Top Tips for Designing the Perfect Luncheon Invitation

Whether you’re planning a luncheon for your company or a personal gathering, getting your invitations in order is at the top of your to-do list. But before you choose a design and hit send, you’ll want to organize all your event details.

Here, we’ll show you how to craft the perfect luncheon invitation with simple yet sophisticated design elements. With these tips, it’s easy to set the tone for a delightful gathering among friends, family, or colleagues.

Benefits of Hosting a Luncheon for Your Event

Lunchtime events might get overshadowed by evening fetes, but a luncheon can be a fantastic way to gather with guests without taking too much time.

Moreover, afternoon events might not be as in demand as evening affairs, so it can be easier to secure top event spaces. While it may be hard to get a time slot in the evening at various venues for a gala, it’s likely much easier to reserve the same event space for a luncheon.

Luncheons are also incredibly versatile. You can dress them up for formal fundraising events or pare them down for a casual gathering like a family reunion. Plus, they’re perfect for celebrating all different milestones, including baby showers, bridal showers, company retreats, and nonprofit events. 

The beauty of luncheons is they create the perfect backdrop for just about any occasion You can host a luncheon at a golf course and pair it with a fundraising golf tournament for a local charity. You can host a park picnic lunch to build rapport with your company colleagues or invite clients to join in on the fun. Luncheons are also perfect for gathering with friends and family during a reunion or to celebrate someone’s birthday.

You can also host a lovely luncheon to celebrate a bride or the arrival of a new baby. The sheer number of events you can host as a luncheon makes this party style a must. Make it as formal or casual as you like — then find invitations to match the mood!

What to Include in Your Luncheon Invitation

Since luncheons are so flexible, it’s important to consider the purpose of the event before filling out your luncheon invitation. For instance, if the event is aimed at raising money for a nonprofit, you’ll likely want to include formal language. For a casual gathering with friends and family — like a retirement party or family picnic — you can take a more light-hearted approach. The key is to match the tone of your luncheon invitation to the purpose of your event. 

Start by writing a salutation. This should include a brief mention of the purpose of the invitation and a request for the presence of the invitation recipient. 

It may include wording such as:

• Clark & Associates invites you to join us at a formal luncheon at the Municipal Botanical Garden to raise funds for our species protection efforts
• The Carter family is hosting a luncheon to honor the arrival of a new bundle of joy! We would love you to join us in this special celebration
• We’re getting together for a ladies’ luncheon to discuss plans for better collaboration in our community. Join us to discuss local initiatives and ballot measures and find out how you can support local causes
• Please join our luncheon for an afternoon of team-building, bonding, and burgers! There will also be an optional relay race and outdoor games!

Next, you’ll want to include your event details, including the date, time, and location. You’ll also want to mention if guests can bring a plus-one or if the event is limited to invitation-only. Include extra details and any items attendees need to bring — for example, food for a potluck party or reports to contribute to a discussion.

Finally, include RSVP instructions so guests know if they should respond via email, text, or other method. Be sure to include an RSVP date so you can secure the venue and arrange catering for the right number of attendees if necessary.

Pro tip: With digital invitations from Greenvelope, you can customize and send invitations within moments. Plus, you’ll get seamless RSVP tracking.

6 Luncheon Invitation Designs for Any Occasion

Ready to invite guests to your luncheon? Whether it’s a bridal shower, fundraiser, office lunch, or family gathering, you’ll find luncheon invitations for your event. From formal and sophisticated to casual and fun, there’s a design for every event’s purpose and vibe. Here are some of our favorite luncheon invitations that you can use as inspiration for your celebration.

1. Tuscan Laurels Invitation

Design: Colin Cowie

This luncheon invitation template features watercolor greenery and a sophisticated yet simple vibe. Available in four colorways, you can customize it for a wide variety of events — use it as brunch invitation, birthday invitation, or office lunch party invitation.

2. Beautiful Floral Egg Invitation

Design: Ana Sharpe Design

Planning a luncheon for Easter this year? This egg-themed invite is the perfect way to get guests ready for your midday event. It comes in four artist-curated color palettes including pastel purple, pink, green, and beige. It features a supported backside where you can add additional event details like potluck instructions or upload an image of your company logo for a business event. 

3. Park Picnic Invitation

Design: Hudson Meet Rose

This charming picnic invitation features all the fixings for a relaxing afternoon including sweet lemonade and a charcuterie spread. It’s ideal for use as a ladies luncheon invitation or for more casual corporate events.

4. Luxurious Stone Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

If you’re planning a formal lunchtime event, this sophisticated invite sets the tone for the gathering. Featuring a black background and two elegant color schemes — silver and gold — it’s an ideal design for inviting guests to a late afternoon lunch. Use it as a bridal luncheon invitation to get all the bridesmaids together for a celebration before the big day. It also works well as a corporate invite for an afternoon function.

5. Elegant Wildflowers Invitation

Design: Jen Montgomery

This floral invitation features a fancy frame of hand-painted flowers including poppies, lilacs, and sunflowers. It’s cheerful and sophisticated, making it ideal for use as a bridal shower invitation or tea party luncheon invite. You can even use it for evening events like a rehearsal dinner.

6. High Tea Invitation

Design: Kid Collective

Plan an afternoon gathering with this tea-inspired invitation. It’s the perfect option for inviting guests to a bridal shower, baby shower, or any other afternoon gathering. Use it for your next corporate function or private celebration — the title is entirely customizable to suit your event. 

Create a Memorable Luncheon Invitation 

With these tips and design inspiration, you’ll find the perfect luncheon event invitation. Best of all, Greenvelope gives you the power to add your own DIY spin to any design. Customize the invitation by changing the font, playing with the color scheme, or adding elements like music or a wax seal. You can even start with a blank canvas and upload your own design for a truly unique invitation.

Looking for more ways to plan the perfect event? Continue browsing our Stationers blog to find everything from party themes and tips on etiquette to creative ideas for year-round events.