diff --git a/server/router.go b/server/router.go
index b31ff1f..eec573d 100644
--- a/server/router.go
+++ b/server/router.go
@@ -129,6 +129,7 @@ func (r *RedisRouter) Route(msg *meowlib.ToServerMessage) (*meowlib.FromServerMe
 			from_server.Invitation.Expiry = expiry.UTC().Unix()
 		case 2: // get invitation
 			invitation, err := r.GetInvitation(msg.Invitation.Shortcode, msg.Invitation.Password)
+			from_server.Invitation = &meowlib.Invitation{}
 			if err != nil {
 				if err.Error() == "auth failed" {
 					from_server.Invitation.Payload = []byte("authentication failure")