Thread: What to Say?

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I go for the direct approach. I have put "Costumes required!" or for one invite I wrote (in a scary font) "(If you're not in costume, you will be!)" at the bottom. I had extra props and capes and things and make-up ready for those who didn't bring a costume, and I let my other guests have fun dressing them up!

As far as bringing food, that's usually something I discuss when people call to RSVP or I call and talk to people about bringing food when I'm planning the party. I think usually "potluck" is a good way of putting it on the invitation.

"Costumes requested"

On our Halloween wedding invitations, we put:

• Costumes are not compulsory but are very welcome.
  
• No masks but face make up acceptable.
  
• As the wedding party will be wearing predominantly red,
• we ask that all guests avoid red in their outfits please.
  
• Although we would like everyone to enter into our theme, we understand that it’s not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’, but we would still like you to share in our day.
  
• Please feel free to wear clothes that you are more comfortable in, but can we ask that you keep to darker colours.

Not very poetic, but to the point.

Obviously, we did not have to worry about food, as we bought all that ourselves.

HTH

Ian

We always indicate on our invites that costumes are required. We've used:

"Be sure to wear a costume so as NOT to anger the spirits!" and "Costumes are STRONLY recommended!.....Mwahahaahaaa" and we've also threated to (and done it) "Dress you up ourselves when you arrive, if you leave us no choice".

I really like Wofbeard's idea of having the guest pull 3 random things from a box (we also have tons of leftover bits and pieces of costumes from years past) to wear for the evening. This sounds like it has the potential to be hilarious! I may steal this Wolfbeard.
As for asking guests to bring a dish, how about mention that this will be a 'Pot-YUCK' dinner and to bring your best 'GORE-met' dish to share.

Have a blast!

I usually just say "Costume required". No one has ever minded. As far as people bringing things....we usually just let everyone know what we'll be supplying (food and drink wise) and if there is anything else that someone wants to drink or eat....please bring it along.

Super Freak, what a great way to request them to bring something food wise, but to also insure it will fit the atmosphere of the party. last year I did all the food and spent quite a bit. I have to admit, I would really love some help this year, but don't want someone bring a sack of chips. I love your Pot Yuck and Gore-met wording. I may steal this idea.

We say:

Please arrive costumed, as simple or extravagant as you wish. Beware - those not in costume will be costumed by the ghostesses upon arrival.

Ghostesses will provide: beer, pop, music, snacks, dance floor, a camp fire outside, games/prizes, and a costume contest (with prizes for Best Overall, Funniest, and Most Creative)!

Victims provide: a small munchie of some sort to share and any "spirits" outside of beer you require to keep the shakes away.

I normally have enough people who ask if I want them to bring anything that I don't have to include it on the invite (I always say "finger foods served on a first-come-first-served basis" but our party is a large open event).

I let them know that there's a costume contest and what the categories are. Then at the bottom I put "costume requested but not required". Most people come in costume (even the ones who complain about it). We typically have one person each year who doesn't wear one (different person each year). It's normally their first year attending.

I like the idea also of "come in disguise" maybe say come in disguise to avoid a haunting demise . Most all of our friends come in costume as well but we have extra stuff as well if they dont I had one guest decide not to dress up one yr after we chose his attire he has come in costume every yr since we dressed him in trashy woman style

I am going on year 11.
I always put "Costumes recommended don't be a stiff"
I usually have a group of people get the food togethor so that isn't an issue.
The only thing I quit providing was a keg because people would show up with their own and it would go to waste.