| We are having a retirement party and inviting | | | | Will come for Dessert _______ |
| everyone over for drink and appetizers. | | | | Something like that...If you are not providing |
| Afterwards, we plan to go to a local restaurant | | | | anything like appetizers and dessert I would not |
| but expect the guests to pay for themselves - | | | | call it an invitation. The word Invitation denotes |
| what would be a clever way of wording this? A | | | | that the host is treating to something. |
| popular term is "Dutch Treat" which means | | | | That sort of gathering would only need a |
| everyone pays their own way. When you use the | | | | postcard saying,"We are gathering for a Dutch |
| word "invite" it denotes that you will be | | | | Treat dinner to celebrate John's birthday." Date, |
| treating...so avoid that when it comes to the | | | | Time, etc. and phone number to call to RSVP Yes |
| dinner. | | | | or No. |
| So you could invite them for a "cocktail reception" | | | | You are better off spending less money on |
| to celebrate the retirement and then add "we | | | | invitations and decorations, etc. and treat folks to |
| would love it if you joined us for a Dutch Treat | | | | coffee and dessert (for those who do not want |
| dinner at, etc". | | | | to have dinner) |
| Ask for them to let you know if they will be 1. | | | | How do I say on the invitations that I don't want |
| attending the reception, 2. attending the dinner. 3. | | | | the guests to bring gifts. I would like them to |
| cannot attend. | | | | each bring a scratch ticket. Just say, "How Lucky |
| Also, if you do not hear back be sure to follow up | | | | Can I Get???" As a birthday gift and wish I would |
| and be sure they received their invitation. | | | | love to have you bring me a scratch-off ticket. I'll |
| Sometimes, those things get lost in the delivery | | | | split my winnings with you!" |
| or shuffle of mail stacks. | | | | That is a lot of fun and it is a good way to |
| How do you ask that people pay for their dinner | | | | minimize the guests anxiety about "not" bringing a |
| when the party is held at a restaraunt? That | | | | gift. That is always a little uncomfortable for |
| would be a "no host" dinner. You could offer | | | | some. |
| appetizers, soft drinks, wine or beer and then | | | | I'm planning an outdoor party and I need to know |
| have guests pay for their main dinner. Throw in | | | | how soon the invitations should be mailed and |
| cake or dessert as the host. | | | | how many days before the party should I ask for |
| Depending upon the amount of people and how | | | | the RSVP? You should send the invitations out |
| close these people are to you could just call them. | | | | 6-8 weeks before the party...and definitely 8 |
| So you would say, | | | | weeks if it is a holiday weekend! People make |
| "We are organizing a party for John at La Casita | | | | plans early, and they want to finalize their |
| Restaurant, Wednesday, October 14 at 6 p.m. | | | | calendars. If you're arranging for a caterer, you |
| 6-7 Cocktail hour (Appetizers served) | | | | should get the RSVPs around 10 days prior so |
| 7-9 No Host Dinner | | | | you have time to call the stragglers. Most likely, |
| 9-1 Celebratory Dessert | | | | you'll caterer will want a preliminary number about |
| Call to let us know: | | | | a week out and you can modify it about 2-3 days |
| Will come for Cocktails ________ | | | | before. |
| Will come for Dinner ________ | | | | |