How to Invite Guests and RSVP to Party Invitations
There are many people who do not know where to begin when it comes to issuing party invitations, whether it's for formal or informal parties. Likewise, many people do not follow proper etiquette when it comes to responding when the invitation asks for an RSVP. Additional confusion surrounds the etiquette for how to respond and what is considered appropriate for arrivals, departures and general timing. Here are a few items to reference as a good manners guide for how to issue and RSVP to party invitations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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First, when sending invitations for a formal event or occasion such as with wedding invitations or 50th anniversary parties you should contact a stationery shop or paper supplier about the proper format to use and about what formal paper to use. There are also reference books that you can refer to. A popular choice is "Crane's Blue Book of Stationery: The Styles and Etiquette of Letters, Notes, and Invitations". You should be able to find this guide at any large bookstore, online or possibly in your local library. Please see the link to Crane & Co. in the Resource Section below.
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When planning a more informal or casual party, such as with Baby Shower Invitations, it is acceptable to use specialty pre-printed note cards or your own personal stationery. You should hand write party invitations for up to 20 guests. Once your guest list exceeds 20, it is acceptable to have them pre-printed if you wish to do so.
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When inviting your guests be sure to include clear details about the event. Include the date, time, place (ie address), your telephone number and perhaps an email address. (If you include an email address be sure that you check it daily for responses.) You should also include a brief description about the nature of the event and who the guest of honor is if it is a party that you are giving on behalf of someone. These types of parties include birthday parties, baby showers, wedding showers and anniversary parties
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If you wish for your guests to participate by bringing a dish or dessert to share then you should also include this information on the invitation. Likewise, if it is a casual party in which you expect guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages (sometimes known as a "Bring Your Own Bottle") then this should be noted on the invitation as well so your guests will know what to expect.
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It is also appropriate to note any special dress requirements on the invitation such as if the party is black tie, office casual, summer casual, informal, no shorts please, BBQ casual, costume, bring swimsuit etc. so that your guests will (hopefully) dress appropriately for your party.
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Upon receiving an invitation to a party or similar event, a response known more commonly as an RSVP is certainly a requirement. The term RSVP is an acronym for a French phrase meaning "please respond". The host or hostess has taken the time to invite you and there should be no excuse not to respond in some way in a timely manner. It is rude not to reply at all. If for some reason, you are unsure or wish to keep the date open and available you should at the least call the host and let them know that you are unsure if you will be able to attend. To simply ignore the invitation is unacceptable.
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Some party invitations may say "Regrets Only". This phrasing is not used as often but as it states, it means simply respond only if you do not plan to attend the event. Otherwise, the host is expecting you to attend.
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Commitments for more casual events or cocktail parties may not require your time for an entire evening. It is acceptable for you to split your time between events, especially during the holiday season, which can be extremely busy. Let your host know that you will stop by for a short time, either early or late in the event. It is acceptable to say that you have another party to attend but that you don't want to miss theirs.
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Remember to be a good guest. This means know when to arrive. Do not arrive early as the hosts may still be preparing or getting themselves ready. It is considered acceptable to arrive 10 to 15 minutes after the time stated on the invitation unless you are the guest of honor. Arriving beyond 20 minutes late is considered unacceptable as it may interfere with the hosts serving plans. If you find that you are going to be late by 30 minutes or more then you should call the hosts to let them know not to wait for your arrival.
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As important as arriving on time is to know when it is time to leave. Your hosts are probably going to be tired and they will want time to clean up before they can retire for the evening. It is polite to ask if you can help clean up a little before you depart. Upon leaving the party, it is polite to say goodbye to your hosts and to thank them for inviting you to their party.
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