Events invitation resources

This page contains resources to help you get started creating an invitation for your special event.

• Formal invitation (PDF 27K)
• Formal invitation (Word doc)

Sample layout for an invitation to be produced on pre-printed invitation stock (6.25"w x 7"h) available from UAF University Relations. Please contact (907) 474-7581 for availability and see them below:

• Invitations (white with blue text)
• Invitations - formal (gold seal)

Pre-printed invitations are to be placed in the manual feed tray of a laser printer.

These documents are set up as a table using suggested, pre-formatted text. Table borders will not print.

Text will fit properly on the invitation if entered as shown.

Invitation guidelines

Invitation copy should provide all necessary information clearly and succinctly. A little style is fine, but avoid complex or overly ornate wording. Use capital letters sparingly, and do not capitalize the first word of each line unless standard grammar rules apply (see sample).

The text should be centered. It's not necessary to use a separate line for each piece of information (e.g. location, time, date) but the number of lines should balance the overall look of the invitation.

Choose a font that is easy to read and fits the occasion. A simple script is appropriate for formal occasions, while a more modern font can be used for informal events like picnics. An illegible font, no matter how fancy, will not be read! Use only ONE font for the entire invitation. Good choices are Times and Berkeley for formal invitations, Kabel and Helvetica for informal. Typical font size is 12; you may wish to use a size 1-2 points smaller for secondary information, but don't use more than two different sizes.

Identify the host or sponsor of the event, whether an individual or a department. State the reason for the event ("upon the retirement of," "musical extravaganza'), the location, time, day and date.

Always provide a contact telephone number even if you do not request an R.S.V.P. (NOTE: R.S.V.P. lists are notoriously unreliable for a final count, but they can be useful for identifying VIPs, guests with special needs, etc.)

Abbreviations:

Day: spell out (Monday, Tuesday)

Month: Jan., Feb., March, April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.

Year: 2004 (not '04)

Example:
Monday, July 7, 2004
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2004

Time:

Use a space between the numeral and the a.m. or p.m. Ranges should be separated by a dash (–) but no other spaces.

a.m. (not AM, A.M., etc.)
p.m. (not PM, P.M., etc.)
noon (not 12 p.m.)

Example:
9 a.m.–noon
noon–1 p.m.
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
2:30–3 p.m.

For more information, contact

• Cheri Renson, events coordinator, (907) 474-5114