invitationonly

Invitation-only, sometimes written as invitationonly, refers to a mode of access where entry or participation is restricted to individuals who are extended an invitation by an organizer, host, or existing member. In practice, access is granted only after the invitee is vetted or approved. This concept is used for events, memberships, and digital services.

Common mechanisms include invitation codes, referral-based invites, waitlists, and explicit membership approval. Invitations may be restricted by role, status, location, or other criteria. In online contexts, invite-only platforms often use tiers or invite quotas to manage growth and maintain quality or privacy.

Reasons for adopting invitation-only includemaintaining exclusivity, protecting sensitive information, ensuring safety, fostering a trusted community, reducing spam, or controlling demand. It is frequently applied to private clubs, high-profile events, beta software, social networks, and artistic or fashion showcases.

Critics argue that invitation-only systems can reinforce elitism, hinder diversity, and create barriers to access, sometimes enabling discrimination or insularity. Supporters contend that it can improve security, trust, and user experience by restricting low-quality participation.

Because of its public perception, invitation-only often signals exclusivity rather than illegality, though legal obligations such as anti-discrimination laws may still apply in membership policies.