Are you Making Invitation Etiquette Mistakes?

Your special event is creeping closer. Invitations are already purchased. But as you sit down to address them, you think about something very important: timing. An invitation sent too soon might be forgotten. Yet, an invitation sent without enough notice might translate to low attendance.

So, what’s the magic formula?

It’s simple. Follow the invitation etiquette used for years, allowing you to get it “just right.”

Formal Parties

What’s on your calendar this year? If it involves a formal party, you’ll want to give your guests some notice. For example, an anniversary party invitation is sent about 3 to 6 weeks in advance, while a Christmas or cocktail party invitation is sent 4 weeks in advance.

But what about turkey day – when should you send those invites? Etiquette recommends about 2 to 8 weeks before the event. For special summer events, like graduation, give your attendees 8 weeks of notice. Also, wedding invitations should be sent about 8 weeks before the event, allowing attendees to make travel plans.  

Casual Parties

When you’re having a causal party, do you really need to follow invitation etiquette? Maybe. Giving your attendees some notice will ensure they can attend.

Plan to send invites up to 2 weeks before your party. For an informal dinner, give your guests a little more time – up to 3 weeks if possible.

Details on RSVPs

The tradition of RSVPs is designed for you - the party host. So, don’t forget to use them. On your invitation, include directions on how you’d like your guest to RSVP. For example, request responses through email, phone or by mailing back a response card.

Ideally, an invited guest will RSVP with a “yes” or a “no” by the required date. But what happens if you’re missing RSVPs? For an informal event – it might not be a big deal. But if you’re planning a wedding or large event, call your guests. This allows for better planning. After all, you’ll have pay vendors that charge by headcount, like caters, so an accurate count is important.

Have you learned something surprising about invitation etiquette recently? If so, please share by leaving a comment below!

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