queen of connection | Shelby L. Phillips

The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Online Invitations

June 2, 2011 at 4:09 pm Leave a comment

Let me set the record straight. I love on-line invitations. I think sending an electronic invitation, or evite, is good for the planet, convenient, and extremely cost effective. However, the lack of etiquette that often comes with this modern convenience would not meet the approval of Emily Post. Here’s how to show good etiquette when using online invitations:

WHEN PREPARING AN ONLINE INVITATION
DO send a Save-the-Date evite if you need to get a head count well ahead of time.
DO ask for regrets with your Save-the Date evite. If not sending a Save-the Date, simply send out your evites two weeks ahead of time.
DO address your evite to a specific person or people. If you’re inviting siblings or a couple, be sure to use their names. This extra effort conveys that you care about your guests and really want them to be part of the celebration.
DO make your invitations inviting. Think about your theme and choose virtual paper, envelope, rubber stamps, postage, etc. that coordinate. If you can’t find something that matches your theme, choose a template that has the right colors and allows for a photograph instead.
DON’T just send an email. With all the great FREE online invitation services available, there are no excuses. A customized evite lets your guests know that you’ve put some thought into this party. I’m partial to PunchBowl.com, but some other’s include SmileBox.com, PurpleTrail.com, AnyVite.com, and of course, Evite.com.

WHEN WRITING AN ONLINE INVITATION
DO include the Four W’s. (who, what, when, and where)
Who is the party for? What are you celebrating? What is the occasion? When is the party, the date and time? Where is it being held? Evites are meant to be convenient but you still need to provide all the pertinent information.

DON’T forget to include other pertinent information when needed, such as: your theme, costume requirements, venue or parking information, request for dietary requirements, and anything guests should bring, like special group gifts or props, and registry info.

DO proofread your copy then have someone else proofread it. If that’s not possible, read the copy out loud, word for word, very slowly to make certain you’ve used your best grammar and punctuation. It’s always nice to put your best foot forward.

WHEN RESPONDING TO AN ONLINE INVITATION
DO respond as soon as possible to an online invitation. I always encourage my clients to respond to an evite as soon as they receive it. If you can’t make the event, respond “No” right away. This allows the host to invite more people if need be (especially important for children’s parties), and it helps with knowing how many supplies to purchase, how much food to prepare, and gifts to buy or make. If you have to check on dates or babysitters, then respond as a “Maybe” right away. This lets the host know that you’ve seen the invitation and that you’re trying to work it out. The “maybe” button was added as a courtesy. Use it! To not respond at all or wait until the final days before the event, is just plain rude. Don’t be rude.

Father’s Day is coming up fast on Sunday, June 19th, and since Father’s Day celebrations tend to be informal and often times planned at the last minute, this is a perfect time to practice these online invitation do’s and don’ts.

Speaking of Father’s Day, if you’re looking for some SLICK party ideas for Dad, check out my NASCAR Father’s Day BBQ at YouCanPlanAParty.TV. We’ll get you all REVED UP and RARIN’ to go with great ideas for honoring dad in a fun and colorful way! Here’s a quick peek…

Entry filed under: Celebrations, Party Etiquette, Party Ideas, Party Planning. Tags: evite, invitations, invites, party tips and ideas, planning a party.