Evites: Tacky Or Smart?
I just received another Evite in my email box today, and to be honest I’m not sure I really like them.
I realize we live in a day and age of the electronic communication, but I think it’s gotten ridiculous! We all text, IM, Facebook, email, etc. and none of it is verbally or face to face (which is pretty funny that the name is “FACEbook”)and it certainly isn’t by “snail mail” much.
And THIS is where the Evite comes in. I don’t know of anyone who hasn’t received one yet (except maybe my mom and dad), but basically they are invitations for parties celebrating anything from birthdays and holidays to anniversaries. You go to the “evite” link that is sent to your email (taking you to the evite site and to the specific event) and you click on the r.s.v.p. that usually says something like “attending”, “not-attending” or “maybe”. (Could you just IMAGINE putting a “maybe” on a written invitation?)
To me, the only real “pro” here for Evites is to help the environment by saving some trees. And in all honesty, isn’t it just as bad for the environment all the computer usage? Just a thought.
Personally, I don’t much care for evites. I know they’re convenient for the person sending them, and sure, it makes it much quicker to RSVP (that’s hoping it doesn’t end up in your spam!). But I just think it’s the easy way out and is a bit tacky, really. Unless you’re on a tight budget, then I understand. Invitations can be expensive. But Walgreens and Rite-Aid have some pretty, inexpensive and impressive invites, and if you’re throwing a party, I believe invitations are something that should be put into the budget.
Let’s face it! Invitations set the beginning mood for the party! And do you really want to set your mood with a generic evite?
The only party I think an evite might, MIGHT, work for would be a child’s birthday party. Only because unless it’s a big birthday, like the first, or the 16th, then it can be treated as a more fun, light-hearted event, so I do believe that an evite might work in that circumstance.
But all in all, I’m not a fan of the Evite. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you to stop inviting me to your parties! LOL!
Thoughts?
Judi D.
http://www.lipsticknlaundry.com/
I realize we live in a day and age of the electronic communication, but I think it’s gotten ridiculous! We all text, IM, Facebook, email, etc. and none of it is verbally or face to face (which is pretty funny that the name is “FACEbook”)and it certainly isn’t by “snail mail” much.
And THIS is where the Evite comes in. I don’t know of anyone who hasn’t received one yet (except maybe my mom and dad), but basically they are invitations for parties celebrating anything from birthdays and holidays to anniversaries. You go to the “evite” link that is sent to your email (taking you to the evite site and to the specific event) and you click on the r.s.v.p. that usually says something like “attending”, “not-attending” or “maybe”. (Could you just IMAGINE putting a “maybe” on a written invitation?)
To me, the only real “pro” here for Evites is to help the environment by saving some trees. And in all honesty, isn’t it just as bad for the environment all the computer usage? Just a thought.
Personally, I don’t much care for evites. I know they’re convenient for the person sending them, and sure, it makes it much quicker to RSVP (that’s hoping it doesn’t end up in your spam!). But I just think it’s the easy way out and is a bit tacky, really. Unless you’re on a tight budget, then I understand. Invitations can be expensive. But Walgreens and Rite-Aid have some pretty, inexpensive and impressive invites, and if you’re throwing a party, I believe invitations are something that should be put into the budget.
Let’s face it! Invitations set the beginning mood for the party! And do you really want to set your mood with a generic evite?
The only party I think an evite might, MIGHT, work for would be a child’s birthday party. Only because unless it’s a big birthday, like the first, or the 16th, then it can be treated as a more fun, light-hearted event, so I do believe that an evite might work in that circumstance.
But all in all, I’m not a fan of the Evite. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you to stop inviting me to your parties! LOL!
Thoughts?
Judi D.
http://www.lipsticknlaundry.com/
Tags: evites, family, invitations, kids, manners, moms, parties
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Nanci Schwartz on -
I really love Evites and have used them a few times for surprise parties and movie nights. I know my friends are busy and are often online so I know I'll reach them. It allows them to respond quickly. Evites are efficient ways to keep track of who's coming and the program has some nice customization tools that make the invitations special.
I prefer to write out traditional invitations for my daughter's birthday parties or really special occasions. I wouldn't send an Evite to my parents either.
Plus, the "green" aspect of this tool make it that much more appealing. I've received many Evites and sent several and never thought of them being tacky. I agree that written invitations are the nicest but sometimes, a casual get together warrants a quick and easy solution.
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Permalink Reply by Judi on -
Good point Nanci! I was discussing this with my sister and she thought I was crazy not to love them! Especially being a busy mom of two! I'm so into the computer and all aspects of social media, I just have a hard time with this. I think I'm a bit old fashioned probably, and trust me, I have lots of reasons to be under the scrutiny of Miss Manners! I'm sure I make a lot of etiquette mistakes! lol!
