Extend an Invitation to a Personal Social Event • Letter Templates and Guides
How to write this letter:
1 | Extend the invitation, naming the event and including the date, time, and place. If the event has a special purpose, such as honoring someone or celebrating an anniversary, state this. |
2 | If the event is a retirement, an anniversary, or a reception, indicate if a gift is not expected. If a gift is welcome, it is usually best to say nothing, except in the cases of bridal or baby showers. |
3 | Indicate appropriate dress, if there is any reason for question. |
4 | Express anticipation, and ask for a response by a specific date. |
Guides
The tone of an invitation is always positive, in anticipation of a pleasurable occasion. Clever phrasing, poetry or a themed approach may be appropriate for an informal occasion, but you should express the details clearly.
Example Letter #1
We're going to throw a party on Saturday, June 15, to celebrate John's fiftieth birthday with a splash! Bring your swimsuits to Robert's place by 5:00 p.m. and plan to have a great time. Of course, dress will be casual. Please RSVP regrets only by June 12 so we can plan accordingly. We hope to see you there.
Example Letter #2
We cordially invite you to attend an informal dinner in honor of John Doe's fiftieth birthday. We will celebrate the occasion at his home at 6:30 p.m. at 648 Maple Lane. Please dress casually. We request only the pleasure of your company so please, no gifts.
We look forward to receiving your R.S.V.P. by telephone at 555-5555 by February 26.
Example Letter #3
Come one, come all to the annual Maple Street Block Party! As you old-timers know, we Maple Street residents hold our block party in the intersection of Center and Maple every July. This year the party will be on Thursday, July 24, beginning at 6:00 p.m. We have several new residents in the neighborhood who we want to welcome, so it should be fun.
John Doe will be the master of ceremonies for the "neighborhood roast." Our guess is he is attempting to remove himself from the volley of appropriate insults he deserves for his Christmas decorations this year.
Please plan to come and call Jane Doe at 555-5555 to arrange food assignments. See you there!
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1
Extend the invitation, naming the event and including the date, time, and place. If the event has a special purpose, such as honoring someone or celebrating an anniversary, state this.
Example Sentences for Step 1
Example Phrases for Step 1
2
If the event is a retirement, an anniversary, or a reception, indicate if a gift is not expected. If a gift is welcome, it is usually best to say nothing, except in the cases of bridal or baby showers.
Example Sentences for Step 2
Example Phrases for Step 2
3
Indicate appropriate dress, if there is any reason for question.
Example Sentences for Step 3
Example Phrases for Step 3
4
Express anticipation, and ask for a response by a specific date.
Example Sentences for Step 4
May 30. We hope you can work this into your busy schedule. We believe you will enjoy yourself, and we look forward to having you with us. Let us know if you will be able to come. Just call us at 555-5555. We do hope to see you there. Just come along any time during the afternoon.