Three to four weeks before the time set for the dinner, send out invitations to the guests who are not members of the mess. If you plan on having a guest speaker, get the event on his or her calendar immediately. Have a back-up speaker just in case the original speaker has to back out. Invitations and Place Cards Formal invitations must be sent to all guests, official and personal. They are extended in the name of the president.
Invitations can be very simple and inexpensive.
Place cards are required. They may be handwritten. Use a black, felt-tip pen so they will be easy to read in dim light. Music A military band or ensemble is the best choice for music. If a military musical group is not available, be careful.