Letter Etiquette Guide

Social letters help maintain relationships and handle various personal situations with grace and appropriateness.

Types of Social Correspondence:

Invitations:

• Include all essential information (who, what, when, where, why)


• Send 2-4 weeks in advance for most events


• 6-8 weeks for formal events requiring planning


• Include RSVP information with a specific date


• Match the invitation style to the event formality

RSVPs:


• Respond by the requested date


• Be definitive - yes or no, not maybe


• If declining, you may briefly mention why ("prior commitment")


• For formal events, respond in the same style as the invitation


• Change your response immediately if circumstances change

Congratulations:


• Send within a week of learning the good news


• Be specific about what you're congratulating them for


• Express genuine happiness for their achievement


• Keep the focus on them, not on your own experiences


• Consider following up with a phone call for major milestones

Apologies:


• Send as soon as possible after the incident


• Take full responsibility without making excuses


• Express genuine remorse for the impact of your actions


• Offer to make amends if appropriate


• Don't over-explain or justify your behavior

Social Letter Guidelines:

Tone:


• Match the formality to your relationship


• Be genuine and authentic


• Use warm, personal language


• Avoid business-like phrasing

Content:


• Keep personal letters focused on the relationship


• Share appropriate personal updates


• Ask about their life and interests


• Reference shared experiences or memories

Length:


• Personal letters can be longer than business letters


• Social notes (congratulations, sympathy) should be concise


• Thank you notes: 3-4 sentences minimum


• Friendly letters: As long as feels natural

Closing:


• Use warm closings like "With love," "Fondly," "Warmest regards"


• Match the closing to your relationship level


• Sign with the name they know you by