Hora Hedayati

Invitation Letter

What is an Invitation Letter?An invitation is a request to attend an

event. It could be an invitation to a barbecue, a night at the theater, a birthday or anniversary party, a housewarming, or a wedding.

It could be a formal event or a casual one, even a religious event.

Informal Invitation Letter

Format: Handwritten or typedTone: Informal. Active voiceStructure: What, When (be specific),

where (include address), charge (any), RSVP, dress (casual, costume,…)

Handy Phrases: R.S.V.P. (Please Reply)

A Sample Informal Invitation Letter

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Davidson,

We will be celebrating Paula and Steve’s thirtieth year of ministry with a dinner at the Floribunda Commons Restaurant, Saturday, November 29th, at 8:00 p.m. Please let us know byMonday the 24th if you can join us on this happy occasion.

With love,Armineh Izadi

Tips for Writing Invitation to Events

Describe the event Be sure to cover the details: location, time,

date, dress, directions.Provide a reply card, e-mail address, or

phone number for responding.

Formal Invitation LetterFormat: Handwritten or typed.published; engraved or preprinted invitation or

card. R.S.V.P. (usually on separate card)Style/Tone/Voice: Formal. Active or passive

voice. Structure: (1) State the occasion, (2) State when

(be specific), where (include address; also a map, if necessary), (3) R.S.V.P., (4) Other information, e.g. a luncheon will be held, formal dress is required (white/black tie, etc.)

Handy Phrases: R.S.V.P.; We invite you to share our joy; Request the pleasure of your company.

Sample of Formal Invitation Letter

Twila Lockard Davis and Gladys Lockardinvite you to an

Open Housecelebrating the fiftieth wedding anniversary of

our parents,Thomas and Susannah Lockard

Saturday, May 25th, 2002from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

at the home ofDr. and Mrs. David Hasbro

4776 Wailing Wind Dr.Indiana, Pennsylvania

Please no presents, just your presence!

Tips for Writing Formal InvitationsThe phrase “request(s) the honor of your

presence” is reserved for wedding invitations; however the phrase “request(s) the pleasure of your company” is appropriate in any formal invitation.

If you must cancel a formal invitation, use the same format and style as that of the original invitation (if you have time to do so; otherwise phone the invited guests).

Send invitations well in advance (six weeks is not too early), particularly if you have invited out-of-town guests to the event.