Expression: "Regrets only"

[Tom]

Hi

In Pakistan, at the bottom of marriage invitation cards Regrets Only is written following the names of the family members. Could you please shed some light on it? Is it a standard expression?

Tom

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

I would understand that to mean that you should only reply to the invitation if you will not be able to attend the wedding. Otherwise it will be assumed that you have accepted the invitation and will attend. (Hopefully it doesn't indicate regrets that there is to be a marriage... )

I think it is more common in the US to see the notation RSVP on an invitation. This is an abbreviation for "r?pondez s'il vous pla?t" (French for "please respond"). In other words, you should respond to the invitation whether you plan to attend or not.

Amy