How to Write a Dinner Invitation Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample dinner invitation letter as a template for your formal invitation letter.
Last updated on January 17th, 2019
Hosting any dinner party can be an exciting and busy event. There is a lot that goes into one of these soirées from the decorations to the delicious foods. In order to plan for how many guest will be at this event, it is necessary to send out some sort of invitation.
While an invitation to a normal event doesn’t require something so formal, a dinner party of class should have a dinner invitation letter. The invitation letter should be one of the first things that the host does.
While an invitation to a normal event doesn’t require something so formal, a dinner party of class should have a dinner invitation letter. The invitation letter should be one of the first things that the host does.
This letter will serve the purpose of notifying the guests and also letter them know the details like what, where, when and why. You can be as formal as you want or as casual as you want, but in general if you are going to the letter format, normally it is for a more formal happening.
The letter should clearly state your intentions on the very first line. There is a couple different ways that you can word it, for instance, “Normand and Nola request your presence to join them in a celebration dinner for their 25th wedding anniversary.”
It would also be acceptable to say, “Mr. and Mrs. McCabe request the pleasure of your company to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with a dinner celebration.” Either way you word the first line is acceptable, but it must be striking in presentation and get their attention.
Be sure to specifically put the date and time. This is one little detail that can easily mess up all the planning. If the party is being held on Friday, June 7, 20xx at 7:00 pm., be sure to check and double check the details and make sure it is right before sending them out. Also, in a formal letter the date and time is always spelled out, as numbers are not appropriate.
Be sure to include the location, such as your home or the venue the event will take place. One thing that people always want to know is what the dress code will be. If this is a more formal affair, make sure to let them know that it is a black tie event. If you are going for a more causal event, allow them the courtesy of advanced notice by stating it is an informal affair.
RSVP
An RSVP is also of extreme importance when you need to know how many people to prepare the food for. Make sure to leave some sort of contact information at the bottom of the letter, like an email address or phone number for them to call. Also if using the RSVP features, make sure to put the date that it needs to be turned in by.
Some hosts ask people to let them know if there are coming or not. If the event is particularly formal, it is not uncommon to put a reply card in with a self-addressed stamped envelope to send back the RSVP. This reply card can also have on there to check whether the party will be attending or will not be able to attend.
Make sure to have the invitations out in plenty of time to get responses back. Typically, if the event is going to be in a month, give yourself at least two weeks before the big day to get the event cards back.
When dealing with something as formal as a wedding dinner, allow a month to get things back so caterers have enough time to have everything in order. You can put whatever you want on the invitation letter, but typically they are short and sweet. Here is a sample of how a formal dinner invitation should look.
Sample Dinner Invitation Letter
Mr. and Mrs. McCabe request the pleasure of your company to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with a dinner celebration. The event will be held at the First Baptist Church, which is located at 71 W. 4th Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45692. The event will be held on Friday, June fifth at seven o’clock pm.
This occasion is a black tie event and while your presence is requested, no gift is required. The favor of an answer is requested no later than Wednesday, June third by calling 740-987-7890 or emailing normal [email protected] We look forward to seeing you there.
By Andre Bradley
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