There can be a lot involved in proper party invitation etiquette. Make a mistake and you could potentially ruin the party, but don't worry too much because something that problematic rarely occurs and would usually involve not catching the wrong date or address printed on the card.

For the host sending out the invitation, be sure to send it out several weeks in advance. This gives guests lots of time to prepare for the party. Sending out cards too late can result in insult for you when people don't show up and insult for the guests because you appear to expect them to drop everything and come over.

It's important to check and double check the names, dates and addressed on each of the invitations. If a guest gets an invitation addressed to someone else it can be slightly off putting. If a guest gets an invitation with the wrong address it can be embarrassing for both of you. The same goes for dates. I once showed up to a friend's house for a party only to find out that the date had been moved up a week and I looked completely silly.

If you are planning a more elaborate party hosts remember to include a menu of food to be served, such as only appetizers or a full course meal. Guests will appreciate the heads up as to whether they should eat something first or go to the party with an empty stomach.

Lastly for guests it's just as important to send out the R.S.V.P. with plenty of time for the host to tally up the number of guests and make proper arrangements. It is not okay to just show up at a party, especially if your invitation comes with an R.S.V.P.