Formal Lunches and Dinners
Invitations to these events are engraved on card of good texture, usually about W6 x H4½ inches (15 x 11 cm) in size, or slightly larger if necessary. They are prepared in the name of both the host and hostess. If time is short they may be printed, rather than engraved.
The most traditional and formal style is ‘Request(s) the pleasure of the company of…’. Depending on the style of the invitation, the guests’ names may be handwritten on the next line. Alternatively, guests’ names are handwritten in the top left-hand corner. In this instance, the invitation would read ‘Request the pleasure of your company’.
If the luncheon or dinner is to take place at an address other than that to which the replies are to be sent - at a hotel, for example - this is stated on a line after the date.
The time may be placed either after the date or at the bottom right-hand corner before, or in place of, the dress code.
