Etiquette & Ideas for a Dinner Invitation
If you're planning a dinner party, using proper etiquette to inform your guests of the event is essential because it will give your guests an idea what to expect and what to wear. Be especially creative with the invitations so that guests will anticipate having a great time at your event.
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Formal and Informal Dinners
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The way that you present your invitations allows your guest to anticipate the type of event your dinner will be. Make a list of friends and loved ones to invite. Invite guests by phone if the dinner is informal. Sending an e-mail is acceptable as well. Use invitations with decorative borders for formal invitations, and include correspondence cards in the invitation so that guests can confirm attendance. Include the full address of the party location, the date of the event (month, date, and year), and, if necessary, the date by which guests must respond.
Party Attire
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Send dinner invitations with attire guidelines in the lower right hand corner of the invitation. For semi-formal dinners, guests can wear slacks, dress pants or suits. If you're planning a black tie affair, this indicates that men should wear tuxedos, and women should wear elegant dresses. Use colors, borders, and font that match the desired 'feel' for the party. For instance, colorful borders and large font indicate a fun, informal dinner party with lots of mingling and perhaps games after dinner. Guests should wear casual clothing to this type of event, and will get this impression from the invitation.
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Sending Invitations
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Send invitations at least two weeks in advance, even for informal dinners or e-mailed invitations. This gives guests ample time to respond. Address each envelope by hand with black or blue ink. This is proper etiquette and makes the invitations more personable. Include self-addressed envelopes in the envelope if guests must send a response card. Select response cards with the same border as the invitation. Use gold or silver borders for formal parties, or colorful borders with original designs like flowers or picture frames for informal dinners.
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