Black tie invitation for an evening dinner
A black tie evening raises questions guests won't ask until the week before: does black tie mean a dinner jacket or a dark suit, when do the doors open, and is there valet parking or should they book a taxi? This page puts those notes beside the date, the map link and the programme, so you answer them once. Guests open one link without an account, reply yes or no with their numbers, and you get an email for each reply plus a guest list with totals and a CSV.
Sample black tie invitation pages
What to put on a black tie invitation
- A plain dress code line, such as black tie or dinner jacket, and whether a dark suit is acceptable
- Arrival time and the time dinner is served, as two separate lines
- Dinner service details: a seated dinner, a standing reception, or both
- Valet, parking and taxi notes, with the drop-off point or the entrance guests should use
- A map link to the venue entrance, not only the building
- An add-to-calendar file for the evening
- An RSVP form asking for yes or no, number of guests and any dietary needs
The page has an RSVP form: guests say yes or no, how many are coming, and anything you ask (allergies, email, phone). You get an email for each reply and a guest list with a CSV export.
When to send it
- Four to six weeks before: Send the page link with the dress code and arrival time already on it
- Two weeks before: Check the replies, chase anyone who hasn't answered and give the caterer the final count
- Three days before: Update the valet and taxi note if the drop-off point or parking has changed
- The morning of: Send one short message with the entrance and the time the doors open
Wording you can use
- โBlack tie means a dinner jacket or dark suit for men, and a cocktail or long dress for women.โ Use it
- โDrinks are from 7 pm, and we sit down to dinner at 8 pm.โ Use it
- โValet parking is at the side entrance by the car park, and taxi numbers are listed on this page.โ Use it
- โPlease reply by 14 March so we can give the kitchen the final numbers.โ Use it
- โAnna and Daniel would love you to join us for an evening of dinner, speeches and dancing.โ Use it
- โIf black tie isn't possible for you, a smart dark outfit is still very welcome.โ Use it
- โPlease tell us about any dietary needs when you reply, and the kitchen will plan around them.โ Use it
Questions
- Can guests see the dress code without an account?
- Yes. Guests open the single link with no account needed, and the dress code sits in the notes beside the date, map and programme.
- Can I change the arrival time after I've sent the link?
- Yes, you can edit the page by hand or ask for the change in chat. Guests who open the link again see the new time, but the page doesn't send them a notice, so send a short message too.
- Does the page take payment or assign seats?
- No. There is no payment, ticketing or seating chart. Guests reply yes or no, give their number of guests, add a note and can answer up to six extra questions.
- Does the page book valet parking or taxis?
- No. The page holds the notes for valet, parking and taxis, but you arrange valet with the venue and share the taxi details yourself.
- Will the page check that guests are wearing black tie?
- No. The page states the dress code clearly, but it can't check outfits. A short line in the notes makes expectations plain before the evening.
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