HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
(Check out the creative invitation options available at Tiny Prints.
When planning your next event, invitations might be the last thing on your mind. And between design and etiquette, making the right choice can be a chore. That's why we've made it easy.
Read on for Part Two of our series on Creating the Perfect Invitation.
The first essential step in creating an invitation is to select the best style. There are three major options
Invitations For Any Occassion
Chic Cocktail Party Invite
- Third-person Formal: Use these for formal dinners, fundraisers, balls, galas, formal weddings, etc.
- Semiformal: Perfect for cocktail parties, dinner parties, big birthdays, graduation parties, bridal showers and theme parties.
- Handwritten Notes: Agreat choice for very intimate or casual affairs including small birthday dinners, barbeques and housewarming parties. For a children's birthday party, check out the adorable invitations from Tiny Prints or Birthday-in-a-Box.
The right wording can make or break your invitation. Phrasing can help set the party's tone and level of formality for your guests -- even before the event begins. Here are a few basic guidelines:
FormalOn the invite, the host and/or hostess usually "requests the honour of your [the guests'] presence at _______________ [insert event name]" followed by the day of the week, date and the month spelled out, followed by the time and the place (e.g. ""Sunday, the first of January/ two thousand and nine/ at half after eight o'clock/ Montcliff Manor/ Sonoma, California")
Keep in mind that formal invitations are almost exclusively printed on ivory, cream or white paper that is approximately 5.5" x 7.5" (either folded or as a single sheet).
Engraved or raised print is the best choice with the formal invitations, typically written in an antique typeface.
Semi-FormalMore casual invitations do not have to adhere to a strict writing style. They may be printed in a variety of ways on bordered or patterned paper, and size of the paper can vary as well.
When creating a semiformal invitation, incorporate the event's theme to get guests excited. Use ink that matches the party décor's color theme, or pick stationary with a pretty border related to the event -- i.e. pumpkins for a Halloween party, fireworks for the Fourth of July, engagement rings for a bridal shower and grill utensils or burgers for a barbeque.
HandwrittenThe two most important elements with handwritten invitations are the stationary and the lettering.
Make sure to choose beautiful stationary that really pops, and either write very neatly or hire someone with excellent penmanship to write the text you've chosen.
Keep in mind that formal invitations are almost exclusively printed on ivory, cream or white paper that is approximately 5.5" x 7.5" (either folded or as a single sheet).
Engraved or raised print is the best choice with the formal invitations, typically written in an antique typeface.
Semi-FormalMore casual invitations do not have to adhere to a strict writing style. They may be printed in a variety of ways on bordered or patterned paper, and size of the paper can vary as well.
When creating a semiformal invitation, incorporate the event's theme to get guests excited. Use ink that matches the party décor's color theme, or pick stationary with a pretty border related to the event -- i.e. pumpkins for a Halloween party, fireworks for the Fourth of July, engagement rings for a bridal shower and grill utensils or burgers for a barbeque.
HandwrittenThe two most important elements with handwritten invitations are the stationary and the lettering.
Make sure to choose beautiful stationary that really pops, and either write very neatly or hire someone with excellent penmanship to write the text you've chosen.
The rules for addressing invitations are the same regardless of which invitation style you've chosen.
Married Couples: Always address invitations to both members of a married couple Unmarried Couple Who Lives Together: Address the invitation to both, each name on a separate line.
Do not use abbreviations or initials when addressing envelopes. If children are invited, write their names on a line below the parents' names. For formal events, you should include a smaller inner envelope (left unsealed) and an RSVP card.
Do not use abbreviations or initials when addressing envelopes. If children are invited, write their names on a line below the parents' names. For formal events, you should include a smaller inner envelope (left unsealed) and an RSVP card.
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