Zaproszenie

What is an invitation?

An invitation is a form of writing in which the sender informs the addressee about an important event and invites them to take part in it. It can be addressed to one person or to a group. An invitation may also include extra details, such as a dress code or a request to confirm attendance (RSVP).

What must an invitation include?

• Who invites whom (the sender and the addressee).
• For what occasion (e.g., birthday, anniversary, wedding, meeting).
• Where and when the event will take place (place, date, time).

Formal vs. informal invitation

• Formal — uses polite, formal forms of address (e.g., Szanowna Pani / Szanowny Pan = “Dear Madam” / “Dear Sir”). It must be signed with a full first and last name (under the text, aligned to the right).
• Informal — has a more personal, casual tone (e.g., Kochana Babciu! = “Dear Grandma!”, Cześć! = “Hi!”). It may be signed with just a first name (also on the right under the text).

Structure of an invitation (practical outline)

1. Addressing the recipient (formal in official invitations; casual in private ones).
2. Main body — who invites whom, on what occasion, and where/when it takes place.
3. Additional information (optional) — e.g., RSVP request, dress code, phone number, schedule.
4. Signature — on the right under the text (formal: full name; informal: first name).

Useful phrases

• Mają zaszczyt zaprosić… — “have the honour to invite…” (formal)
• Serdecznie zapraszam / Serdecznie zapraszamy… — “I warmly invite you / We warmly invite you…”
• na uroczystość…, która odbędzie się… — “to the ceremony/event…, which will take place…”
• Uprzejmie prosimy o potwierdzenie przybycia do dnia… — “Kindly confirm your attendance by…”
• Prosimy o strój wizytowy / strój elegancki / strój sportowy… — “Please wear formal / elegant / sporty attire…”

Example (formal invitation)

Example (informal invitation)