Event Invitation Etiquette

One of the first things to think about when planning a party or event is the invitations. If you don’t send invitations, you’re probably going to be pretty disappointed with your turn-out!

Here are some helpful tips to consider when getting the invitations ready for your next party or event:

1. The invitation will set the tone for the whole party. For instance, if the invitation is created with in an elegant design and indicates black tie, your guests will know the affair will be formal. However, if the invitation indicates the event is a potluck, your guests can assume the affair will be casual.
2. Make sure to send your invitations at least 7-8 weeks in advance (8 weeks would be more appropriate for a larger affair; 5-6 weeks would suffice for a smaller event).
3. The most important information to include in your invitations is who, what, when, and where. Who is having the party, what is the purpose of the party, when will the event take place, and where will the event take place.
4. It is not required, but appreciated, to include information about what might be served to eat at your event (i.e. a full meal, light appetizers, dessert-only).
5. The envelope should indicate who is invited to attend:

a. If the event isn’t appropriate for children, the invitations should be addressed to the parents only. “Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith.”
b. If the invitation is extended to the whole family, the names of the children should be written underneath their parent’s names:
“Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith
Diana and Douglas”
c. Children over the age of eighteen who are still living at home should receive their own invitations.
d. If a single person is allowed to bring a guest, the words “& guest” should be written next to the invitee’s name on the envelope. If a guest isn’t indicated, your invitee will know they should come alone.

6. Check and double check the names, dates and addresses on each of your invitations. You don’t want your best friend getting an invitation with your mother’s name on it. And, if you aren’t careful about the mailing addresses, your guests might not get their invitations at all! MOST importantly, ALWAYS double-check your date. You don’t want your guests showing up on the wrong night!
7. Don’t forget to include the RSVP information (*NOTE* Ever wonder what RSVP stands for? It’s actually French for “Repondez, s’il vous plait,”). For a more formal affair, you’ll want to include an RSVP card and postage-paid envelope in each invitation. If the event is smaller, or more informal, RSVP’s by e-mail or telephone are appropriate.

Invitation etiquette can be an arduous process, but it doesn’t have to be. The most important thing to remember is that in the end, invitations are meant to get your guests to your event. If you use the tips included above, you will have covered all of the important information to accomplish that goal!

Invitation sample courtesy of:

www.colorsbydesign.com/store/PRODUCTS/DS251.shtml

Content help courtesy of:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Party-Invitation-Etiquette&id=176051

http://papa.essortment.com/dinnerparty_tury.htm