Invitation Letter — Complete Guide
What is an Invitation Letter?
An invitation letter is a formal or informal letter written to invite someone to an event such as a birthday party, wedding, school programme, meeting or ceremony. It gives necessary details about the event and requests the presence of the receiver.
Why Do We Write Invitation Letters?
Invitation letters help us formally or politely invite people to important occasions. In the SEE examination, students are often asked to write an invitation letter based on given information. This task tests the ability to write clear, polite and well-organised letters.
- To invite people to events and programmes
- To give clear information about date, time and place
- To request the presence of guests politely
- It is a common writing task in SEE English
Types of Invitation Letters
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Formal Invitation | Written for official or formal events such as school programmes, meetings, ceremonies, etc. |
| Informal Invitation | Written to friends or relatives for personal events such as birthday parties, family gatherings, etc. |
Structure of a Formal Invitation Letter
- 1Writer’s Address and Date
- 2Receiver’s Address (optional in some short forms)
- 3Salutation (Respected Sir/Madam, Dear Sir/Madam)
- 4Body: Purpose of invitation, details of the event (what, when, where), request to attend
- 5Closing (Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely)
- 6Signature and Name / Designation
Structure of an Informal Invitation Letter
- 1Writer’s Address and Date
- 2Salutation (Dear friend, Dear …)
- 3Body: Friendly invitation, details of the event, personal request
- 4Closing (Yours lovingly / Your friend / Best wishes)
- 5Name of the sender
Language Features
- Use polite and clear language
- Give complete information: event, date, time, place
- Use formal language for official invitations and friendly language for personal ones
- Include a request to attend and RSVP if needed
- Keep the letter concise and well-organised
Useful Phrases
| Purpose | Useful Expressions |
|---|---|
| Inviting | I am pleased to invite you…, We cordially invite you…, I would like to invite you… |
| Giving details | The programme will be held on… at…, The event starts at… |
| Requesting presence | I request you to kindly attend…, Your presence will be highly appreciated…, Please do join us… |
| Closing | Looking forward to your presence…, Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely, Your loving friend |
Tips for Writing an Invitation Letter (SEE)
- 1Identify whether the invitation is formal or informal.
- 2Write a clear and correct layout (address, date, salutation, body, closing).
- 3Mention the name of the event, date, time and place clearly.
- 4Use polite language and request the presence of the receiver.
- 5Keep the letter short and to the point.
- 6End with a suitable closing and your name.
- 7Check spelling, punctuation and format carefully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1Missing important details such as date, time or place.
- 2Using informal language in a formal invitation.
- 3Writing a very long and unnecessary letter.
- 4Forgetting the proper closing and signature.
- 5Incorrect letter format (missing address or date).
- 6Being impolite or unclear in the request.
How Invitation Letter Appears in SEE
- Write a letter to invite your friend to your birthday party.
- Write a formal letter inviting the Chief Guest to a school programme.
- Prepare an invitation letter for a cultural show / anniversary / prize distribution ceremony.
Model Example
Shree Secondary School Kathmandu 13th August 2026 Respected Sir, I am pleased to inform you that our school is organising its Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony on 25th August 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the school auditorium. We cordially invite you to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. Your presence will highly encourage our students and make the programme successful. We look forward to your kind presence. Yours faithfully, Hari Prasad Sharma Principal
Quick Revision
- Formal or Informal invitation
- Clear details: What, When, Where
- Polite request to attend
- Correct letter format
- Suitable salutation and closing
- Keep it short and clear
Invitation Letter — Practice
Study the situations carefully. Write your own invitation letter first. Then compare it with the model answer.
Example 1
Situation: Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to your birthday party. Model Letter: Kathmandu 13th August 2026 Dear Suman, I am very happy to invite you to my birthday party. It will be held on 20th August 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at my house in New Baneshwor. There will be music, games and a small cake-cutting ceremony. I really want you to be there. Please come and make my day special. Your loving friend, Hari
Example 2
Situation: Write a formal letter inviting the Ward Chairperson to be the Chief Guest at a school cleanliness programme. Model Letter: Green Valley Secondary School Lalitpur 12th August 2026 Respected Sir, Our school is organising a Cleanliness Awareness Programme on 22nd August 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the school premises. We cordially invite you to grace the programme as the Chief Guest. Your presence will inspire the students and the local community. We look forward to your kind presence. Yours faithfully, Sita Devi Adhikari Principal
Example 3
Situation: Write a letter to your cousin inviting him/her to a family gathering during Dashain. Model Letter: Pokhara 10th August 2026 Dear Anita, We are planning a family gathering at our house during Dashain this year. All relatives will be coming together on 5th October. I warmly invite you and your family to join us. We will have great fun, delicious food and many celebrations. Please do come and make the festival more joyful. Your loving cousin, Bikash
Example 4
Situation: Write a formal letter inviting parents to a Parent-Teacher Meeting. Model Letter: Shree Secondary School Bhaktapur 14th August 2026 Dear Parents, This is to inform you that a Parent-Teacher Meeting will be held on 25th August 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the school hall. The meeting will discuss students’ progress and other important matters. You are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Your presence will be highly appreciated. Yours faithfully, Ram Bahadur Thapa Principal
Example 5
Situation: Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to a cultural programme organised by your school. Model Letter: Kathmandu 11th August 2026 Dear Nabin, Our school is organising a Cultural Programme on 19th August 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. There will be dances, songs and short plays. I would like to invite you to come and enjoy the programme with me. Please try to come. I am sure you will have a great time. Your friend, Suman