Extend a Formal Invitation • Letter Templates and Guides
How to write this letter:
| 1 | First announce the name of the host. |
| 2 | The second section presents the invitation. |
| 3 | The third section names or describes the event. |
| 4 | The fourth section gives the date and time of day. |
| 5 | The fifth section gives the place. Give the full address if there may be any doubt about the location. |
| 6 | Place a request for response (R.S.V.P.) below and to the left of the body of the invitation. If you request a specific mode of dress, place that information on the same line as the R.S.V.P., but on the right-hand side. If it is a "black tie" occasion, meaning tuxedos for men and evening gowns for women, say so, in order to avoid confusion. |
Guides
Formal invitations have a fixed format. They may be handwritten or printed, but never on business letterhead stationery. The invitation is centered on the paper. A stamped, self-addressed response card will frequently accompany the invitation.
Example Letter #1
The Springfield Arts Council
requests the pleasure of your company
at a reception in honor of
Dr. John Doe
on the occasion of his retirement
on Friday, August fifth
from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
at The Springfield Hotel
1600 Main Street
R.S.V.P. 555-5555 by June 2
Example Letter #2
Mr. John Doe
requests the pleasure of your company
at a dinner in honor of his daughter
Jane Doe
on the occasion of her graduation
on Tuesday, March eighth
at seven o'clock
at his home
648 Maple Lane
Centerville, Kansas 12346
R.S.V.P. 555-5555 by March 2
Example Letter #3
The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Doe
extend to you an invitation to attend
an open house in celebration of
the Doe's Golden Anniversary
on Saturday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m.
at the Elk's Lodge
1555 Center Street
Springfield, Kansas
R.S.V.P. by May 2
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1
First announce the name of the host.
Example Sentences for Step 1
of
Springfield University Mr. John Doe and Mrs. Jane Doe
(on a wedding invitation, for example, where the parents have been divorced but are co-hosting) Ashley Johnson
and
Eric Doe
2
The second section presents the invitation.
Example Sentences for Step 2
3
The third section names or describes the event.
Example Sentences for Step 3
Dr. Robert Johnson
on the occasion of his retirement a party
to celebrate our Fifteenth Anniversary at dinner at the marriage of their daughter
Mary Elizabeth
to
Michael Ryan
son of Michael and Beth Luthy at the marriage of their daughter
Mary
to
Paul Luthy at the celebration of their marriage at the rehearsal dinner for
Ashley Johnson and Eric Doe at an open house
honoring their mother, Jane Doe,
on her 85th birthday a dinner party Cocktails and a Buffet
4
The fourth section gives the date and time of day.
Example Sentences for Step 4
from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2,
at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, the fourteenth of August
at half past six o'clock Friday evening, July 10,
at seven o'clock Saturday, the nineteenth of September
Nineteen hundred and ninety-seven
at half after ten in the morning
5
The fifth section gives the place. Give the full address if there may be any doubt about the location.
Example Sentences for Step 5
1600 Main Street
Springfield, Kansas at The Springfield Hotel
648 Maple Lane 648 Maple Lane
Centerville 648 Maple Lane
Centerville, Kansas 12346
555-5555 in the Alumni House on Campus at Trinity Church
1600 Main Street
Springfield, Kansas The Springfield Inn
Springfield, Kansas in the Springfield Hotel
Garden Ballroom
1600 Main Street
Springfield, KA 12346
6
Place a request for response (R.S.V.P.) below and to the left of the body of the invitation. If you request a specific mode of dress, place that information on the same line as the R.S.V.P., but on the right-hand side. If it is a "black tie" occasion, meaning tuxedos for men and evening gowns for women, say so, in order to avoid confusion.