How to write an invitation that makes people actually say yes

The difference between a 40% RSVP rate and an 85% one is rarely the party. It's usually the invite.

Most invitations are written like legal disclaimers. Date. Time. Address. RSVP by. They tell guests what is happening but not why they'd want to show up.

A good invite does three things: it tells the guest why this party is special, it tells them what to expect from the room, and it makes them feel chosen.

Why it's special. "Maya turns thirty" is a fact. "The first round is on Maya, she made it through her thirties' opening night and we're all coming to celebrate" is an invitation.

What to expect. "Cocktails at 7" leaves them guessing. "Cocktails at 7, dinner at 8, the dancing starts when Maya says so" tells them how to dress, how late to stay, and that there will be dancing, which is the actual reason they'll come.

Make them feel chosen. A line that names them, not by inserting their name, but by referencing what made the host want them there. "We need you for the speeches." "There will be a dessert you said was the best you'd ever had." "It won't feel like Maya's birthday without you."

Send it three weeks out. Send a reminder one week before. That's how 85% of invited people show up.