What would you think if you got an invite worded like this?

[TheLowry]

So this was for a 'big' night out - think annual event where we usually get together with the same group friends.

Hi. at our place if you fancy joining us? Would be lovely to have you but feel free to say no. X

I would say it's an open invite and they aren't going to hate you if you decide not to go.
It's a no pressure invite.
Perfect

Not sure why you're getting a hard time from some posters, I also read that and thought ouch, and you were right, they didn't wish you there.

it is interesting - it's a good lesson for those of us who do the 'feel free not to' thing with invitations. I think what we're doing is trying not to pressurise people to come if they don't want to, or it's inconvenient ("it's ok I won't be offended!" is the message aimed for). But from other pps' responses, that obviously has to be very carefully worded if done at all - or will be misinterpreted as 'I'd really rather you didn't come'.