I’d love to say that I’m one of those genteel, eccentric, and slightly esoteric kinds of persons who proudly avoids all but the absolutely necessary forms of technology (sort of like my father, who would sooner read the encyclopedia word-for-word than Google anything). But I’m anything but. I live by email, the ATM, and The New York Times online. Still, I firmly believe there are quite a number of areas in which the “old-fashioned” way of doing things trumps the most current or convenient one (waiting in line for a bank teller notwithstanding).

Invitations would definitely fall into that category. I admit I just don’t get this evite phenomenon at all. In just the last month I’ve received electronic invites to a baby shower, an engagement party, and more than a few PR events—and I can honestly say I wasn’t thrilled about attending a single one of them (and that had nothing to do with the people or causes involved). It’s just that there is nothing like a beautiful or festive invitation in hand to get me excited about a party. I love to admire the paper, the design, and the printing. I’m reminded about the event every time I pass by the refrigerator I post them on. And if the invitation is truly special and the occasion has lived up to its billing, I tuck them into my inspiration board (really just a bulletin board) as a memento that I can savor long after the party is over. Perhaps something like this from Night Owl Paper Goods (whose letter pressing makes my heart race):

Or this, from Mrs. John L. Strong, the blueblood engraver, and an immediate signal that an elegant evening is sure to be had:

Or any of the literally thousands of stylish imprintables that can be purchased from a stationery store and run through a home computer.

In essence, I love invitations that do what invitations are supposed to do: not only provide the necessary details of where and when, but also set the tone and the mood of the affair; something that shows me that the hosts are going to expend a little energy to give their guests a good time. And I’m sorry, that just doesn’t come across on a computer screen.

So, the rule of thumb I plan to stick to? If it’s something SUPER casual or super last-minute, and I was merely going to make a few quick phone calls to the guest list, than an electronic invite is okay. But when I want to make the occasion truly memorable—and truly correct—than I'll put it down in writing (whether by hand, by engraver, or computer)…and spring for the stamps. It will be well worth the effort.