Invitations Invitations are essentially advertisements for your event. Invitations set the tone for your party. Make sure the style (writing and paper) of your invitation indicates whether your event is formal or informal.

Writing an Invitation State the occasion, date, time, and place. Include addresses and a map if necessary. Make sure you send your invitations out with ample advance notice. Express that you are looking forward to seeing the person.

Invitation Mechanics Do not use abbreviations and do not use contractions (don't; we'll) except for name titles, such as Mr., Mrs., etc. For formal invitations, spell out the date and time of the event: six o'clock on the sixth of June (formal)‏ 6:00 on June 6th (informal)‏

The Lower Part R.s.v.p. Mention if refreshments will be served. List any charges that may apply. Dress code If you do not want gifts, briefly state that gifts are not wanted or needed. Explain that their presence is the only gift you need.

R.s.v.p. R.s.v.p. means "please reply." This is used in order to know who is able or unable to attend and how many guests to prepare for. Responses can be handled through many methods : e-mail phone "fill-in" response card via mail handwritten response on personal stationery *If you need a mail in response, include a self-addressed, stamped reply card or envelope with your invitation.

R.s.v.p. Methods Phone: R.s.v.p. by May 15th (or Please respond by) to Mary George at 555.555.5555 Email: R.s.v.p by May 15th to MGeorge@hotmail.com A fill-in response card: The favour of a reply is requested by the fifth of May M_________________________________ _______ accepts (or will attend) _______ regrets (or will not attend)

Formal Invitation Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Rasool cordially invite you to a reception celebrating the engagement of Mary Jane Rasool and Robert Yates to be held Sunday, the sixth of June at six o'clock Pierre's Cafe 800 23rd Street NW Washington, DC RSVP Semi-Formal Dress (202) 555-6908

Events Held in Honor of Another Person Formal Invitation: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the pleasure of your company at a 60th birthday dinner in honor of Mary Jones Saturday, the fifth of May six o´clock in the evening 555 North Elm Street Lumberton, North Carolina R.s.v.p. by April 23rd 555.555.5555 Casual Invitation: Please join us for a 60th birthday dinner in honor of Mary Jones Saturday, May 5th at 6:30 555 North Elm Street Sarah and John Smith Regrets only 555.555.5555

We want to celebrate with you We want to celebrate with you! Please join us for a Barbecue Friday, July 4th 6:00 - Dinner * 9:00 - Fireworks 5555 Grammercy Place The Blair Family Fireworks and Family Fun! The Hamiltons Saturday, July 4th 4 p.m. until..... 5555 Old Stratford Mill Road Woodford Barbecue - Volleyball - Swimming - Fun for All R.s.v.p. 555-5555 Patriotic Casual

The Republican National Committee requests the pleasure of your company for Dinner benefitting the campaign of President George W. Bush Saturday, September the fifth at seven o´clock Four Seasons Hotel 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue $5,000 per plate The Fourth of July is most special when shared with family and friends. Please save the date of July 4th, 2006 for the Morgan Family Reunion Greenwich, Connecticut Lisa, Vanessa and Thom Morgan Invitation to follow

Personal Invitation You are invited to Michael Carison's 10th birthday! Date: Saturday June 12, 1999 Time: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm Where: 345 Eastern Avenue Lodi, Washington Call Tonia at (307) 555-1234 to RSVP

Business Invitation Longman's Transportation Services Cordially invites you to the 15th Annual Employees Appreciation Picnic. The whole family is welcome! 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday, May 22, 1999 South Redding Creek Park Redding, Maryland Food, drink, games, and entertainment will be provided.

Charity Event Invitations You are cordially invited to attend the annual Gala of Stars and Cars featuring celebrities and their wheels Saturday, June 17, 2006 Dinner and Dancing at seven o´clock The Roof Terrace Peterson Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles * Silent auction and live auction benefiting the Peterson Automotive Museum Foundation and children´s educational programs The Board of Directors of the Back Bay Historic Preservation Guild Cordially invites you to a Dinner Dance to benefit the Streetlight Project Saturday, the fifth of May The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston 6:30 Cocktail Hour 7:30 Slide Presentation by Maya Longfellow, Urban Archeologist 8:30 Dinner and Dancing Commence Chestnut Hill Swing Band Black tie

Addressing an Invitation Mr. and Mrs. John Smith Five Elm Street Lumberton, North Carolina 28358 Note that traditionally westerners will use first the title (Mr./Mrs./Ms./Miss), than the first name of only the male (when addressing a married couple), and lastly the family name.