Mel's Blog

You’re having a party and you have decided on your theme, menu and guest list, now you need invitations.  The invitation you create will set the scene and tone for your party.  Think of your invitation as a concept preview of your event through style, colour, font and accessories. The invitation should express not only the style of the event, but also the style of the host.  By this I mean, a truly successful invitation is one that illustrates to the guests exactly who is sending it, and they say ‘This is so Mel’.

Is your event formal, semi-formal or casual?  Your invitation should include details of the celebration, attire, venue, address, transportation, date & time, RSVP, dietary requirements and contact information.

Besides using paper invitations, think outside the box and create electronic invitations, short movie on DVD or creative props.

Invitation tips:

• Time – make your start time a little early; say 6:30pm for a 7:00pm party.  By the time people show up, say their hellos, have a drink etc, it’ll be 7:00pm.
• Planning – send out invitations at least 6-8 weeks before the event.  Allow time for choosing materials, good creative design, mock-ups and samples as well as the printing time.
• RSVP – printed invites should always include a RSVP card with a self-addressed and stamped envelope.  This allows your guests to simply fill in the blanks and post the invite.
• Guest numbers - after compiling your guest list, increase the total by at least 20% before ordering the invites. This will cover you for any mistakes at addressing stage and avoid you having to re-order a small quantity later at a far higher price.
• Guest list – make sure everyone on your guest list knows at least one person at the party; this will guarantee they will have someone to turn to for conversation other than the host.
• Extra’s - remember you may need Place cards, Menus, Table number cards, Maps etc. They should all tie in with the invite and you’ll save money by printing them at the same time.

Invitations are only a small part of your event.  You will have many chances to express yourself artistically at your event, so don’t feel like your invitations are the be-all and end-all.

The importance of RSVP:

RSVP is an abbreviation of the French phrase ‘Répondez s'il vous plaît’, which translates in English to ‘Reply, if you please’. 

RSVP’s allow the host to determine the final head count for the party.  You can RSVP to an event from printed materials, email address, telephone number, website to Facebook.  If a guest RSVP’s and then does not show up, they are costing the host money in food, alcohol, entertainment, favours and the possibility of being uninvited to future events.  So take the time and RSVP and if you’re running late to party, be courteous and call your host.

Remember, parties are fantasy and a chance to get away from your routine.

Coming soon – Parties that POP (Table Centrepieces and Party Etiquette)