Dear readers,
As the holiday season approaches (I know, it’s only October, but time flies!), it’s time to start planning your festive gatherings - whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas celebration, or a New Year's Eve party.
Invitations play a crucial role in setting the tone for your event and ensuring that your guests are well-prepared. Proper invitation etiquette can make all the difference in organising a seamless and enjoyable holiday party, leaving your guests impressed and excited and even more importantly - sending the invitations well in advance to make sure your guests are available!
In today’s newsletter, I collected some essential invitation etiquette tips to help you send out your holiday invitations with elegance and ease:
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Send Invitations Early: Ensure your guests have time to block their calendars before they make other plans. For big events like holiday gatherings, aim to send out invitations at least 2-3 months in advance.
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Clear Instructions Are Key: Include the essential details—date, time, and location—so your guests know exactly where and when to arrive.
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RSVP is a Must: Make it clear that you expect an RSVP and by when. This allows you to plan accurately. Mention a latest RSVP date to avoid last-minute surprises.
Katarina’s Tip: If you’re invited to a gathering and you accepted the invitation, it is rude to cancel at the last minute unless there are serious reasons to do so (injury, illness, etc.)
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Clarify the Guest List: If the invitation does not mention a +1, it is intended for the invitee alone. This helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the guest list manageable.
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Dress Code Considerations: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a formal event, always mention the dress code. This ensures guests won’t feel out of place, whether it’s a "casual chic" gathering or a black-tie affair.
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Mention the Party Theme: If your gathering has a theme, make sure to highlight it in the invitation. This allows your guests to dress up accordingly and adds excitement to the event.
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Keep It Concise: Invitations should be clear and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details to keep the message simple and easy to read.
- Double-Check Addresses: Before sending out your invitations, ensure you have the correct addresses (physical or email). This prevents any invitations from bouncing back and ensures everyone receives their invite in time.
Dear readers,
I am a big believer in planning which minimises a lot of stress and last-minute preparations so often connected with the holiday season. Sending out thoughtful and well-organised invitations reflects your care as a host and helps set expectations for your holiday gathering.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to hosting memorable celebrations filled with joy and togetherness!
Happy planning!
Yours sincerely,
Katarina