15.3 Party planning and invitations

Planning parties and sending invitations are key aspects of celebrations in Spanish-speaking cultures. These social skills involve specific vocabulary, phrases, and customs that reflect the importance of gatherings and festivities in Hispanic communities.

From choosing the right words for invitations to discussing party details, mastering these language elements helps you navigate social situations with confidence. Understanding party-related vocabulary and etiquette enhances your ability to participate fully in Spanish-speaking celebrations.

Planning Parties in Spanish

Basic Party Vocabulary

• Types of parties and celebrations
  • una fiesta de cumpleaños (a birthday party)
  • una boda (a wedding)
  • una fiesta de graduación (a graduation party)
• Terms related to party planning
  • la lista de invitados (the guest list)
  • el presupuesto (the budget)
  • las actividades (the activities)

Phrases for Organizing and Decision-Making

• Suggesting and agreeing on party details
  • "¿Qué tal si celebramos el sábado?" (How about we celebrate on Saturday?)
  • "Me parece bien" (That sounds good to me)
• Assigning tasks and responsibilities
  • "¿Puedes encargarte de la comida?" (Can you take care of the food?)
  • "Yo me ocupo de la decoración" (I'll handle the decorations)
• Making decisions and reaching consensus
  • "¿Estamos todos de acuerdo?" (Are we all in agreement?)
  • "Decidido, entonces" (Decided, then)

Party Invitations in Spanish

Components and Greetings

• Elements of a written invitation
  • la fecha (the date)
  • la hora (the time)
  • el lugar (the place)
  • el motivo de la celebración (the reason for the celebration)
• Formal and informal salutations
  • "Estimado/a" (Dear) for formal invitations
  • "¡Hola!" (Hello!) for informal invitations

Invitation Phrases

• Requesting the pleasure of someone's company
  • "Nos complace invitarte a" (We are pleased to invite you to)
  • "¿Nos acompañas a celebrar?" (Will you join us in celebrating?)
• Expressing the occasion or reason for the celebration
  • "Con motivo de mi graduación" (On the occasion of my graduation)
  • "Para festejar el cumpleaños de" (To celebrate the birthday of)
• Requesting an RSVP
  • "Por favor, confirma tu asistencia" (Please confirm your attendance)
  • "Esperamos tu respuesta" (We await your response)

Responding to Invitations

• Accepting an invitation politely
  • "Muchas gracias por la invitación. Allí estaré" (Thank you very much for the invitation. I'll be there)
• Declining an invitation politely
  • "Lamento no poder asistir" (I regret that I cannot attend)

Spanish Party Vocabulary

Food, Drinks, and Entertainment

• Types of food and drinks served at parties
  • aperitivos (appetizers)
  • plato principal (main course)
  • postre (dessert)
  • bebidas (drinks)
• Music and entertainment options
  • música en vivo (live music)
  • DJ
  • karaoke
  • juegos (games)

Decorations, Themes, and Expressions

• Party decorations and themes
  • globos (balloons)
  • serpentinas (streamers)
  • temática (theme)
  • disfraces (costumes)
• Toasts and good wishes
  • "¡Salud!" (Cheers!)
  • "¡Felicidades!" (Congratulations!)
  • "¡Que lo disfrutes!" (Enjoy!)
• Thanking the host and saying goodbye
  • "Gracias por la fiesta" (Thank you for the party)
  • "Nos vemos pronto" (See you soon)

Discussing Party Details in Spanish

Date, Time, and Location

• Asking and responding to questions about the date and time
  • "¿Cuándo es la fiesta?" (When is the party?)
  • "La fiesta es el sábado a las 8 de la noche" (The party is on Saturday at 8 PM)
• Discussing the party location
  • en casa de (at the house of)
  • en un salón (in a hall)
  • al aire libre (outdoors)
• Asking for and providing directions
  • "¿Cómo llego allí?" (How do I get there?)
  • "Está cerca de" (It's close to)

Dress Code and Confirming Details

• Inquiring about the dress code and attire
  • "¿Cuál es el código de vestimenta?" (What is the dress code?)
  • "Es una fiesta formal" (It's a formal party)
• Types of attire
  • elegante (elegant)
  • casual
  • etiqueta (black tie)
• Confirming details and expressing understanding
  • "Entendido, nos vemos allí" (Understood, see you there)
  • "Perfecto, gracias por la información" (Perfect, thanks for the information)