Things You'll Need:
- Paper or card stock Envelope Markers, pens and/or rubber stamps Stickers or decorative items and the appropriate adhesive
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Step 1
When creating your invitations, keep in mind the theme of the party and use that to help you decide the design. For example, a child's birthday party might have a picture of the child or the activity guests will be engaging in, such as a swim party; a football party might have a football cutout and use sports-related language; a wedding shower might have flowers, bells or hearts on it. This visual image will be the first clue guests will have as to what they are being invited to celebrate. In fact, if you can carry the theme onto the envelope, all the better; this can be done using themed stickers or stamps.
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Step 2
To organize your information, think of the invitation on paper folded like a booklet, so it has four panels; the front page would be the first panel, the inside left side would be the second panel, the inside right would be the third panel, and the back would be the fourth panel.
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Step 3
The front panel of the invitation could have a picture, die-cut or icon related to the theme, along with a general announcement related to the event. It could read something like "It's a party" or "Let's celebrate." If you are creative, you might think of something even more closely related to the party theme. For example, the invitation could read "Swim on Over" for a swim party invitation.
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Step 4
The second panel of the invitation could include directions to the party site or other details your guests need to know.
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Step 5
The third panel would need to display the vital details:
What is the occasion for the party?
When will the party be held? (Date and start/finish times)
Where will it be?
Do guests need to RSVP? If so, to whom and by when?
Information pertaining to gifts, food or other details that guests should know ("Wear your swimsuit, but towels will be provided" for a swimming party) should appear either on the second or third panel, depending on available space. -
Step 6
The fourth panel could remain blank, unless you want to add further decoration or a design credit.
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Step 7
Once you have the information in mind, you can decide on how you want to produce the invitations.
If you are computer-savvy, you might want to use a program to design and print the invitations. Microsoft Office offers invitation templates and clip art that could greatly speed up the design process. Avery also offers invitation templates online for use with their brand of card stock, which can be purchased where office supplies are sold. With a little practice, though, any word processing program could be used to design invitations.
If you are the "crafty" type, you may enjoy making invitations by hand, although this may be time consuming if you plan to send many invitations. You can fold paper or purchase card stock and use markers to write the information. Rubber stamps might also be used, especially for a high volume of invitations; either find a set with the alphabet to spell out your message or look for stamps designed specifically for invitations. Let your imagination be your guide as you add pictures, ribbons, stickers or other embellishments to the invitations. These materials can be purchased from craft stores.
