You’re Invited: Thinking About Your Event Invitations
The invitations set the tone of any party that you attend, and they’re a great way to let your guests know what to expect. Everything from the language to the paper quality and printing method, gives your guests a hint about whether they are being invited to a formal, casual or corporate event. Do you want your guests to think “This sounds like a fun party I can’t wait to attend!” or “Wow, this event looks like a truly elegant affair,” when they open the envelope?
Considerations When Choosing Your Event Invitations
Invitations come in all shapes and sizes, and there are countless decisions you can make throughout the design process. Should you order online or touch samples in person at our studio or a stationery store to feel the weight and quality? Will a different size envelope require more postage? Do you include an RSVP card or set up an online site for guests to reply? How long will the process take from ordering until they are in the mail to your invited guests? There is no wrong answer when designing the perfect invitations for your party, and Innovative Party Planners can help guide you through the process.
Wording
Make sure that all critical elements are present on the invitation, including:
Event Type. State the kind of the event, such as office party, birthday party, wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, etc.
Time. State event start time and perhaps include the end time.
Location. Include the name of venue, street address, city and state.
How to RSVP. Consider a formal printed card, an event website, a special email address or phone call.
When to RSVP. We suggest 3 weeks before your event for formal events, 1 week for less formal gatherings.
Attire. Let your guests know whether your event is formal or casual.
Gifts. If you would not like gifts or if you would like them from a certain place, include the link to your wedding registry, or information regarding donations in lieu of a gift.
Hosts. Include the name(s) of the hosts.
Print or Digital?
A growing consideration for many couples, families and individuals is whether to order traditional print invitations or digital invitations. Today we work online, shop online and communicate online. Why shouldn’t the same be possible for how we invite people to a party? Paperless invitations are growing in popularity, and they are much more affordable and environmentally sustainable than paper alternatives.
When deciding whether or not to go digital, you should remember that online invitations are most appropriate for casual or informal parties. Consider that emails can also fail to reach their intended recipient, which means that you might need to follow up with more people to ensure that they received the note. Special events require invitations that show how special the events you are hosting are, so take your time when mulling over how to send your invitations.
If you decide to print formal invitations, we recommend you begin looking at invitations at least nine months out and start the ordering the process four months before your event. Many invitation companies will prepare the addressing of your envelopes, so be sure to finalize your guest list, including all pertinent information, prior to ordering your invitations.
Before You Hit Print
When you are getting ready to approve the final proof, or publish the website on your invitations, take a moment to carefully review it. Check the spelling of every word, even if you are confident everything is spelled correctly. Examine the information on the invitation including the date, day of the week and any additional information.
Work with Innovative Party Planners
Innovative Party Planners is your resource for event design, invitations and complete party planning in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia. To learn more about our event planning services and how we can help make your event one of a kind, contact us by calling (410) 998-9999.