It is evening. Your phone rings. It is a good friend — someone you have known for a long time. You can hear in their voice that they are very happy. They have good news!
They are getting married. And they want you to come to the wedding. So first you say congratulations. Then you say yes. Then you ask a few small questions: Can I bring my partner? What should I wear? Is there a hotel near the wedding?
And sometimes the answer is no — maybe you are busy that day, or it is very far. That is OK too. You can still say no in a kind and warm way. Your friend will understand.
Warm up — talk for one minute
Do you like weddings? What is your favourite part — the food, the music, or the people?
A friend invites you to a party, but you are busy. Do you say yes, or do you say no? How do you say no nicely?
Who's who
You
The Good Friend 💌
Happy and warm. You want to say congratulations, say yes to the wedding, and ask a few simple questions.
The other person
The Friend Getting Married 💍
Very excited! They call you with the big news. They really want you to come to their wedding.
Next: learn the phrases you need in the next tab. Then see them in a real conversation. Look at the warm words: congratulations, I am so happy for you, I would love to come. These words make your friend feel good.
Useful Phrases 🧰
Here are the phrases for this conversation. Read each one and say it out loud once. Choose the ones you like. Keep this page open when you practise.
The shape of this conversation
1 · Happy news2 · Say yes3 · Ask questions4 · Say no, kindly
It's a map, not a script. Real talk can skip steps or go back.
Cover it later, when you want to test yourself.
When you're the friend
🎉 Happy news
"Congratulations! I am so happy for you!"
"That is wonderful news!"
💌 Say yes
"Yes! I would love to come."
"I will be there."
❓ Ask questions
"Can I bring my partner?"
"What should I wear?"
🙏 Say no, kindly
"I am so sorry, but I can't come. I am busy that day."
"I will be thinking of you! Send me lots of photos!"
When you're the friend getting married
"We are getting married!"
"It is on June the tenth."
"Of course, bring your partner."
"Oh, that's a shame!"
When something changes
"Will you come?"
"It's a small wedding."
"There is a party after."
When you need help
"Sorry, can you say that again, please?"
"Can you speak more slowly, please?"
"Do you mean…?"
"How do you say … in English?"
Speed round 🎯
Draw a card. Say what you would say, out loud. Then look at one answer.
Press the button to start.
Try a few more rounds with the toolkit covered. When it feels easy, you are ready.
The Conversation 💬
Read it out loud, one person each, then change. Find the phrases from your toolkit. Listen for the warm, happy words.
FriendHi! I have big news. I have to tell you first — I am getting married!
YouWow! Congratulations! I am so happy for you! That is wonderful news.
FriendThank you! The wedding is in September. And I really, really want you to be there.
YouYes! I would love to come. I will be there — of course!
FriendThat makes me so happy. It is at a big garden, just outside the city.
YouIt sounds lovely. Can I ask a question? Can I bring my partner?
FriendOf course! Your partner is very welcome. Please bring them.
YouThank you. And what should I wear? Is it smart, or is it relaxed?
FriendNot too smart. It is in a garden, so wear nice, comfortable shoes. No high heels!
YouGood idea, thank you. One more question — is there a hotel near the garden?
FriendYes, there is a small hotel, five minutes away. I will send you the name.
YouPerfect. Thank you so much! I am so happy for you. See you in September!
FriendThank you! I will send you all the details tonight. Bye for now!
From memory — don't look up!
1. When is the wedding? And where is it?
2. The friend asks three questions. What are they?
3. What does the friend say about clothes and shoes?
1. The wedding is in September. It is at a big garden, just outside the city. 2. "Can I bring my partner?", "What should I wear?", and "Is there a hotel near the garden?" 3. Not too smart — it is in a garden. Wear nice, comfortable shoes, not high heels.
Your Turn 🎭
No script this time. You have a real talk with a real person. You have a goal.
1 · Warm up your voice 🎤
Say each sentence out loud. Use your own words in the gaps.
Happy news. Congratulations! I am so ___.
Say yes. I would love to ___.
Ask questions. What should I ___?
Say no, kindly. I'm so sorry, but ___.
2 · The scene 🎬
Pick a situation. Your partner plays the other person.
Your card
Where
The situation
You have
You want
Your ruleSay the nice thing first.
Who you're talking to
🏆 Say yes or no kindly, with a reason.
⏱ 3:00
Twist deck
🎲 Something changes
Start the scene. After a minute, draw a card. What it says just happened.
Nothing has changed yet.
3 · Swap seats 🔁
Now you are the other person. Your partner takes your old part.
Your card
WhereA café or a phone call
Your goalShare your news and answer the questions
Your partnerPlays the friend now
Draw another twist if you like.
4 · Afterwards ✅
Tick what you did, in either seat.
Phrases I want to use next time
Go again
⚡ Same situation, one more time
Do it again. Draw a twist before you start. Try to do it faster this time.
The Echo 🕰️
In 1840, a young queen got married. Her name was Queen Victoria. On her wedding day, she wore a simple white dress. This was new and different — before this, people often wore bright colours to get married.
People loved the picture of the queen in her white dress. Soon, women all over the world wanted a white dress too. Little by little, "the white wedding" became normal.
So today, when your friend plans their wedding, some of the old ideas come from one queen, a long time ago. You only have to choose your shoes!