5 Elements of the Perfect Classic Cocktail Party Invitation

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5 Elements of the Perfect Classic Cocktail Party Invitation

By Erin ⋅ November 3, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

This week, we are dedicating daily posts to all the various holiday party themes along with some wording suggestions. Yesterday, we reviewed 5 Key Elements of the Perfect Holiday Party Invitation. Today, thought I’d show some of my favorite wording ideas for the classic cocktail / open house holiday party. Questions? Comments? Let us know how we can help you craft the perfect invitation for this year’s festivities. We are here to help!

5 Elements of the Perfect Holiday Party Invitation ::

A festive introduction sets the tone + gets people excited about your party
Clearly state the when, who + where by including the names of the party throwers, the date, the time + the place
Put people at ease by including clear dress code and/or special instructions. Invitations are often referenced multiple times as the date grows closer.
Include RSVP information :: name, phone/email, respond by date. Careful not to fall into the Regrets Only trap if you need to know how many people are coming. People often times forget to RSVP when they aren’t coming.
Send invitations 3-4 weeks before the event

Personalized Red + Sky Bubbles :: Starting at $39

So simple, yet warm + inviting…and informative. This is a wonderful invitation choice for hosts wishing to welcome diverse holiday traditions + religions. Using the 5 Elements, here are my comments ::

“Cheers and Cocktails” is the perfect opener. It’s bubbly, fun, appealing. Perfect for an evening fueled by cocktails! Your guests will instantly know it’s an event centered around cocktails vs. food.
I particularly love how this invitation gives the address for the restaurant so that the guest doesn’t have to look it up on their own. Even if you are 100% sure everyone knows where the location is, it’s always a good idea to include the street address. Live in a big city with multiple suburbs? It’s never a bad idea to include the city in addition to the street address, although the zip code isn’t necessary.
By having the party at a local, public place, you are providing subtle information about dress code. Just make sure that your party honors the typical dress code of the chosen location.
Multiple options for how to RSVP make it easier for your guest to respond. Some people like to RSVP by phone; others love being able to dash off a quick email.
Given that the party is planned for December 18th, this invitation should be in the mail the week of Thanksgiving {Nov 27th} at the latest. Around the holidays, nights book up quickly. Ideal timing would be November 19th or 20th. {Allow for 1-2 weeks to create your invitation.}

Personalized Winter Blooms :: Starting at $39 for 10

A bit more traditional in design and wording, this invitation works nicely for a more “Christmas-y” party. Using the 5 Elements above, here are my comments ::

“Eat, Drink & Be Merry” tells your guest that there will be food + drink at your party. The second line elaborates to let your guest know dancing will be a part of the equation.
As with the Red + Sky Bubbles invitation, this host leaves nothing to chance. Love the detail on date, time, name + location.
If you are inviting mere acquaintances or colleagues, I would add a line to let everyone know what kind of attire you require. Dancing hints that the evening might be formal, but I’ve been to plenty of parties where dancing means loud, popular music + impromptu dance floors. Both kind of nights are only fun if your guests are dressed appropriately.
Multiple options for how to RSVP make it easier for your guests to respond. And giving them a deadline is never a bad thing even if your preparation allows for last minute planning.
Given that this party is planned for December 5th, this invitation should be in the mail the week of November 9th. {Allow for 1-2 weeks to create your invitation.}

Personalized Red + Green + Blue Ornaments :: Starting at $39 for 10

We love the Holiday Open House for large guest lists as the natural comings and goings are a wonderful way to balance out attendance at all times. Using the 5 Elements above, here are my comments ::

“Holiday Open House” is a wonderful option for a very straightforward, yet warm, opening.
The combination of the “Open House” title plus providing the start and end times give guests the freedom to come + go anytime during 6pm + 9pm.
A Sunday evening open house suggests a more casual dress. If you are thinking black tie or even slightly dressy party attire, make sure you clearly indicate this in your invitation.
Clear direction on how to RSVP lets guests know to call only. This is a perfectly acceptable alternative if you don’t actively use email to correspond.
Given that this party is planned for December 6th, invitations should be in the mail the week of November 9th. {Allow 1-2 weeks to create your invitation.}

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