CBSE Class 12 English Formal Invitation Format: Tips to Craft Perfect Invitations?

Overview: Are you struggling with formal invitation formats for your CBSE Class 12 English project? Look no further! In this article, we'll guide you through the intricacies of crafting a flawless formal invitation, ensuring you score top marks.

Crafting a formal invitation is an art that requires precision, elegance, and adherence to specific etiquette. For CBSE Class 12 students, mastering this skill is essential for various academic and social occasions.

This article will guide you through the intricacies of crafting formal invitations, providing essential tips and examples to help you create invitations that are both informative and sophisticated.   

Let's delve into the world of formal invitations and discover how to perfect this essential skill.

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Crafting Formal Invitation for Class 12 CBSE

Invitations are generally printed cards through which we invite our guests on auspicious occasions like weddings, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, housewarmings, and the inauguration of a shop or factory.

There are two types of invitations -

1. Formal Invitations:

These are official-looking invites with a very respectful tone. Think of them as wearing a "suit" - they are dressed up and mean business.

When are they used?

• Business or Company Events: Here, we discuss seminars, product launches, or annual meetings. The attendees are professionals, and the setting is very official.
• Official Ceremonies: Imagine events where people get awards, like graduation ceremonies or formal recognition events.
• Big Personal Events: Like weddings. Though a personal event, weddings are formal because they're significant and involve many people, often including acquaintances or distant relatives.

Characteristics of Formal Invitation:

• Exact Structure: Formal invitations follow a set pattern. Every word is chosen carefully, and there's no room for slang or casual language.
• Short & Crisp: According to CBSE's rules, they shouldn’t be too long—around 50 words is ideal.
• Third-Person Writing: Instead of saying, "I am hosting a party", it'll be "Mr and Mrs. Sharma request your presence...".
• Clear Details: These invitations are like giving directions. They’ll tell:
  • Event Purpose: What's the celebration about?
  • Organizer: Who's hosting or responsible for it?
  • Time & Place: When and where you should be.

Check Out: CBSE Class 12 English Important Questions

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Format for Formal Invitations

In the case of formal invitations, each of the following is written in a separate line with fonts of varying sizes.

• Names of the hosts
• Name of the invitee
• Formal phrase of invitation, for example:
• Request the pleasure of your benign presence/company. Seek your auspicious presence
• Solicit their gracious presence on this auspicious occasion
• Date, time and venue of the event
• Occasion/ reason for the invitation

Check Out: CBSE Class 12 English Writing Skills Formats

2. Informal Invitations:

Friendly invitations convey a sense of personal connection, similar to a conversation with a close friend. They are crafted to feel intimate and personal.

When are they used?

• Casual Meetings: Think of friends gathering for a coffee chat or a book club meeting.
• Birthday Parties: Especially among close friends or kids. These are fun, relaxed, and don't require official language.
• Small Family Gatherings: These are like Sunday brunch or a surprise visit. The people involved are usually close-knit, so the tone is warm.

Special features:

1. Easy & Friendly Tone: It's more like speaking in a relaxed setting. You can use simple words, emojis, or even slang.
2. Feels Personal: Unlike formal letters, these can include personal anecdotes or jokes. They feel like letters to a close friend, filled with warmth.

Check Out: CBSE Class 12 English Tips & Tricks

Understanding Formal Invitations for CBSE Class 12

Printed Formal Invitations

What are they?

• These are specialized cards or papers designed specifically for events. They have printed designs and text on them.
• They often have a professional appearance, using glossy paper or elegant fonts. Depending on the event, the design can be colourful or simple.

When to use them?

• For major events where many people are invited. They are used because:
  • They can be made in large quantities.
  • They give a uniform look, making them appear organized and planned.
• Events like:
  • Birthdays: Celebrating the day someone was born.
  • Weddings: Announcing the union of two individuals.
  • Business Openings: Sharing the news of a new shop or service in town.

Examples:

M/s Shyam Lai & Sons are opening a new general store, ‘Galaxy Novelties’, in Geetanjali Enclave, Dwarika, Delhi. The inauguration ceremony is fixed for Sunday, the 19th of October, 20XX, at 11 a.m. Prepare a draft of a formal invitation letter.

