Invitation

An invitation could be in many forms - 

1. Word of mouth - in person or over the phone 
2. Text message - using any social media or a normal text message
3. Card - e-card via email or again any social media or physical card via post or in-person 

We generally can divide them into two categories 

1. Formal - to request with respect
2. Informal - to request in a friendly manner 

What does it consist of ? And the priority!

1. Date 
2. Time 
3. Venue 
4. Purpose (first 4 - required) 
5. Any specification - e.g. Dress code, something bring along or something's not allowed or unwanted or certain age group etc (optional) 
6. The kind words (most important) 

It's importance and expectations around it! 

An event could be as big as a wedding or as small as meeting a friend at a restaurant. It's either a family or person inviting a group or discussing with a group and inviting people over to a particular location. Whatever it did be, there's an invite with the required contents and more importantly a kind message of inviting. 

An invitation should invite! So an invitation without the kind requesting words... just don't stand being called an invitation. 

Differences in the process differ in different cultures. 

The Indian untold customs are below- 

1. The IST (Indian standard time) - pun intended- people just arrive late than the time mentioned 
2. Even if the whole family is invited, if it's a not so close friends or relatives event - only 1 or 2 people attend the occasion 
3. Friend's invites are easy- a phone call or text is good enough 
4. Whereas family and relatives usually expect much more- they usually want it in person for the elders in the family to be present 
5. A gift is always expected either in the form of cash or a present gift wrapped 
6. Gifts are never opened before the crowd 
7. Ladies and girls dress according to the occasion