Formal Versus Casual Party Invitation Etiquette

Formal events should closely relate to a wedding invitation. All dates, times, names and locations should be fully spelled out. Also, hosts should be mentioned as those throwing the formal event and language should reflect the occasion.

Informal events allow for creativity, such as: a sexy lingerie bridal shower with a rhyme or your child’s fourth birthday party. Having fun with the invitations of these types of events can really set the tone for a fabulous party.

The trick with RSVP’s is to give a reply-by date on the invitation along with your RSVP. This will give a strong message to your guests that the host needs to know the number attending for a specific reason, be it space at the location, catering or favors. The length of time for a reply-by date is typically about 1-2 weeks for a casual event, 3-4 weeks for a formal event or wedding. Just remember to give yourself enough cushion time so that in the days after the RSVP you have time to contact those guests that did not RSVP. Try to refrain from using “regrets only”. While this provides you with less phone calls or emails, this also may cause you to be expecting a large number of guests when only a small number attend your event.