3.2 THELAYOUT OF INVITATIONS
Invitation cards and invitation letters are different in their layouts.
3.2.1 Invitation Card
An invitation card usually consists of eight lines.In the first line is the full name of the invitation writer，followed in the second line by the phrase“request the pleasure of”.In the third line comes the full name of the guest invited and in the fourth line the phrase“company at...”.The date，the hour and the place of the gathering are written respectively in the fifth，sixth and seventh line.The eighth line is optional，depending on whether a reply is needed.If so，“R.S.V.P.”（French abbreviation for“Please reply”）or“Regrets only”will be written in this line.Sometimes the requirements for dress are also stated in the last line.The most commonly used phrases in this respect are“Dress Informal”，“Dress Optional”，“Long Suit”，“Day Dress”，“Black Tie”and“White Tie”.
The reply to an invitation card should also follow a fixed pattern.It usually consists of seven lines.In the first line is the full name of the guest invited，followed in the second line by the phrase“accept with pleasure of”or“regret that...prevents his acceptance of”.Then comes the phrase“...'s（the writer's name）kind invitation”in the third line and“to...（the gathering）”in the fourth line.The date，the hour and the place of the gathering are written respectively in the fifth，sixth and seventh line.
3.2.2 Invitation Letter
An invitation letter does not need to follow any rigid pattern.However，it should include the purpose of the invitation，the date，time，and place of the gathering and often the hope that the guest invited can attend the gathering.
In the letter reply to an invitation letter，the guest invited should first express gratitude and happiness for being invited.In the case of acceptance，it should be stated that the invited will be present on time.If the invited cannot be present at the gathering，the regret over it should be expressed and a sound reason should be given.
Hereunder are some expressions that may be useful in invitation writing.
*We would/should be（very）pleased/delighted/happy if you could...
*We are planning/giving/having...at...on...
*...requests the honor of your presence at...to be held in...on...from...to...p.m.
*...cordially invites the pleasure of Mr....to...
*You and...are cordially invited to...
*We are giving a party on...to celebrate...and would like you and...to come.
*Could you and...come to...on...at...？
*We take great pleasure in inviting you to attend the conference.
*I am honored that you should invite me to...
*We are looking forward to seeing you.
*We（sincerely）hope...
*We do hope you can join us.(https://www.daowen.com)
*We do hope you will be able to spare the time to share this occasion with us.
*We are awaiting your arrival.
*Let us know as soon as possible if you can come and tell me when you will be able to come.
*Please reply to...no later than...
*Please confirm your participation at your earliest convenience.
*I hope you are not too busy to come.
*I accept with pleasure your invitation to...on...I will be there on time.
*It is very kind of you to invite us to...and we would like to come.
*Thank you very much for your kind invitation.I should love to come and am looking forward to seeing you.
*Nothing could give us greater pleasure than accepting your kind invitation.
*I am looking forward to meeting all of you.
*I should love to come very much，but unfortunately，a previous engagement prevents me from coming.
*I regret that Ihave another engagement at this time and will not be able to come.
*I appreciate very much your kind invitation，but I regret to say that I have made another appointment at that time.
*Please accept my sincere regret at not being able to join you on that day.
*Unfortunately，it will be impossible for me to be present at your dinner party.
*I hope Ishall manage to find time to come next time.
*I wish Icould be present，but owing to being away on vacation，Iregret to inform you that Iwill not be able to come.
*Your traveling expenses will be borne by us.
*Sorry for the inconvenience caused.