Please help!

I am eloping to Hawaii in early November. No one will be attending the ceremony. Before we leave we are having a “send Off” party. There are between 50-75 guests on the invite list. I have been searching for the right wording for the invitations but have come up with nothing.

Any wording suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca

Dear Eloping,

This should be worded carefully so your guests won’t feel as if it is a plea for gifts, which I’m sure is not your intention. So, perhaps this could be a surprise for them. You could invite all of them to a cocktail party and announce your intentions to elope.

If that is out of the question, perhaps this will work for you:

John and I are eloping! Please join us at our “Send Off” party October 12, 2005 at 5 pm at the River Bend Marina.

This is just an example, of course. But, maybe it can give you some ideas of where to begin. If yours will be more formal, the wording will be more formal.

Best wishes,

Dawna Smith Custom Photo Book & DVD Services

Since Hawaii is your destination, you might consider a Tropical Theme and/or nautical theme for your party. Pretty leis could be ordered to provide to your guests, and for those who do not drink, fun non-alcoholic beverages could be provided in real coconuts. Be sure and let your guests be aware of your theme by including on your invite.

Your invite could say….”You’re invited to our Bon Voyage Party!”.