by Natasha Alexander

Created on: February 06, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

These days, most invitations to informal events (dinners, parties) come by email. It's a quick and easy way to get an invite out there and, there's no reason why you can't send a hand-written or a more formal, printed invitation later.

Email invitations can be either the invitation itself or a notice to "save the date" (such as for more formal events, weddings included). Here's some of the ways I draft invites:

For a dinner (more formal):

Jeffrey and I would be delighted if you could join us for dinner at our house on Saturday, March 3rd, at 7:30.

Please RSVP to this email address and let us know of any allergies or special dietary requests.

Looking forward to seeing you again.
-
or Save the date (formal)

Please save the date, March 3, 2007, for the wedding of ......
An invitation will follow my mail.

Thank you,
your name
-
Or a dinner (less formal & therefore assuming these are closer friends):

Hi blah-blah!

Jeffrey and I are planning a dinner at our house on Sat., March 3rd, and would love it if you could come! Please let me know asap - we really hope you can join us.

See you soon!
Your name
(When they write back, you can give the time.)
-
Or a party:

We're having a party! Please join us on March 3rd, at 7:30 to celebrate (fill in blank: Carla's birthday, Jane's divorce, etc.)

There will be (drinks & hors d'oeuvres/ dinner/ dancing) until (whatever time).

RSVP to this address and I (or we) really hope to see you then!
Your name
or
RSVP to Jackie at 123-4387
-

Or drinks:

Please join us for cocktails (or drinks if you're serving only wine and/or beer) on Saturday, March 3rd between 6-8 pm at our house, (give address).

RSVP to this address and we look forward to seeing you!
all the best,
sign your name

-
You get the picture. Good luck and also remember you can use the free invite service on the web called www.evite.com There you can send invites and keep track of attendees, having them respond through the site. You can make the invitation list and the responses either public or private. Some party-goers get a kick out of seeing who's coming and who's not before a party and everyone - everyone - loves to read the reasons why someone can't make it. Have Fun!

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