Create Party Invitation

The Invitation

There are so many reasons to throw a party! You may have a special occasion coming up like a birthday or anniversary. It could be New Year's bash, or maybe you are just having a get together for fun or to celebrate the purchase of your new grill! Whatever your reason, your party invitations need to fulfill the theme of your party.

If you are unsure what theme you want your party to focus on, start with something that fits the interests of the guest of honor. If the guest is your grill, focus on the food, fire, and fun. If she is a new mom for a baby shower, create invitations using a baby theme. For a co-worker getting ready to retire, try a “freedom” theme focusing on life after work.

When you sit down to create party invitations, you need to understand the feeling and excitement you want to convey to the guest. The receiving of the invitation is part of the reason your guests will be coming. The other reason, of course, is to see you or the guest of honor. Your invitation creates the first impression so have fun with it.

How to Create Party Invitations

If you are not very artistic, no need to worry. There are computer programs and free printable invitations both on and offline where you can choose a pre-existing design, input your personal information and hit print. To create a little glitz, add some glitter or confetti, then address and mail.

If you create postcard invitations, always print your paper on card stock so they are durable and will hold up in the mail. If you are mailing the invites in an envelope, use a heavier paper to look more professional.

Getting Creative

If you love to make a personal statement, now is a great time to show off your talent. There are unlimited possibilities to what you can do when you create party invitations. Here are some ideas:

• Beach Ball Invites: If you are having a beach party, write the invitation on a beach ball so your guests have a fun keepsake to remember the party.

• Gift Bags: Give your guests a sneak peak of what to expect at your party beforehand! You can include balloons, makeup, mini-sized alcohol bottles, mints, popcorn, a camera, or anything else you feel fits your theme. If you are throwing a New Year’s party, include a hat, noise maker and confetti.

• Scrolls: Create your invitation on a nice sheet of paper, roll it up and tie it with a ribbon. For a sense of adventure, stick it in a bottle.

An invite is even more fun when it begins the party adventure. Try incorporating your invitation into the theme. Here are some ideas:

• Magic Party or Harry Potter theme: Turn your invite into a magic wand. Roll it up in a black piece of paper and on the outside write Abracadabra or a spell from Harry’s latest book.

• Bowling Party: Create the invite in the shape of a bowling pin, or create a bowling pin using a pop bottle painted white.

• Movie Night: Tape the invite to a bag of popcorn.

• Hawaiian Party: Use flowers or sand to decorate the border of the invite.

• Anniversary Party: Buy plastic champagne glasses and either decorate them with the invite information or put the invite inside.

Present List Ideas

If your attendees are expected to bring a gift, help them know what to buy the guest of honor with a fun themed gift list idea. For example, if you are throwing a baby shower, write the list on a diaper.

Jazzing Up a Simple Invite

If you are sticking to a basic, flat invitation, you can still be creative and make your party stand out! Visit the craft store for great ideas, like:

• Themed confetti
• Glitter
• Over sized invites or cu-outs
• 3D stickers
• Cotton balls

When jazzing up your invite, remember to keep it simple. Create a mock invitation first to experiment with and see what you do and do not like.

Online Invitations

With the growth of the Internet, many party planners are turning towards email to send out Evite invitations. Do be aware that not everyone checks their email regularly or has an email address. Be prepared to personally call the guests or to create party invitations specifically for those who are not online.

Many sites make it easy for you to create an invite in seconds and allows you to track who has received it and RSVP’s.

Here are a few websites to get you started:

• Evite.com
• Sendomatic
• My Card Maker: Create both printable and email cards

What Information You Need

Sometimes it is easy to get so excited about the design, you forget about the content and invitation wording. Make sure you include:

• Name of host
• Name of guest of honor
• Date
• Time
• Location
• Alternative location or rain date if the party is outdoors
• Dress code (for weddings and dances)
• Phone number to RSVP and date
• Email address
• Website URL if you add a website to keep your guests excited about the party

Create your party invitation with enough space to include all the essential information in a way that guests will not miss out on any important tid-bits, such as dress code or RSVP by date.

Have fun as you create party invitations! Remember, there is no right or wrong way to throw a party.