. . .be delighted to depart my humble abode for a few hours on [date of event] to bear witness to your union. I assume, of course, that you will need a sufficient head count which is why you have politely asked for me to reply to this invitation. My party will consist of [quantity]. There are no chickens or vegetables in my party but there are [quantity] who prefer vegetables to chickens.
As I sit and reflect upon how happy you are it brings a tear to my eye. I know that eternal love is the most powerful feeling in the universe. I know that your love will only bloom brighter and bigger in this world’s garden. I feel so insignificant and yet blessed to be acknowledged by your thoughts. To not attend would be sacrilege on our friendship.
So nice to see someone else who reads Miss Manners. I must confess that I always respond on my personal stationery, using this formula, rather than send back the dopey little card. I hate 'em.
To decline an invitation, substitute “regret that they are unable to accept” in the second line.
There’s a wealth of formal answers at eHow, but I like their step 5:
Consider having cards printed with your name and address for cases just like this.
Print up your own cards with whatever smartaleck answer you choose. These invites never come alone – they tend to come in groups. Having your own stock of reply cards could save time.
If the person reading your reply doesn’t really know you (i.e. you’re a friend of the groom), then you could get away with replying in Mandarin, with an ambiguous broken English translation:
(Chinese characters)
I humbly to wish invite OK.
That should cause at least a second glance, and possibly stir up a whirlwind of activity.
[soapbox]
Don’t cave to etiquette!! Fight the power of conformity. Keep this world interesting for our grand kids and our grand kid’s grand kids and our grand kid’s grand kid’s grand kids and our grand…oh, you get the idea.
[/soapbox]
For a minimalist approach, how about: I will not not attend.
Granted, your going against the conventions of the English language, but think of the headache you’ll be giving the bride when she tries to decide what you mean.