Tips: The tone of an invitation is always positive, in anticipation of a pleasurable occasion. Picture your guests smiling when they read your letter of invitation. Clever phrasing, poetry or a themed approach may be appropriate for an informal occasion, but you should express the details clearly.
1. Extend the invitation, naming the event and including the date, time, and place. If the event has a special purpose, such as honoring someone or celebrating an anniversary, state this.
2. Indicate if a gift is not expected if the event is a retirement, an anniversary, or a reception. If a gift is welcome, it is usually best to say nothing, except in the case of bridal or baby showers.
3. Indicate the appropriate dress, if there is any reason for question.
4. Express anticipation
5. Ask for a response by a specific date.
6. Be sure include:
The name of the person sponsoring the event (who is the host/hostess?)
Exactly who is invited (can someone bring a guest, spouse, child?)
What type of social event is being held
The date, address, and time of the event
Directions or a simple map if the location may be difficult to find
What type of dress is appropriate or preferred
The phone number and deadline to reply; precede these facts with “RSVP” (French abbreviation for “please reply”).
7. Try to send your invitation letter two weeks or more in advance.