Events 101: Invitations
Invitations are the very first impressions for your guests of your event. In addition to communicating information, an effective invite catches the attention of attendees, builds excitement and hints at what’s to come. It is our métier to select and design invitations that fit our clients’ goals, both aesthetically and functionally. Throughout the years, we’ve experimented with a variety of invitation styles — read on to see some of our favorites.
Paper
A thoughtfully designed paper invitation sets the stage for an incredible party and gives attendees a sneak peek at what to expect at your event. The style, detailing and custom elements of a paper invitation signals important information like formality, setting, theme and overall vibe. There’s an endless range of choices when it comes to paper: textures and colors; single, double or even triple envelopes; calligraphed, letterpressed or printed text; and even 3-D components. In the suite below, a postcard takes the place of a traditional RVSP card featuring a hand painted watercolor of the event’s locale. This detail is not only a beautiful addition to the paper suite, but also hints at the rustic-chic feel of this event. We knew a classic invite was the way to go for this formal event (our very own Rachael Glaw’s wedding suite!), but the addition of earth tones and less structured elements hit the right note.
Here at RGI we are always pushing the literal and figurative envelop when designing invitations for our clients.
An invite for the Haunted Scream experience on the grounds of RFK Stadium was really one for the books. An epic opening to this multi-day event was our client’s top priority so RGI knew the invitation needed to go beyond a traditional paper and envelop situation. We collaborated with a props prothesis expert to create truly terrifying hard mailed invites encased in “zombie skin” (aka: textured leather) roughly stitched together and then dipped in crimson wax producing a gory, bloody affect. The invitations were sent to media outlets - including Elliot in the Morning on DC 101 and Angie Goff on WTTG - and made such an impression both shows opened the shocking creations on air. Through our strategic guidance, we garnered significant attention from the press before media even stepped foot on the grounds of RFK Stadium.
When deciding if paper or physical invitations are right for our client, their event goal is always top of mind. But paper is not always the right choice; guest lists size, budgets, and timeline factor into our decision. RGI also acknowledges alternative greener practices when sending out physical invitations like sending paper to a VIP guest list only and using recyclable materials wherever possible.
Digital
Electronic invitations are an incredibly easy way to save money and paper, especially for events with a large guest list, without sacrificing design or excitement. Creative use of imagery, color and movement in the digital space allows for endless options to customize. RGI often recommends digital invitations to our clients with events with short lead ups or tight budgets, but there are several advantages to a digital invite: seamless integration with event planning tools assists in managing RSVPs, ticket sales, sponsorship sales, and seating. We also find that electronic invitations work well with younger audiences who prefer connecting via phone and computer. When clients’ guest list varies in age, or have a number of high level VIP guests, we like to send traditional paper invitations to select attendees, where appropriate, and digital to the remaining list.
Forward Thinking
When designing invitations, RGI strives to go above and beyond for our clients, and we have the most fun when breaking new ground. This spring, a client asked us to produce their cocktail reception at a medical conference that needed to not only stand out from several other competing receptions, but appeal to a projected guest list of 18,500 guests from around the world. We knew immediately the reception’s invitation needed to be bold.
RGI’s Commander in Chic Rachael Glaws, dreamt up an attention grabbing video invite for this client - something we have never seen before. Thousands of attendees from all over the world, would be receiving this invitation so the design needed to be creative and intriguing, while relating to a vast demographic. To cut through the competition we produced a hyper premium, state of the art video that welcomed guests, relayed important information, and positioned the reception as the conference’s can’t miss event.
