This particular topic does not specifically relate only to those individuals with children. Although, I have to say, it seems like I field many more invitations as a parent than before children (most are birthday party invitations for one or more of my kids).
In this great age of digital everything, a new type of invitation
has emerged. The electronic invitation, such as an e-card or
"evite." An electronic invitation is, of course, much more
ecologically friendly than a paper invitation. However, does it
introduce new etiquette? Follow traditional etiquette? I often wonder how others feel.
From an environmental perspective, digital invitations can't be beat. They do not waste valuable paper resources, eliminate delivery (and transportation costs/resource use), and are much less expensive. No hunting down snail mail addresses or buying stamps. A moment is all it takes to invite numerous people to an event. Often, it is an exceptionally eco-friendly and inexpensive method of sending out invitations to an event. The question, is....is there a line between resourceful and tacky?
Does old etiquette apply to the new digital invites? Are some events off-limits for an evite? I think there are clear-cut issues (a wedding invitation--definitely not; the bonfire at your house on Friday night--send an evite!), but there are "fuzzy ones." A child's birthday party? A wedding or baby shower? Hmmm....
What about the handling of the invite? With a paper invitation, I would propose you are obligated to send a gift if you are unable to attend. I always do. However, an evite.....I must admit, I do not. It often depends on the situation. If I receive an evite for a close friend's baby shower, I'll certainly send a gift if I can't make the event. Yet, the co-worker I barely know who sent the invites to the entire office.....probably not. It seems like evites are more widespread than a hand invitation. Having to write out an invitation and pay for the cost makes the sender more conscious of whom they include on the guest list. Tapping a few keys makes it extremely easy to invite 50 acquaintances to the birthday party. Am I being terribly rude by not always sending a gift in my stead? Anyone want to weigh in?
From an Earth Mama perspective, evites are a fabulous invention. I would admit, however, they have limitations that you should acknowledge and observe. If you think I am living in the twentieth century, instead of the twenty-first, speak up. Otherwise, I say.....use your evites for Mama Earth! But, skip them for the big events.
--EM
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