I am creating an office invitation. We are allowing significant others, but not "first dates" or children type of thing. What is the best way to word this?
2007-11-21 03:39:21 · 18 answers · asked by quirky 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Mariah, I'm sorry, but if you knew anything about business or etiquette you would know better than to ever, ever, ever bring a first date to a formal office party. That is very poor taste.
2007-11-21 03:54:14 · update #1
First dates are not significant relationships. I guess I am going to have to assume that saying "significant other" will rule out first date. Unless you are on Jerry Springer where first dates result in children and moving into a trailer.
2007-11-21 03:56:02 · update #2
These are everyone from CEO's to secretaries. This is not a taco bell food prep party with fast food BBQ at a park.
2007-11-21 03:57:27 · update #3
Chynna, thank you. Finally, a poster with etiquette!
2007-11-21 03:59:12 · update #4
And yes, significant other can mean ANYONE significant. Like your mom, or your best friend from 3rd grade.
2007-11-21 05:23:46 · update #5
Be clear and say "adults only" and that takes care of any questions if they can bring kids or not. As for the rest, well just say "spouses and significant others". I doubt most people would bring someone to an office party on a first date, however, if they do just so they don't have to go alone then doesn't seem like a big deal to me.
2007-11-21 03:57:53 · answer #1 · answered by Bears Mom 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If it's an office party then the employees would assume no kids are invited, surely thats common sense anyway?
I would just say, 'You and a partner are cordially invited'
There is no way you would beable to tell if anyone bought a first date, and its very unlikely anyone would bring someone they don't know to an office party anyway so I don't think you have much to worry about.
Also, I hope your not discriminating against singletons and all the Bridget Jones's out there lol. You didn't say whether they could bring a friend or not?
Can you imagine how stupid and small they'd feel because they weren't allowed to bring anyone as they had no 'significant other?'
2007-11-21 04:03:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Employee Christmas Party Invitation Wording
2016-11-04 04:55:22 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can word your invitation" to employees, their spouse and significant other only". You can not include a phrase to exclude first dates...how would you know? Most people know not to bring children and friends to a party unless the invitation states that it's an employee and their families gathering. Good luck, relax and enjoy.
2007-11-21 05:55:35 · answer #4 · answered by shirl a 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say you and a guest are invited. Adults only at the bottom. That way, people could bring roommates, partners, spouses, etc. and nobody would have to come as a single. Who would bring a first date to any office party? Too boring for words.
2007-11-21 05:22:40 · answer #5 · answered by merrybodner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could simply say, you and A GUEST or your significant other are cordially invited to blah blah blah.
Wait for them to ask questions like ...."can I bring my kids etc".
Or exclusions could be listed in fine print.
But I agree with the other poster. I think it's unlikely that someone would bring a "first date" but maybe they're single and they wanted to bring a friend.
Who are you to exclude or determine if they are significant in that person's life or not.
I suggest staying away from the "first date" part.
Let them ask you questions at which time you can say "noo I'm sorry no children are permitted".
2007-11-21 03:49:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have frequently used the line "You and your adult guest..." for parties I've arranged at my office. I don't think that who the person brings as his/her adult guest is up to you. If one person can bring a spouse or live in, why can't the single person bring a friend? That's discrimination and I'm sure your HR department does not want to go there. If I were to receive an invitation that told me I could bring my spouse but I did not have a spouse and was told I could not bring another guest, I'd be angry and go to HR about it.
2007-11-21 08:23:58 · answer #7 · answered by oldernwiser 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep it simple. "Spouses or partners welcome" and underneath that "Adults only please".
You shouldn't have to worry about kids at an office party, but you just never know what some people will do these days. And anyone who has worked in a professional environment for even a short time will probably realize this is not a first date type of function, but again, you never know!
2007-11-21 05:19:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you are being too particular in your guest list. Obviously, it is fine to have an adult only party, but by not allowing guests to choose their escorts, you are only creating anxiety (and who needs that this time of year?) and an awkward environment for those who aren't committed. You need to convey on your invitations the sort of party you are having...a formal conservative affair, and trust your coworkers to use good judgement in choosing their companions.
2007-11-21 04:41:41 · answer #9 · answered by missbeans 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So basically you want the single people to have to be alone ? and for everyone else to know it. Thats classy... I'm guessing you're not one of them.
Why don't you just say its for the married people, cause no one else is going to show...
For children, you merely say its formal attire. I would hope that would be enough for anyone with common sense.
Edit: Basically agree with missbean; give your co-workers some credit.
2007-11-21 04:37:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