INVITATION

Invitation Letters

How to write a warm and friendly invitation letter:

1. The tone of an invitation should be 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Indicate the appropriate dress, if there is any reason for question.
5. Express anticipation.
6. Ask for a response by a specific date.
7. Try to send your invitation letter two weeks or more in advance.

Be sure your invitation letter includes:

• 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”).

If you must decline to accept an offer, invitation, or gift, you should:

• Be gracious, whatever the reason is that you must decline.
• Thank the person for the invitation, offer, gift, suggestion, etc.
• State clearly that you are unable to accept.
• Briefly state the reason that you are unable to accept, if desired.
• In closing, restate your appreciation for the person’s consideration.
  

Need example invitation letters?

We recommend 4,001 Business, Sales & Personal Letters. This collection includes many professionally written invitation letters. Empower your writing with: Must-know letter-writing tips Expert help every step of the way Appropriate phrases and sentences Words writers agree work the best