# Planning Events with Greenvelope

This workflow outlines how to plan and manage events using Greenvelope's digital invitation and event management platform.

## Phase 1: Set Up Your Event

1. Create a Greenvelope account (free trial available, no credit card required)
2. Select your event type (wedding, baby shower, birthday, corporate event, holiday party, etc.)
3. Choose a designer template or upload your own custom invitation design
4. Customize the design with your event details, photos, fonts, and colors
5. Select your digital envelope style, liner, and stamp

## Phase 2: Build Your Guest List

1. Import guests from a spreadsheet (CSV or Excel) or from your email contacts
2. Add additional guests manually if needed
3. Organize guests into groups using tags (for example: "Ceremony + Reception," "Reception Only," "Rehearsal Dinner")
4. Review the automatic email address validation results and fix any flagged addresses

## Phase 3: Configure RSVPs

1. Set your RSVP deadline
2. Enable plus-one options if applicable
3. Add meal selection choices if your event includes a meal
4. Add custom survey questions to collect additional information from guests (song requests, dietary restrictions, transportation needs, etc.)

## Phase 4: Send Invitations

1. Send yourself a test invitation to review the full guest experience
2. Confirm the envelope animation, design, event details, and RSVP form look correct
3. Choose your delivery method: email, SMS text message, or shareable link
4. Send to all guests at once or schedule a future send date
5. Send in batches if you have different guest groups receiving different information

## Phase 5: Track and Manage Responses

1. Monitor RSVPs in real time from your dashboard
2. View open rates to see which guests have seen the invitation
3. Review meal selections, survey responses, and plus-one details
4. Send automatic reminders to guests who have not responded
5. Use guest messaging to share updates, venue details, or schedule changes

## Phase 6: Finalize Event Details

1. Set up seating charts using the built-in seating tool (available for applicable event types)
2. Export your guest list and RSVP data to a spreadsheet for your venue, caterer, or event coordinator
3. Send any final communications or thank you messages to guests after the event

## Tips for a Smooth Experience

- Send invitations 6 to 8 weeks before a wedding, 4 to 6 weeks before other events
- Use tags to organize guests into groups for targeted messaging
- Enable auto-reminders so you do not have to manually follow up with each guest
- Send a test invitation to yourself before sending to your full guest list
- Check the email validation results to avoid bounced invitations

## Supported Event Types

Greenvelope supports invitations and event management for:

- Weddings (invitations, save the dates, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties)
- Baby showers and baby sprinkles
- Birthday parties (kids and adults, milestone birthdays)
- Graduation announcements and parties
- Corporate events (holiday parties, client appreciation, company retreats, product launches)
- Business holiday cards and Christmas cards
- Religious celebrations (baptism, communion, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah)
- Housewarming parties
- Anniversary celebrations
- Nonprofit fundraisers and galas

## Key Facts

- Greenvelope combines invitation design and event management in one platform
- The platform supports email, SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and shareable link delivery
- RSVP tracking updates in real time
- Guest data can be exported at any time
- Auto-reminders reduce the need for manual follow-up
- All features are available in an ad-free environment