An invitation sent by mail is enclosed in an envelope addressed to Mr. and Mrs. A., and then in an outer envelope bearing full name and address.  Informal notes of invitation are written on one’s best note-paper and no outer envelope used.

Afternoon Tea.—­The afternoon tea is a favorite method of paying off social debts.  Elaborate refreshments are not served.  Tea is poured at the dining table, by some friends asked to do so—­it is thought quite a compliment to be asked “to pour” For a very informal “at home” the hostess may have a small table at hand and herself offer a cup of tea to her visitors.  For such a small affair she sends her visiting card with the date written in the lower left hand corner.  If many guests are expected servants must be at hand to remove soiled dishes and replenish the tea and cakes.

In acknowledgment of invitations, it is highly improper to send your card with “regrets” written on it.  An invitation is a courtesy offered; it must be received courteously.  You regret you “must decline the pleasure” of accepting somebody’s “kind—­or polite—­invitation.”

[696 Mothers’ remedies]

The Verbal Invitation.—­Verbal invitations do not count for much.  “Come and dine with us some day” has no standing among invitations.  The day and hour must be named if it is to be reckoned with.  And then—­suppose the hostess forgets she has given the invitation, or she prepares for a guest who does not come!  Except among very intimate friends the verbal invitation should be looked upon with great caution.  A verbal invitation should be followed by a note repeating it.

WEDDING INVITATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.

The number of wedding invitations often must conform to the size of the church or the house, and to the character of the wedding.  If it is to be a large one, cards are usually sent as liberally as possible.  An invitation to the church may not invite to the reception at the house afterwards, which may necessarily be limited because of the size of the house or the means of the family.  No guest receiving cards for the church should let herself feel aggrieved because of failure to receive the other.  Answers to invitations should invariably be sent; many omit this, not thinking it necessary, but why not?

Announcement cards are sent to everyone you know, or, more properly, to all those whom you wish to recognize socially.  It is quite correct to send them to people you know but slightly.  They are mailed immediately after the wedding.  They imply no obligation in the way of gift or reply.  If an “at home” card is enclosed, calls are expected.

Correct Form.

Wedding invitations of course must be engraved.  The following form is employed: 

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Harmon
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Harriet
to
Mr. Harrison Richard Ames
on Thursday, the sixth of January,
at twelve o’clock. 
Church of the Messiah.