InvitationsReminders and thank-you messages
The invitation is only the first message. A reminder before the function and a thank-you after it are what guests remember. Replace the words in brackets with your details, then copy.
One week before
- A gentle reminder: we are looking forward to seeing you at [event] on [date], [time], at [venue].
- Just one week to go for [event]! Hope the date is marked. See you on [date] at [venue].
- याद दिला रहे हैं: [date] को [event] है। आपका इंतज़ार रहेगा।
One day before
- See you tomorrow at [event]! [time], [venue]. Location pin below.
- Tomorrow is the day. Please reach by [time]. Call [phone] if you need directions.
- कल [time] बजे [venue] पर मिलते हैं। आप समय से पहुँच जाइए।
To someone who has not replied
- Hope you saw our invitation for [date]. We are finalising the numbers, so could you tell us if you can come?
- No pressure at all, we only need a head count for the caterer. Will you be able to join us on [date]?
Change of date, time or place
- Important change: [event] will now be held on [date] at [time]. The venue is the same. We are sorry for the trouble and hope you can still come.
- Please note the new venue for [event]: [venue]. The date and time have not changed.
- ज़रूरी सूचना: [event] अब [date] को [time] बजे होगा। असुविधा के लिए क्षमा करें।
Thank you after the function
- Thank you for coming to [event]. Your presence made the day special for all of us.
- We are still smiling from yesterday. Thank you for your time, your blessings and the lovely gift.
- आपके आने से हमारी खुशी दुगनी हो गई। दिल से धन्यवाद।
- We missed you at [event], and we understand. Sending you sweets and our love.
Tips
- Send the one-day reminder in the morning, with the location pin.
- When something changes, put the word "change" in the first line so nobody misses it, and call those who are travelling.
- Send thank-you messages within a week. A personal line about the gift or the visit is worth more than a long general message.
What makes a good reminder
A reminder is a help to the guest, not a check on them. Keep it to three things: the time, the place with the location pin, and one useful detail such as parking, the dress or the entry gate. Do not repeat the whole invitation, and do not ask again whether they are coming unless you truly need a number.
- A week before: useful for weddings and for guests who are travelling. Add anything that has changed.
- A day before: the reminder most people need. Send it in the morning.
- On the day: only the location pin and a warm line, to close family and to those coming from far.
When plans change
A change of date, time or venue must reach every guest, and a message alone is not enough. Send the change in writing so that there is a record, begin with the word "Change" or "Please note", say what is new and what stays the same, and then phone the elders and everyone who is travelling. Ask for a quick reply to confirm that they have seen it. If the function is postponed without a new date, say so plainly and promise to inform people again.
Thank-you messages that sound like you
- Name the thing: the gift, the long journey, the help with the cooking, the song they sang.
- Add a photograph of the guest at the function if you have one. It turns a message into a keepsake.
- Thank elders by phone or in person. A message is for those you cannot easily reach.
- Thank the people who worked: the cousins, the neighbours who lent chairs, the friend who managed the music.
For the right moment to send each of these, see when to send invitations.