Invitations

Invitations, whether formal or casual, are far more than a simple request for the company of a guest at a celebratory occasion; it offers guests a sneak peek of what’s to come! From the wording to the inserts, the overall presentation of an invitation gives potential guests visual clues as to what to expect – and what may be expected of them.

Invitation cards

Third-Person Phrasing – All wording on an invitation should be in the third-person narrative. For example, an invite should read, “Boscom & Co. invites you to their…” instead of “Boscom & Co. invites you to our…”

Regardless of what type of event it is, make sure the invitation lists the full address of the party location: street address, city, and state and if applicable, the name of the venue (e.g. “Napolitano’s Restaurant” or “Van den Berge's Residence”).

Thank you notes

The blank note card. A seemingly innocent piece of folded paper that can make even the most organized people succumb to procrastination and worry. A pile of wedding gifts you need to thank people for? A friend who let you stay at her house the last time you were in town? Of course you’ll write those! Just as soon as you organize the junk drawer. And clean the basement. And color coordinate your closet.

Addressing envelopes

For formal occasions, such as wedding invitations, it is common to write out full names, abbreviating titles only when necessary for space requirements. When writing to a couple, there are several ways to determine who should be listed first. When the couple is married and shares a last name, the woman is typically listed first. A person with a formal title such as doctor or honorable judge is given listing priority. If both share the title, it may be written once in the plural form.

RSVP

Please do respond. The most important part of the RSVP is the Responce. No matter if you can or cannot attend, let the host know as soon as your plans are set. Follow the requested form of communication or, if none is listed, call the host to rsvp.DON’T make excuses. It’s perfectly fine to let your host know that you cannot make an event because you are out of town or because you have family obligations, but keep all rationale short and simple.