Nanci Schwartz said:I really love Evites and have used them a few times for surprise parties and movie nights. I know my friends are busy and are often online so I know I'll reach them. It allows them to respond quickly. Evites are efficient ways to keep track of who's coming and the program has some nice customization tools that make the invitations special.
I prefer to write out traditional invitations for my daughter's birthday parties or really special occasions. I wouldn't send an Evite to my parents either.
Plus, the "green" aspect of this tool make it that much more appealing. I've received many Evites and sent several and never thought of them being tacky. I agree that written invitations are the nicest but sometimes, a casual get together warrants a quick and easy solution.
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Permalink Reply by Shreejana Hickman on -
Even though I do long for a hand written letter once in a while, I do like to use Evite. I find it really efficient. However, I think people do tend to overuse it sometimes. When it comes to sending Thank you notes, I definitely personalize it. It's such a put off when you get a generic Thank you note.
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Permalink Reply by Judi on
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I just heard about EThankyou notes as well! Okay, that's going a bit too far. I always thought the thank you post cards where you just fill in the persons name and sign your name were bad enough. Again, I must be old fashioned or something. I might even be able to accept evites, but no way to ethank yous!
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Permalink Reply by Amanda on -
Smart! I would not use an evite for something like a baby or wedding shower. I think the invite is a special part of the event. I use them for girls nights, parties or for things like pampered chef etc. I tend to get a better response. It is easier to plan, since many people are not good at traditional RSVP's. I still mail or hand deliver invites to certian people. I do get where you are coming from, and I do think ethank you's are rude. Handwritten thank you's show your appreciation.
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Permalink Reply by Dijea on -
I think its great for school events, and PTA functions. Small intimate gatherings or formal occasions - that's a different story.
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Permalink Reply by Tee Wilson on -
I love Evite. I think it was a brilliant idea and I wish I would have thought of it first! lol Now do I believe someone should send an evite for a major event like a wedding, baby shower, etc.? Not at all. I believe some occasions deserve and cal for formal invitations. But for other events like birthday parties, casual gatherings, BBQs, in-home sales parties, etc. I think evites are more than acceptable. I actually think electronic invitations are probably one of the smartest and most logical uses of the web and technology that we have!
There are many other things that we do online that should done in person - people meet up via webcam, they break up with folks via text message, they hook up with folks through social media networks, they chit chat about business, their personal life and all kinds of things through the web - many things that people used to do in person that they probably should STILL do in person but they don't. The one thing that doesn't have to be done in person for it to still be classy and personable is an invitation or RSVP for an event.
When I use evite I try to personalize the evite as much as I can. I try not to use the given templates. Whatever the theme is for the event I am planning, I will create my own background jpeg photo to use on my evite. I try to make my messaging personal and fun! I welcome my attendees to post their photos to the album after the event. It allows me to communicate with guests in an unobtrusive manner. And it helps me to keep track of my guests very easily. Using evite for small, casual functions is a no brainer to me. I would never do it for a formal event - but for all others, evite is fair game in my opinion!
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Permalink Reply by Jaimie on -
I'm old fashioned, I guess. I believe there are just some things that should be on papper. I send invitations, thank yous, and cards through the mail.
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Permalink Reply by Callie Domingues on -
I must be old fashioned too. I understand the crazy busy schedules of working moms, the convenience must be great. But....I think the time you put into hand writing an invitation is important. It says to me "You are important to me. I took my time to write this and send it to you."
No money? Then why are you having a party in the first place?
Having a party? Budget for invitations, even homemade will work. Again, it shows the invitee that they are important.
Ethank yous? Out of the question. I will rather not even get a thank you card from someone. I think I would be very "put off"if one showed up in my email box.
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Permalink Reply by Jen on -
I love evite! But I only use it for more casual parties and get togethers. Never for my kids birthday parties (I have so much fun making their invites). And I'd never use a thank you online...those are handwritten. I can't imagine using evite for a wedding or any type of shower either. =)
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Permalink Reply by Kelly Segraves on
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My Mom's group uses Evite for events such as MNO and Bunco. In these cases, there's no need for a handwritten invite. Plus, it makes it easier for the organizer to keep track of RSVP's. Personally, I wouldn't use it for my child's birthday party or any other major event like a baby or bridal shower. But, I have received them for birthday parties and never thought anything of it.
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Permalink Reply by Marinka on -
I love Evites and wish more people would use them. Paper invitations, to me, are a waste of paper and stamps. And it takes longer to receive one which is a problem for me (as a last minute mom). But then I'm focused on logistics more than on appearance.
I also love the idea of E-Thank you cards. Because the whole "thank you for coming to my party . I loved your gift" signed, 2 year old is really old.
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