Etiquette for Business Dinner Invitations
Whether you're inviting colleagues to a business dinner, or have received an invitation for such an event, it's important to know how etiquette can help you to make a good impression with co-workers. Submitting and responding to the invitations in a timely manner is essential.
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RSVP
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It is proper etiquette to respond to the business dinner invitation on or before the date indicated on the invitation. It is also important to confirm attendance in the matter that is detailed on the invitation. For instance, if the host of the business dinner requests that attendees call to RSVP, this the method that should be used. Even if no RSVP is requested on the invitation, it is best to confirm attendance via phone or e-mail.
Changing Attendance Status
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Once a guest has confirmed his or her attendance for the business dinner, it is acceptable to respectfully decline the invitation if there is illness or death in the family. If there is another emergency on the same evening as the dinner that the guest can not get out of, it is proper etiquette to notify the host as soon as possible, and to offer apologies for not being able to attend.
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Information to Include
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When inviting colleagues to a business dinner, include the entire address of the location where the dinner will take place. This will make it easier for guests to find driving directions to the location, so that the proper amount of time can be allotted for travel (it is considered impolite to show up late for a business dinner). The time and date of the dinner should be clearly stating on the invitation (usually in the center), as well as the company that is hosting the dinner, if applicable.
Addressing Invitations
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It is proper etiquette to send hand-written addressed envelopes to colleagues with the invitation inside--this is the case even if the invitation has been professionally printed. The address should ideally be written in cursive and should acknowledge everyone who is invited to the dinner. For instance, if you have invited a colleague and his wife, it is best to address the invitation "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith." When inviting doctors or judges to the dinner, using the person's honorific, Dr. or Honorable, is appropriate.
Sending Invitations
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Business dinner invitations can be sent to the home of the colleague who is being invited, particularly if the colleague's spouse also has been asked to the dinner. It is also acceptable to mail the invitation to the colleague's place of work, especially if the professional has a private mailbox. If a co-worker is inviting everyone in his or her department to the dinner, it is appropriate to hand-deliver the invitations.
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References
- Photo Credit Perfektes Dinner image by Heidi Schmieder from Fotolia.com
