Invitation (1)

Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog! In this lesson we are going to learn about Invitation.

Definition and Social Function

Invitation letters are generally written in order to notify and invite the guests for a particular ceremony or event either in formal or informal ones. For example, suppose an art exhibition is going to be held and the invitation letter would serve the purpose of inviting the art lovers to the exhibition. The invitation letter is generally written by the host of the event because it is his/her responsibility to notify all the guests. All the necessary details about the event must be mentioned in the invitation letter. In case of the art exhibition it is responsibility of the art gallery to distribute the invitation letters to the guests. Invitation letters are written to invite people to party, conference, event, sale, or for the business meeting. A decorative invitation letter always looks more appealing than the regular official type letter. But careful use of colors needs to be done for it to even look presentable. One can be creative while making out the invitation letter. For example, a more decorative font or a different shape of the invite may also be used.

Linguistic Characteristics

- simple, precise and concise words -

- detailed information -

- the tone should be friendly and sincere -

- words should be chosen carefully -

- the style of writing should be formal -

Invitation Letter Writing Tips

• Firstly, the letter must be addressed properly to the guest and the language must be polite enough while inviting the guest.
• All the details such as the date, time and venue of the event must be clearly mentioned in the invitation letter.
• The letter must be clearly state whether the event would be a formal or an informal letter.
• The host while writing the letter must extend his/her warm welcome to the guests very politely.
• The letter must be closed with proper thanks from the host.

Text Structure

A. Invitation Letter

The structure of invitation letters is based on the kind of event that is held. However, the most common structure should at least have this kind of information as follows:

a. Addresses of the addresser and the addressee

b. Salutation

c. Body text including:

• state for whom the invitation is and by who it is given
• reasons of invitation
• date, time, place of the event
• RSVP (it is a French word "respondez s'il vous plait" which means "please reply")

d. Signature

B. Expression for Invitations

Inviting
·     You are cordially invited to … ·     We invite you to be present with us in … ·     We invite you to share our celebration of … ·     We request the pleasure of your company to … ·     It is an honor for us to have a privilege to invite you at … ·     We would like to invite you to …
Accepting an invitation	Refusing an invitation
·     I’d be delighted to … ·     That’d be great. Thank you very much for inviting me. ·     That’s very kind of you.	·  I’m terribly sorry but I already have other appointments. ·  I’m sorry but it looks like I can’t make it. ·  I’d love to but I’m afraid I can’t.

Example of Invitation Letter

Bunga Jaya Eyewear Jl. Melati No. 6 Yogyakarta	Sender’s address
July 25th, 2019	Date
Mr. Widada XY Company Jl. Pahlawan No. 7 Yogyakarta	Addressee name and address
Dear Mr. Widada,	Salutation
Mr. Jaya and Mrs. Bunga request the pleasure of your company to celebrate the launch of “Bunga Jaya Eyewear” located at Jl. Melati No. 6 Yogyakarta, on August 7th, 2019 at 7.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. We will start this new business soon. This would not be possible without your support. Please come early so that we can find a comfortable seat for you. You will be there acknowledged as our loyal colleague and you are definitely in the list.	Body: the invitation and the details
Please let us know if you are attending the event on 1st August, 2019 by RSVP: dewi@bungajayaeyewear.com	Request for response
We are looking forward to your presence. For more information on Bunga Jaya Eyewear, please visit our website at www.bungajayaeyewear.com	Complimentary closing
Sincerely yours,	Closing remark
Hannah Dewi Marketing Manager of Bunga Jaya Eyewear	Sender’s signature

Example of Invitation Letter Email Format

Dear Vanesha, 

We have reached a milestone in our marriage as we celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary on December 8th, 2020. We would like to celebrate this special day with you and would like you to please join us for dinner on this day at Dangau Restaurant from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

We hope you can join us in our celebration and make it even more special for us. 

Best regards, 

Mutiara & Doni 

P.S. The dress code for the occasion is silver party formals. 

RSPV 089783647865

Dialogue of Inviting Someone Directly

Inviting someone does not have to in form of written invitation, but directly invitation can also be used in an informal situation. Here is the example of how to invite someone directly.

Mr. Hary	:	Good afternoon, Mr. Nino. May I talk to you for a moment?
Mr. Nino	:	Good afternoon, Mr. Hary. Of course, is there anything I can do?
Mr. Hary	:	Would you like to come over for dinner tonight, sir?
Mr. Nino	:	What time?
Mr. Hary	:	At 8 p.m. at Queen Restaurant.
Mr. Nino	:	I’m terribly sorry but I already have another appointment at that time.
Mr. Hary	:	It’s OK. We can have dinner next time.
Mr. Nino	:	Thank you.