Facebook events and invitations allow you to bring people together for gatherings big and small. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, concert, conference, or any other event, Facebook makes it easy to create an invitation, manage guest lists, and track RSVPs so you know who’s coming.
Creating a Facebook Event
The first step in creating a Facebook invitation is to set up the event page. Here’s how:
- Go to www.facebook.com and log into your account.
- Click on the “Events” tab in the left menu.
- Click on “+ Create Event” near the top right.
- Enter your event name, location, date/time, and other details.
- Click “Create” to make the event live.
Once you’ve made the event page, you can start inviting guests. But first, let’s go over some tips for setting up your event:
Choosing an Event Photo
Add an eye-catching photo to your event page to get people excited. Some ideas:
- A picture of the venue
- A decorative graphic with event details
- A fun photo relating to the event theme
Make sure you have permission to use any photos you upload.
Setting a Guest List
You can make your event public or private:
- Public: Anyone can see and join your event.
- Private: Only people you invite can see and join.
For private events, start by adding the co-hosts. You can assign moderator capabilities so they can also manage posts and guests.
Adding Event Details
Include key info like schedule, dress code, parking, and more to set expectations. You can add details as text posts on the event page or in the “About” section.
Some details to consider:
- Agenda/schedule
- Attire/dress code
- Parking and transportation
- Nearest accommodations
- Weather contingency plans
- Prohibited items
Promoting Your Event
Once your event page is ready, get the word out! Promote the event to your friends, family, coworkers, and broader community.
Ways to promote:
- Share it on your personal Facebook page and in relevant Groups.
- Ask friends to share the event with their networks.
- Post on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. and include the event link.
- Send out emails, texts, or paper invitations with a link to the Facebook event.
- List it on local events calendars and community bulletin boards.
Inviting Guests on Facebook
Now let’s look at how to add and manage your guest list:
Individual Invites
You can invite friends one at a time:
- Go to your event page.
- Click “Invite” near the top right.
- Type a name into the search bar or browse your friends list.
- Check the box next to each person you want to invite.
- Click “Send Invitation” or “Invite” to finish.
Guests will get a notification. They can click to view event details, RSVP, and get reminders.
Co-host Invites
Make any friend a co-host so they can also invite guests. Just click “Invite Co-Hosts” and select their name. They’ll gain admin access to your event.
Group Invites
Invite your Facebook Groups or friend Lists in bulk:
- Go to your event page.
- Click “Invite” near the top right.
- Select “Groups” or “Friend Lists” from the left menu.
- Choose which Groups/Lists to invite.
- Click “Send Invitation.”
This sends an invite to each member of the selected Groups/Lists.
Import Contacts
If your guest list is already organized elsewhere, import it instead of inviting manually:
- Click “Invite” and select “Import Contacts.”
- Choose to import from Yahoo, Outlook, Gmail, or a .csv file.
- Follow the steps to allow access and import your contacts.
- Select which contacts to invite.
- Click “Send Invitation.”
Send Email Invitations
Invite people by email even if they aren’t on Facebook:
- Click “Invite” and choose “Email Guests.”
- Enter email addresses or import contact lists.
- Customize the email template if desired.
- Click “Send” to email the invitations.
Recipients can follow the link to view and RSVP to your event, even without a Facebook account.
Managing Guests & RSVPs
Once your invitations are sent out, you can track RSVPs and manage guests from your event page:
Monitor the Guest List
The “Guests” tab shows who’s Invited, Going, and Interested. You can also see who has viewed the event.
Enable RSVPs
Have guests RSVP to your event:
- Go to your event page.
- Click “Edit Event” near the top right.
- Check the box for “Allow guests to invite friends” and/or “Allow guests to start posts.”
- Click “Save Changes.”
Now guests can click “Going” or “Can’t Go” to RSVP.
Message Guests
Engage your guests by posting event updates, polls, Q&As, and more on the Discussion tab. You can also message guests directly:
- Go to the Guests tab.
- Hover over a guest’s name and click “Message.”
- Type your message and hit enter to send.
Edit Guest List
Add or remove guests at any time:
- To add guests, click “Invite” and select names.
- To remove guests, click “Edit Guest List” and click the “x” next to names.
Removed guests get a notification that they are no longer invited.
Using Facebook Invites for Different Events
Facebook events work well for all kinds of gatherings:
Birthday Parties
Create a private guest list of friends and family. Customize the event photo and details. Enable RSVPs so you know how many people to expect.
Weddings
Make a beautiful invitation with names of the bride and groom. Invite guests and share wedding details like the ceremony time and location. Allow guests to RSVP.
Conferences
Promote your event publicly so anyone interested can join. Share speaker bios, session schedules and logistics like parking and WiFi. Embed registration forms to collect tickets.
Networking Events
Grow your group by inviting friends of members. Use the Discussion tab for introductions so attendees can connect beforehand. Enable photo and post sharing to engage guests.
Fundraisers
Share your cause and how funds will help. Include easy ways to donate right on the page like donation buttons or links. Post updates on fundraising milestones to spur more giving.
Performances
Grab attention with eye-catching graphics and costumes. Tag performers so their followers see it too. Link to your ticket sales page so people can purchase access.
Protests & Rallies
Make the event public and open for all to join. State the specific cause and goals clearly. Share chants and signs people can bring to unify the message.
Extra Tips for Facebook Event Success
Here are a few more pointers for creating a great event with strong attendance:
- Post regularly in the weeks/days leading up to your event to generate interest.
- Send email and Facebook reminders 24-48 hours before your event starts.
- Go live or share photos/videos during the event so people can experience it.
- Post a thank you message and recap afterwards so guests can relive the fun.
- Send a feedback survey to help improve your next event.
Conclusion
Facebook events provide a versatile tool for bringing people together. With some strategic planning, creative promotion, and consistent engagement, you can host successful gatherings that guests look forward to attending both online and in real life. Use this guide to start creating your own Facebook invitations and events today!