boss that you dont have the money that should get you a raise,a bonus or possably nothing(if your boss is a cheapa**)

Answer 10

Just say sorry you have a prior engagement. It doesn't go into detail and if they ask what it is, just say it's personal. That's what I'd say.

Answer 11

Just say that you already had something planned and you can't break your plans. Apologize and leave it at that. It isn't rude, and shouldn't cause any problems.

Answer 12

say you have a prior appointment. just say it's personal.