PARTY PLANNING KIT WITH COUPONS AND METHOD
The present invention is a packaged kit to assist a person in planning and executing a social event, especially a groom's pre-wedding party. The kit comprises a box or envelope containing preferably everything the host will need to put on a successful party. For example, the kit will contain a complete set of instructions for the host, plus optionally a scheduling form and a checklist. The kit will also contain invitations for each invitee with directions to the event, and envelopes with adhesive-backed labels for printing from a mailing list on a computerized printer. Also, the kit will contain coupons and/or gift certificates from manufacturers and/or retailers for each invitee, as well as, optionally, for the guest. The kit may also contain thank-you notes for the guest with pre-printed address labels to the invitees, for convenience. The kit may be hard copy, computer disk or Internet enabled, for example.
This application claims priority of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/818764, filed Jul. 5, 2006, and entitled “Invitation Kit With Coupons And Method,” which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to social events and parties. More specifically, this invention relates to a packaged kit to assist a person in planning and executing a social event, for example, a groom's pre-wedding party.
2. Related Art
There have been kits available for assisting a person in planning and executing a social event. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,911 to Wilson discloses a 3-ring binder with index-tabbed planning stage sections containing instruction sheets, preprinted forms and storage containers.
Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,949 to Amato discloses a party kit for serving guests. The kit comprises a box with pockets on its sides for storing and dispensing utensils, tableware and napkins. The box has a covering so that it may function also as a serving platform.
Also, U.S. Published Application No. 2002/0185859 A1 of Reger, et al. discloses an event planning guide comprising an accordion style folder encased in a matchbook style cover. The guide holds invitations, envelopes, booklets and the like relating to a social event.
Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,056 to DeMedio discloses an event planner with a visual seating chart organizer. The organizer takes into account the event room floor plan, as well as fixtures and equipment. Then, key people characterizations may be fastened to the room fixtures for assisting in planning the event.
Still, there is a need for a packaged event planning kit with increased benefits for the planner, special guest and invitees, for example, for a groom's pre-wedding party. This invention addresses this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a packaged kit to assist a person in planning and executing a social event, especially a groom's pre-wedding party. The kit comprises a box or envelope containing preferably everything the host will need to put on a successful party. For example, the kit will contain a complete set of instructions for the host, plus preferably a scheduling form and a checklist. The kit will also contain invitations and “RSVP's” for each invitee with directions to the event, and envelopes with adhesive-backed labels for printing from a mailing list on a computer. Also, the kit will contain coupons and/or gift certificates from manufacturers and/or retailers for each invitee, as well as, optionally, for the guest and the host. This way, the packaged kit obtains a marketing advantage for the manufacturers and/or retailers which sponsor the coupons and/or gift certificates which are meant to be used by the invitees to purchase gifts for the guest. Also, this way the packaged kit obtains a high value for to the host by multiplying the benefits for the guest by the number of attendees. The kit may also contain thank-you notes for the guest with pre-printed address labels to the attendees, for convenience. The kit may be hard copy, computer disk or Internet enabled, for example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to the Figures, there is shown several, but not the only, embodiments of the invented packaged kit. FIGS. 1-3-A depict labels for the box or envelope for one embodiment of the present invention. A proposed logo to be used with a trademark for the kit is depicted in
According to the present invention, the packaged kit may include a hard copy binder or book or other collection of paper pages, and may be contained in an envelope or box. In this regard, hardcopy critical path scheduling diagrams and checklists forms, not shown in the Figures, may also be provided. Alternatively, the packaged kit may include at least portions which reside on a computer disk with all the necessary information, diagrams and forms becoming available to the user when the disk is utilized in a computer. Also, alternatively, the packaged kit may include at least portions which reside on the Internet, or on a local intranet. In this alternative embodiment, the necessary information, diagrams and forms become available to the user when an appropriate website or other digital address is accessed. This way, the kit of the invention may be hard copy, computer disk, or Internet or intranet enabled, for example.
date, time and place of event;
whom to invite;
what to serve for food and beverages;
how the food and beverages will be provided;
whether special activities such as games or sports will be conducted; and,
whether special attire or equipment or permits are required, for example.
Then, as depicted in
Importantly, included within each invitation is a coupon, advertisement or gift certificate or notice of other prepared marketing incentive directed to the invitee, as depicted in
baby showers;
baptisms and other religious events;
birthdays (including for different sexes and age groups);
farewells;
graduations;
anniversaries;
promotions;
housewarmings; and
retirements, for example.
Whenever a social or professional gathering or event takes place, then, and gifts are in order to be brought by the invitees, the planning and execution techniques of this invention are applicable.
The coupons or other incentives included with the invitations are intended to be used by the invitees to buy gifts for the guest. This way, the manufacturers which sponsor the coupons obtain a marketing advantage in the relevant goods or services. However, the invitee is not required to use the coupon for the benefit of the guest. Therefore, the advantage for the coupon sponsor does not depend solely upon the fact of attendance by the invitee. In any event, by means of this invention, the manufacturer obtains pointed focus by prospective purchases of the relevant goods and services.
Other, optional items may be included in the packaged kit of the present invention. For example, party decorations, like banners and streamers, may be included. Also for example, party favors, like small gifts and novelties for the attendees may be included. Also for example, gags for the host may be included, like a squeeze ball to help relieve the stress of planning and executing the social event.
Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A packaged kit to assist a host in planing and executing a social event, comprising:
- a package, containing a set of instructions relating to the social event for the host;
- a set of invitations and instructions for people invited to the social event; and,
- a prepared marketing incentive.
2. The kit of claim 1 wherein the package is a box or envelope.
3. The kit of claim 1 which also contains a scheduling form.
4. The kit of claim 1 which also contains a checklist.
5. The kit of claim 1 which also contains thank-you notes for people who attend the social event.
6. The kit of claim 1 which is enabled by a computer.
7. The kit of claim 7 which is enabled on the internet.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 3, 2007
Publication Date: Feb 28, 2008
Inventors: MIKE SMIT (TWIN FALLS, ID), DAVID HAMILTON (TWIN FALLS, ID)
Application Number: 11/773,227
International Classification: B65D 69/00 (20060101);