Why Party Invitations Are A Good Idea

Why Party Invitations Are A Good Idea
by PartyFan



Party invitations are considered proper etiquette, and there are many reasons why other than the generic "being polite". A well done, yet simple, invitation can provide both your guests and yourself with important information. Who, what, where, when and why are all things your guests will want to know. Directions, rules, and instructions are also important. Oral invitations are wonderful, but to avoid confusion and make sure relevant information is passed along and not forgotten, follow up with a written invitation that includes all these necessary ingredients.

Physical invitations are still a good idea. While most people are Internet capable wherever they are, there are still some who are not. There are also things like deadspots, failing batteries, or trying to read from a tiny screen that might interfere. With an invite physically in hand, these are less likely to be a problem, smoothing the way for your guests to have a good time. If you do decide to go electronic only, the other tips here are still worth following.

Directions are a given. No one wants to get lost. Include an address and a phone number if at all possible. Simple directions from one or two well-known landmarks can also be very helpful. If your guests have no trouble finding the place, they will be more likely to arrive in a good mood, and have a good time. Since a good time is the point of the exercise, anything that makes this more likely is highly desirable.

Now who wants to deal with rules at a party? You do. For example, if you are giving a costume party, you wouldn't want all the guests to show up in street clothes. A simple rule "costume required", or gentle advice "it is a costume party, so wear your best!" can save lots of aggravation. Another important example would be if your party has a Adults Only theme or flavor. You don't want someone showing up with their young children in tow if your party will be "R" rated (or worse), and the kiddies get exposed to things that might upset their parents. The opposite holds true as well. You don't want someone showing up in a harem slave costume complete with sex toys if the party was organized for a five year old's birthday! I've found that it is best to convey such a message firmly and directly, but that the addition of some graphical material makes your point stand out. "No Kids" followed up by a racy image, not necessarily explicit, but adult enough to get the point across, will the point more strongly than the "No Kids" statement all by itself. Pictures of clowns and teddy bears to reinforce "Children's Party". You get the idea. This isn't necessary, but it helps.

Instructions can be vital to the success of your party. Imagine if your hard drinking buddies show up to your event, and you forgot to say "Bring Your Own Booze". Can you say "buzzkill!"? RSVP needed, bring a present, donations required, must wear a themed costume, formal attire only, or a host of other instructions may be in order, and if you forget to tell someone, the resulting confusion or frustration can drag a party to its knees in a heartbeat. Make sure if something is required, the party guests know about it.

Lastly, if you are a regular party host, you can help yourself by giving out party invitations. If every time you send out 50 invitations, 30 guests actually show up, you can use this information to plan out what will be needed for your party. Avoid running out of things, or stocking up on way too much. Choose an appropriate venue, where your guests won't feel like they are being crammed into a broom closet, or lost on their own in Carlsbad Caverns with only echos for company.

For all these reasons, and many more I haven't mentioned, written party invitations are more than politeness for politeness sake, they are a good idea that will help make your party an enjoyable experience for everyone, including yourself.