Invitations and Announcements
From LoveToKnow Party
You've got an event coming up and aren't sure it's really necessary to send invitations and announcements. For many occasions it's obviously critical to send a card, other times it's not. Sometimes a spur of the moment event or a casual gathering needs nothing more than a few chatty friends to get the word out there's a party. The Super Bowl game, a weekend barbecue, an impromptu girls' night out and other informal festivities don't require traditional invitations and announcements. Other events absolutely do.
When to Send Invitations and Announcements
If you're not certain your occasion requires an invitation or announcement, ask yourself what kind of event you're hosting. The rule of thumb is this: if it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, invitations and announcements are required. Examples of one-in-a-lifetime events are:
- Weddings
- Baby Showers
- Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
- Significant birthdays (Sweet 16, 30, 40, 50, etc.)
- Graduations
- Christenings
- Retirement
- Memorial services
Other Events
Beyond those once-in-a-lifetime occasions, there are other events that warrant invitations and announcements. Usually they have an element of formality. They are the types of venues where jackets and evening gowns are found. Other times they are publicity or civic events where you'll find folks gathering in business suits and dress clothes. In either case, the guest list will likely include prominent or schedule-challenged people that will need the advanced notice to be able to participate.
Types of formal events:
- New Year's Eve parties
- Masquerade balls
- Award Ceremonies
Examples of civic events:
- Fundraising
- Groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies
- Inaugurations
- Campaign venues
When in Doubt, Send Them Out
Honestly, you can't go wrong sending invitations and announcements. Even if they aren't always necessary, they can be fun. Online invitations and announcements like Evite are a great solution for getting the word out quickly and inexpensively. However, in the computer age we now live in, it's becoming less and less common to get a good old fashioned invitation or announcement via snail mail. If you've got the time and motivation, why not drop a card in the mail to let others know about your event?
Creative Ideas
If you're going to spend the effort sending out personal invitations and announcements, you may want to consider getting a little creative. If you're the crafty type, get going on those handmade cards! Use rubber stamps, collage, photos or anything your heart desires to make a fun, unique card for your event.
You could also choose to forego the effort yourself and support the arts by picking up some handmade cards at a craft fair, a specialty shop or any local art gallery. Handmade cards vary greatly in price, but can add a special creative element to your invite.
If handmade invitations and announcements aren't your thing, there are scores of free printable invitations available and there's nothing wrong with picking up a pre-printed invitation at a retail or specialty stationary store.
Getting the Word Out
No matter what style and delivery method you choose, the goal is to personally let people know you'd like them to join you in celebrating or commemorating a specific event. Be accurate in your invitation wording and choose an invitation that reflects the personality of your event. Even if your event doesn't traditionally require an invitation or announcement, a personal request to ask someone to a party is rarely unwelcome.
This page has been accessed 6,329 times. This page was last modified 19:14, 31 January 2007.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
