Happy hour invitation templates

Keep it to a line or two with the venue, day and hours, then why you’re meeting and who’s paying. “Join us for drinks after work on Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30, at The Copper Fox” covers nearly all of it. Add a friendly closer, and ask people to reply so you can reserve space.

Ask as little as you can. Name, whether they’re coming, how many people they’re bringing and any food or drink needs cover almost every event. For a work or client event, you might add a company name. A short form gets more answers, and that gives you a truer number for the bar.

Say what it’s for, where it is and when it starts, and keep the tone relaxed. Make clear that it’s optional and that drinking is too, with a line like “Soda or spritz, all welcome.” Try alternating times or choosing a venue that’s close to the office, so people with evening commitments can still join.

One week is usually enough for friends and teammates, and a couple of days can work for something spontaneous. Allow two to three weeks for a client event, a networking evening or a large group, as bars may need a reservation. Send a short reminder on the day, since plans drift quickly after work.