What is Debrett’s?

Debrett’s is a professional coaching company, publisher and authority on etiquette and behaviour, founded in 1769 with the publication of the first edition of The New Peerage.

These are guides for behavior in British society. Currently in print are (among others) Debrett's A – Z of Modern Manners and Debrett's Guide for The Modern Gentleman.  These are guides for behavior in British society.

Why use invitations?

Invitations are the first introduction a guest has to an event. They set the tone of the event. (i.e. what kind of party it is going to be). They are a memory of an event.

Invitation Etiquette

Sending

Invitations should be sent out as early as possible. The more formal the gathering, the earlier invitations need to be made. Type of invitation: A phone call will suffice for a small intimate dinner, but a wedding needs a paper invite etc. The type of event dictates the type of invitation.

Répondez s’il vous plaît For more important or more formal events, such as weddings, an RSVP card is included. R – Répondez S – s’il V – vous Type of invitation: A phone call will suffice for a small intimate dinner, but a wedding needs a paper invite etc. P – plaît Répondez s’il vous plaît

Receiving

The way you reply to invitations is just as important. It should be done, where possible, on writing paper and are typically addressed to the hostess. Type of invitation: A phone call will suffice for a small intimate dinner, but a wedding needs a paper invite etc. Names of “and family” members who are attending should also be included in the acceptance letter.

Once attendance is confirmed, it is bad form to withdraw from the event without genuine cause, i.e. illness. Type of invitation: A phone call will suffice for a small intimate dinner, but a wedding needs a paper invite etc.

The Invitation

Invitations are usually on card. They are usually 11x15cm. Information on an invitation should include: The nature of the function Where it is to be held The Date of the function The time and, if required, when it will end. Type of invitation: A phone call will suffice for a small intimate dinner, but a wedding needs a paper invite etc.

Invitations should be addressed to the individual(s) being invited. All the correct prefix's, titles, ranks and decorations should be included. Whilst traditionally an invitation to a married couple is addressed to the wife, it is now common to address the invitation to both. Type of invitation: A phone call will suffice for a small intimate dinner, but a wedding needs a paper invite etc.

Making an invitation

We are now going to make our own invitation for Tea Party on Friday. Choose a partner!