Extend a Formal Invitation • Example Letters, Guides and Samples

Guides

Formal invitations have a fixed format. They may be handwritten or printed, but never on business letterhead stationery. The invitation is centered on the paper. A stamped, self-addressed response card will frequently accompany the invitation.

How to write this invitation letter:

  1. First announce the name of the host.
  2. The second section presents the invitation.
  3. The third section names or describes the event.
  4. The fourth section gives the date and time of day.
  5. The fifth section gives the place. Give the full address if there may be any doubt about the location.
  6. Place a request for response (R.S.V.P.) below and to the left of the body of the invitation. If you request a specific mode of dress, place that information on the same line as the R.S.V.P., but on the right-hand side. If it is a "black tie" occasion, meaning tuxedos for men and evening gowns for women, say so, in order to avoid confusion.

Example Letter #1

Copied

The Springfield Arts Council

requests the pleasure of your company

at a reception in honor of

Dr. John Doe

on the occasion of his retirement

on Friday, August fifth

from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

at The Springfield Hotel

1600 Main Street

R.S.V.P. 555-5555 by June 2

Example Letter #2

Copied

Mr. John Doe

requests the pleasure of your company

at a dinner in honor of his daughter

Jane Doe

on the occasion of her graduation

on Tuesday, March eighth

at seven o'clock

at his home

648 Maple Lane

Centerville, Kansas 12346

R.S.V.P. 555-5555 by March 2

Example Letter #3

Copied

The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Doe

extend to you an invitation to attend

an open house in celebration of

the Doe's Golden Anniversary

on Saturday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m.

at the Elk's Lodge

1555 Center Street

Springfield, Kansas

R.S.V.P. by May 2

Write Your Letter Step-by-Step

1 First announce the name of the host.

Sample Sentences for Step 1
  • The Springfield Arts Council
  • Mrs. Jane Doe
  • Mr. and Mrs. John Doe
  • John and Jane Doe
  • The Doe Corporation
  • Jane Doe
  • The President and The Board of Trustees
    of
    Springfield University
  • Mr. John Doe and Mrs. Jane Doe
    (on a wedding invitation, for example, where the parents have been divorced but are co-hosting)
  • Ashley Johnson
    and
    Eric Doe

2 The second section presents the invitation.

Sample Sentences for Step 2
  • cordially invites you to
  • cordially invites you to attend the
  • request the pleasure of your company
  • invite you to attend
  • request the honor of your presence
  • invite you to join them

3 The third section names or describes the event.

Sample Sentences for Step 3
  • Annual General Meeting
  • Awards Banquet
  • a reception in honor of
    Dr. Robert Johnson
    on the occasion of his retirement
  • a party
    to celebrate our Fifteenth Anniversary
  • at dinner
  • at the marriage of their daughter
    Mary Elizabeth
    to
    Michael Ryan
    son of Michael and Beth Luthy
  • at the marriage of their daughter
    Mary
    to
    Paul Luthy
  • at the celebration of their marriage
  • at the rehearsal dinner for
    Ashley Johnson and Eric Doe
  • at an open house
    honoring their mother, Jane Doe,
    on her 85th birthday
  • a dinner party
  • Cocktails and a Buffet

4 The fourth section gives the date and time of day.

Sample Sentences for Step 4
  • on Saturday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m.
  • on Friday, August fifth,
    from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 2,
    at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, the fourteenth of August
    at half past six o'clock
  • Friday evening, July 10,
    at seven o'clock
  • Saturday, the nineteenth of September
    Nineteen hundred and ninety-seven
    at half after ten in the morning

5 The fifth section gives the place. Give the full address if there may be any doubt about the location.

Sample Sentences for Step 5
  • at the Springfield Country Club
    1600 Main Street
    Springfield, Kansas
  • at The Springfield Hotel
    648 Maple Lane
  • 648 Maple Lane
    Centerville
  • 648 Maple Lane
    Centerville, Kansas 12346
    555-5555
  • in the Alumni House on Campus
  • at Trinity Church
    1600 Main Street
    Springfield, Kansas
  • The Springfield Inn
    Springfield, Kansas
  • in the Springfield Hotel
    Garden Ballroom
    1600 Main Street
    Springfield, KA 12346

6 Place a request for response (R.S.V.P.) below and to the left of the body of the invitation. If you request a specific mode of dress, place that information on the same line as the R.S.V.P., but on the right-hand side. If it is a "black tie" occasion, meaning tuxedos for men and evening gowns for women, say so, in order to avoid confusion.

Sample Sentences for Step 6
  • R.S.V.P.
    555-5555
  • R.S.V.P. Black Tie
  • R.S.V.P. card enclosed
  • The favor of a reply is requested
  • R.S.V.P.
    Jane Doe
    555-5555
  • R.S.V.P. Black tie requested
  • R.S.V.P. The Does
    648 Maple Lane
    Centerville, KA 12346
    555-5555
  • R.S.V.P. 555-5555 by June 2