Party Invitation Tips & Etiquette
Your invitation should match the style of your event. Is it formal, semi-formal or a casual backyard get together. Your invitation provides the details of the celebration as well as what to expect at the party.
Traditionally, it is advised to send out invitations eight weeks before your event. We can hear you screaming “Eight weeks!” We’ve found while this is a good idea with formal events and weddings, it is just not possible with most every-day events. Our customers tell us that they didn’t even think about having a party until 2-6 weeks before their event. Obviously, the sooner you can notify your guests, the better, but don’t let this stress you out or prevent you from getting killer invitations at the last minute.
If you know you’re having a party for an event that is several months away, consider sending a Save the Date card. This is simply a notice to your guest list that you are planning an event for that date and to mark their calendars so they’ll be ready when the details follow by invitation closer to the party date when the details have been finalized. Save the Date cards are almost a necessity for events taking place on holiday weekends, events that will require out of state travel for guests or a wedding to ensure vacations are not scheduled for the same time.
For those special events, such as weddings and when guests must travel, do extend invitations about 60 days in advance. Extend invitations to formal events at least 30 days in advance. For informal get-togethers less notice is acceptable, about two to three weeks should suffice, although more notice is practical, especially if the party is planned during the busy holiday season.
If you want others to bring their own drinks to the dinner party, you can put “BYOB” on the invitation. This stands for “bring your own bottle” and guests can bring a favorite drink of their choice to share. If you are planning a potluck, you can also put this on the invite. It is advisable to assign specific dishes for people to bring, so that you don’t end up with a lot of side casseroles and no main courses or vice-versa.
Information you should always include:
Name of the host(s)/hostess(es) or parent(s) giving the party
The purpose of the invitation: A birthday party, a wedding, a holiday open house.
Name of honoree (the birthday person, the mother-to-be, the bride and groom)
Day and Date of the party (Saturday, August 29th or if it is formal, Saturday, the twenty-nineth of August).
If a formal event, include the year and spell it out (two thousand and four)
Time (6:00 p.m., or for formal events, spell out the time such as six o’clock in the evening)
Name of Place (Italian Restaurant)
Location of Place (street address, city and state if inviting out of town guests, but no zip code)
Appropriate attire if it is an issue with your party
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INVITATION TO FREEDOM Beth Moore Various Christian US $7.95 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 17:59:17 PDT Add to watch list |
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Twilight Eclipse Birthday Invitations US $14.99 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 17:59:25 PDT Add to watch list |
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LOT OF 6 PACKS-OCEAN ADVENTURE BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS-NEW US $3.49 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:00:14 PDT Add to watch list |
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LOT OF 11 PACKS OF ICE AGE 2 BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS-NEW US $6.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:00:19 PDT Add to watch list |
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DINOSAUR TREX PARTY SUPPLIES PLATES NAPKINS INVITATIONS US $11.69 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:02:11 PDT Add to watch list |
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1901 DANCE INVITATION, BOSTON, REVERE HALL, MANY NAMES US $7.99 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:03:27 PDT Add to watch list |
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MERMAID Birthday Party Custom Invitations - U PRINT US $10.99 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:04:54 PDT Add to watch list |
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Birthday Invitations Justin Bieber 10 Ea W/Envelope US $10.99 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:05:24 PDT Add to watch list |
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Birthday Invitations Justin Bieber 10 Ea W/Envelope US $10.99 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:05:24 PDT Add to watch list |
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Birthday Invitations Justin Bieber 10 Ea W/Envelope US $10.99 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 18:05:24 PDT Add to watch list |