Pick one clear format
Guests plan differently for dinner, drinks, and an open house. Name the format in the invitation and avoid making people guess whether they should eat beforehand.
Handle money directly
If guests will buy their own meal, tickets, or drinks, say so before they reply. If the host is covering the bill, that is worth stating too.
Send one useful reminder
A short message with the time, parking, dress, and reservation name is more helpful than a second round of promotional copy.
Host checklist
- Format
- Budget
- Guest list
- Reservation
- Food and drinks
- Ride-home plan