Celebration ahead... All the major details are coming together. Your next step: Informing the ones you love of your upcoming festivities.

It's a special event, so why not make the extra effort to make your guests feel that their presence is important to you?

The growing popularity of social media outlets like Facebook and Evite has changed the way we communicate about celebrating. With a simple click of the send button, hundreds of people can be invited to your bash.

Yes, it’s easy; and yes, it’s convenient... But honestly, do you feel special when you see that 708 other people got this same blanket invite?

While this type of invite is practical for some events, it is slowly seeping into every celebration, taking away the excitement and pleasure that come from receiving an actual invitation, either by hand or by mail. Handmade and exceptionally crafted invites do not have to be reserved for weddings. The same Internet that eliminates "real" invitations also offers well-crafted DIY invite options that are affordable and customized.

Invitations can give your event a feel of significance that an email just cannot convey. Here are some invite pointers that are sure to make an impression before your celebration even starts.

Timing is everything: Invitations received too early (more than one month in advance) are likely to be forgotten. On the opposite end of the spectrum, invitations sent without enough notice (less than two weeks in advance) do not give potential guests a chance to prepare for issues such as childcare, scheduling conflicts... their outfit ;)

Make extras: No matter whether you think you made enough, inevitably you left someone off your guest list. The extras come in handy when you are reminded of your faux pas. If you were organized enough to remember everyone, the extras can make a great keepsake for your own scrapbook.

Think outside the envelope: Pretty paper and delicate bows are fantastic for the mail, but if you are hand-delivering your invites, the options for just what constitutes an invite can vary. Try a custom DVD with a videotaped invite for your movie-star-themed bash or your favorite wine with an invite included in a custom label for your upcoming dinner party.

Communication is the key: Your invite is your best chance to give your guests as much information as possible. Besides the time, date and location, make sure to include information about dress code, the theme and any other special requests. No one wants to be the guest with children at an adults-only function, or the only one at your masquerade ball with no mask.

Just remember that a beautiful invitation, even for a small dinner party, can remind a guest how important they are to you as well as set the tone for detailed and enjoyable event. With your next event, make the extra effort to extend a “real” invitation.

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Kelley Carboni-Woods is the owner of Splendid Soirees (www.splendidsoirees.com) in Charlotte. Phone: (704) 807-2613

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