How to Format a Dinner Invitation

Invitations make first impressions.

Dinner invitations convey impressions by the way the invitation information appears on the card. Use the formatting option that appeals to your sense of style. Follow standard invitation layout and punctuation guidelines. Place wording for your dinner party on the appropriate lines. Guide your readers by adhering to invitation and dinner etiquette. Include all the essential dinner details to prepare invited guests for an outstanding dinner party experience.

Instructions

1. Extend the actual invitation on the first line. Say, for example, "Tim and Margaret Rowlands request the pleasure of your attendance." Place each element -- host's name and invitation -- on separate lines, according to your preference.

2. Enter the dinner date and time on the next line. Spell months, days and years for formal invitations. Provide the location on the next line.

3. Tell invited guests the formality of dinner. Write, "Formal," "Semi-formal" or "Casual" in the bottom of one corner of the card, says the Practical Etiquette website. Or write "Black tie" or "White tie" for a formal dinner. Place "R.S.V.P." in the opposite corner.

Tips & Warnings

• Center the lines on the invitation card.

• Write lines without punctuation at the end of each line.

• Capitalize the first letter of each line.

References

• Practical Etiquette: Dinner Invitation Etiquette

Resources

• Bottle Me a Message: Sample Wording: Dinner Party