Quick Tip - Invitation Etiquette

There are many events and opportunities this time of year, and that is the reason this quick tip is about hosting and being invited to "happenings".

When you are hosting:

• Get the invitations out as soon as possible, minimally a month in advance
• Have the date, time and theme clearly stated
• Consider a 15-30 minute window for a start time so that people have some flexibility for arriving
• Request a YES or NO RSVP by a certain date (consider 7-10 days prior to the event so you have time to make purchases and arrangements for activities)
• Send a reminder a couple of days prior to the RSVP deadline
• Let people who say "maybe" know that you will put them down as a "no, and to please not give it another thought
• At the RSVP deadline:
• Message people who said "no" and "maybe" that they will be missed and that you are not planning on seeing them there, rather you will look forward to some other opportunity
• Message people who said "yes" to share you are planning on seeing them at the time, at the location, where to park, and if there are any special plans (being outside or potluck, etc.)
• On the event day, get yourself ready prior to the start time so that you are ready to welcome and enjoy your guests!
• Within a week, send thank you notes to each person who brought you a host/hostess gift

When you are invited: 

• RSVP as soon as possible
• If you are sure, reply "yes" at that time
• If you are unsure, reply "no" at the time
• If something changes, contact the host prior to the RSVP deadline to ask if there is still space for you to change your reply to "yes"
• Arrive on time (not early or late), and if you are early, wait in your car or run an errand, as the host(s) may not be quite ready
• Be positive on arrival, and show gratitude for being included
• Bring a host/hostess gift that has your name on it (with wine or champagne, put your return label on the back)
• Offer to assist the host with something for the engagement (and do it, if someone has something for you, and back off if there is nothing mentioned)
• Be participatory and engaged
• Have a ball
• Stay minimally an hour or half the time planned, and leave within the end time, or as a lot of people are going home
• Resist talking about going somewhere else while at the event
• Say good-bye and thanks to the host(s)
• Within a week, send a sign of appreciation to the host/hostess (see the tip above for ideas)

Whether you are hosting or attending, be happy, ready, willing and able to truly enjoy the experience!