What would happen if you had a party and no one showed up? Well, of course, that’s not going to happen. But with all the time, effort, and money you’ve put into this occasion, you want to make sure that as many people on your guest list attend. So, that’s where your party invitation comes into play. It’s an important party preview and should build excitement about the upcoming event. Here are nine party invitation tips that will help encourage maximum attendance.
1. Mail your party invitations. This seems like a no-brainer, but if you want to make sure people show up at your party, go with the snail mail. Invitations sent by email can be deleted. And if you just spread the word in person or over the phone to your potential guest, you might forget. An invitation that arrives by mail is noticeable.
2. Don’t wait too long. Make sure your party invitation arrives in plenty of time so people don’t make other plans. Try to aim for 3-4 weeks before the party date.
the wow factor
3. Impress your guests. When someone opens the envelope containing the invitation to the party, will they think, “This looks interesting. I have to go!”? Impress potential party attendees by choosing an invitation that sets the tone for a big event. Party invitations don’t have to be expensive to be effective. You can even make them yourself, if you’re creative. But whatever you choose, your invitation should announce that you can’t miss this occasion.
4. Consider photo invitations. If you’re planning a party in someone’s honor, such as a birthday, graduation, or anniversary, photos on your invitations can work wonders. Photos tug at the heartstrings and will remind your recipient of the bond they have with the guest of honor. Once they start to remember the good times they shared, there will be no stopping them from attending the party. You can also include an old photo or choose an invitation with a then and now photo for a touch of nostalgia.
it’s in the details
5. Dress for success. Don’t leave your guests hanging around, wondering what to wear to your party. Some people won’t attend simply because they don’t know if they should dress up or not. If it is formal or elegant, make it clear. But if it’s casual attire, explain that too. In fact, if you tell people they don’t have to overdress, they’re more likely to show up, because they don’t need to buy new clothes.
6. Provide food courts. People generally make assumptions about what will be served based on what time the party starts. But you can help them by including that information. Will there be sit-down dining, buffet, just desserts, or just snacks? Is it potluck and does the guest have to bring a plate? Should they eat before going to the party? Cheese and cracker parties can be great, but if that’s what’s on the menu, let them know. You don’t want your guests imagining a big dinner and leaving in the middle of the party because they’re hungry.
7. Attach a map. In these days of GPS and Mapquest, that may seem silly. But when your guests are deciding whether or not to attend your party, your map will allow them to visualize their destination. It can help them feel comfortable about making the trip.
8. Eliminate gifts. If the purpose of the party is to get gifts, ignore this advice. But if the purpose of the party is to attract guests, let them know that a gift is not expected. You can use words like “your presence is our present.” Of course, some people will still bring a gift. But your budget-conscious friends are more likely to attend if they know they don’t have to go into debt for the occasion.
hearing is believing
9. Provide RSVP. Stamped, self-addressed reply cards are nice, but it still requires your guest to go to the post office or find a post office box to send them to you. Make it convenient for people to let you know if they’re coming. Include your phone number, cell phone number, and email address, instead of, or in addition to, your response card.
So, go ahead and plan that big party. But don’t forget to plan a big party invite too. Just keep these tips in mind when it’s time to send out your invitations in the mail, and you should have no problem drawing a big crowd.