Check Out: CBSE Class 12 English syllabus

Handwritten Formal Invitations for VIPs

What are they?

• These invitations are personally written by hand instead of being printed by a machine.
• They show extra effort and care and make the receiver feel particularly valued.
• The writing style is often elegant, sometimes using calligraphy for an extra touch of class.

When to use them?

• For events where personal touch matters. They are mainly used when:
  • The event is very important.
  • The invitees are special guests or dignitaries.
• The invitee's (often a VIP) name is highlighted or emphasized. This is done to show respect and to indicate their importance at the event.

Check Out: How to Score Good Marks in CBSE Class 12 English

Invitations, whether printed or handwritten, serve as a doorway to an event. They provide a glimpse of what's to come and set the tone for the occasion.

Choosing the right kind of invitation can make a huge difference in how the event is perceived and how special the guests feel.

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Exercise: Writing and Understanding Formal Invitations for CBSE Class 12

Practising regularly is crucial to ace the art of crafting formal invitations. Here's a comprehensive exercise section tailored for Class 12 students. Let's embark on this enlightening journey.

Practice Crafting a Formal Invitation

Get your hands on creating perfect invites.

• Your school, Modern Public School, is organizing an Annual Day celebration on 12th December 2023. Create a formal invitation for parents. Mention the chief guest, Bollywood actor Mr Anil Kapoor. The function starts at 5 pm in the school auditorium.
• The Rotary Club has organized a charity event to support the underprivileged. As the club secretary, draft a formal invitation for the event, scheduled for 20 December 2023 at the Taj Hotel, Bangalore, from 7 pm onwards.
• Your cousin, Priya, is marrying Rahul on 5th January 2024. On behalf of your family, draft a formal invitation to invite 20 Decemberves and friends. The wedding is set at The Grand Palace, Mumbai, starting at 6:30 pm.

Analysing Formal Invitations

Sharpen your critical thinking skills.

• Examine an invitation you've received in the past. Identify and list the elements that classify it as formal. What changes would make it more aligned with CBSE guidelines?
• Draft a formal invitation for a book launch event. Now, compare it with an example from your textbook. What improvements can you make?
• Take an informal invitation and transform it into a formal one. Share with your peers and gather feedback.

After these exercises, engaging in a review session is a great idea. Discussing with teachers or peers will offer fresh perspectives and correct any oversight. With consistent practice, you'll soon become adept at writing formal invitations that are elegant and compliant with guidelines. Keep practising!

Sample Questions with Answers for Formal Invitation for CBSE Class 12

Question 1
As Secretary of the Literary Club of St. Anne’s School, Ahmedabad, draft a formal invitation in not more than 50 words for the club's inauguration in your school. (Delhi 2009)
Answer:

St. Anne’s School
Ahmedabad

We cordially invite all staff, students, and parents to the inauguration of the Literary Club of the School on 29th July between 8.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. within the school premises.

Well-known novelist Mr Sandeep Kumar will be our Chief Guest. You are also requested to join us in the auditorium for tea and snacks after the inauguration ceremony.

Secretary

Question 2
As the principal of a reputed college, you have been invited to inaugurate a Book Exhibition in your neighbourhood. Draft a reply to the invitation in not more than 50 words, expressing your inability to attend the function. You are Tarun/Tanvi. (All India 2014)
Answer:

Reply To Invitation:

The Principal
ABC College
March 25th, 20xx

Subject: Inability to accept the Invitation

Sir,
I would like to express my gratitude to the Civil Lines Book Club for inviting me to inaugurate the first edition of the Civil Club Book Exhibition. But I regret my inability to attend the function due to a prior commitment. I have to attend a meeting with the governing body of our college on the same day for which the inauguration is scheduled.

Yours faithfully
Tanvi
Principal

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Key Takeaways

• Invitations are not just mere announcements; they express the desire to share special moments with others.
• Invitations, whether oral or written, are forms of communication meant to share joy, seek support, or express oneself.
• Printed invitations are typically for large events, while handwritten ones are reserved for more personal, significant gatherings, especially for VIPs.
• For CBSE Class 12 students, mastering formal invitations requires consistent practice. Engage in exercises, seek feedback, and regularly review your work.

Remember, the right invitation sets the tone for any event, making guests feel valued and special. Choose wisely and craft with care!