Prior to First day and supplemental ceremonies an invitation makes the general public and individuals aware of the upcoming dedication.  This invitation may take several different forms.  Perhaps the most familiar form is the printed invitation sent to VIP's.  

           The invitation may come from the PMG or the sponsoring organization.  

                Since many of the invitations go to non stamp collectors they are frequently thrown away. I remember someone at the founding meeting of our society in 1986 asking if anyone saved invitations.  He commented that he received them for all the issues and just threw them away! 

                 Some invitations may be very colorful as is the 50th Anniversary of the National Music Camp 7/13/78 invitation for the 8.4c Grand Piano issue.   

                     The typical PMG invitations from the USPOD days and the USPS are illustrated.  

Many collectors enjoy collecting invitations with the dedicated issue added and cancelled on the date of the ceremony.

Illustrated also is the invitation from the department of Defense for the 7/4/75 200th anniversary of the American Military services issue.  

Frequently the sponsoring organization will send out an invitation to their members and other interested individuals. 

Occasionally there will be a notice of the first day ceremony the local post office typically found on the counter.

Tickets are occasional given for entrance to the ceremony or used for admission for the event where the first day will take place.