How to Select Invitations for a First Communion Party

Most people are happy to be invited to a party--until the invitation gets buried under the bills or tossed out with the papers. If you are giving a First Communion party, you want to select an invitation that is memorable, so that people will RSVP right away. The good news is, selecting invitations can be one of the most fun aspects of planning a First Communion party.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Greeting card software (optional)
• A pen and stamps
• Business supply or stationery store

Select Invitations For A First Communion Party

1. Examine your budget. If you have already decided on the total you will spend for the party, think about how much you want to set aside for invitations. They can get expensive, especially if you want a lot of them.

2. Add up your guest list. If you want to conserve on cash, send invitations only to those who are likely to come, rather than courtesy invitations to out-of-towners and people you hardly ever see. This way you may be able to select a slightly more pricey design.

3. Get an idea of the look you want--simple, ornate, old-fashioned, modern, border or no border, a cross or a figure, flat or raised. This way you won't have to spend hours poring over every sample in the book or on the screen.

4. Start looking at designs for invitations. Checking websites like Internet Consultants is a great choice, because there is no one looking over your shoulder pressuring you to buy and you can quickly check prices for all options (see Resources below).

5. Get price quotes. Most online companies will give you an instant quote after you type in your requirements and how many you want. Remember, you have to pay shipping.

6. Shop around at local and party stationery stores to be sure you are getting the best deal.

7. Order the cards well in advance, so that there is plenty time for the guests to receive the invitations and RSVP.

8. Address the envelopes by hand, when possible. If your handwriting is lacking, ask a friend or family member with better writing to help you.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a computer with a greeting card program, you can save a great deal of money by making the invitations yourself. Buy good quality paper in ivory or ecru with matching envelopes. Create your own design or use one that comes with the software. Print out the number you need, fold them very carefully, put them in the addressed envelopes and mail them.
• Watch the expenses. All the choices (paper stock, RSVP card, pre-addressed envelopes) can sneak up on you and leave you over-extended.