Avoiding the Most Commonly Made Invitation Mistakes

A few things to check before ordering custom cards.

At Naptime Productions, we see a LOT of invitations. Here are the top things we have to correct on invitation copy in case you want to avoid them.

  
1. Leaving something out.
   It is best if you provide all the information your guest will need about your event: Full name of honoree, Day, date, time, location, location address, host, and r.s.v.p. information or contact information. If you wish, it is helpful to your guests to also include registry information and dress code. If you have an event and reception at different times, be sure to include time and location for both.
  
2. An extra Please in R.s.v.p.
   R.s.v.p. translates from French to "please respond." Please R.s.v.p. translates as "please, please respond." Since you do not want to beg your guests for a response you may want to choose "Please respond" instead of "Please R.s.v.p."
  
3. Keep it in the same "person".
   If you begin your invitation in third person, end it in third person. For example, choose one of these two options, but don't mix them. Continue with the first or third person throughout the invitation copy.
       
         
   • Darrell and Johann Smith invite you to join them at the baptism of their daughter... 
         
   • Please join us to celebrate the baptism of our daughter...
       
  
4. Invitation sequence
   You want to put the least important things last. This includes things that need to be said quietly. The order we normally include invitation details is
         
   • "Please join us for..." or "Joel and Andrea cordially invite you to..."
         
   • event name
         
   • in honor of -or- for
         
   • Honoree name(s)
         
   • Day, date, time
         
   • Location and address (zip code is not necessary)
         
   • Hosted by (if not included in introductory line or R.s.v.p.)
         
   • R.s.v.p., due date, phone, email
         
   • Registry or related information, smaller.
       
  
5. Too much text
   As a general guideline, include only the details above, as shown on the sample invitation you viewed. Additional information can be included on a separate enclosure. Long lists of names or party details detract from the look of your invitation, and also make it harder to read. You can eliminiate some text by not repeating details such as year, surname, and city/state.
       
  
6. Grammar
   Make sure you read your invitation copy out loud so you can hear how it flows. This often helps you notice missing words or information. Be sure your introductory phrase reads like a sentence.
       

At Naptime Productions we pride ourselves on creating beautiful and useful invitations for our customers. We automatically proofread, adjust and fit the text to the invitation you have ordered. However, to avoid surprises, it is best to make sure that your invitation text is complete and correct when you send it over to us.

Our customer service staff is very happy to help you adjust or refine your text. Give us a call, or let us know your preferences when you order. We are happy to help you make the best invitation possible!

Invitations from Naptime Productions:

Naptime Productions has been making memorable invitations for life's milestones since 1997.