How to Make Cool Family Reunion Invitations

Use images in your reunion invitation to communicate a sense of belonging.

So you want to make cool invitations or your next family reunion? The test of a cool invitation is that it grabs the attention of your family members and entices them to join in the festivities. Your invitations should reflect the theme of the reunion, while including elements that will interest relatives you see regularly as well as those you may not have even met before. As long as your invitation "speaks" to your relatives, making them excited to attend the reunion, it will be cool.

Things You'll Need

• Family photos
• Scanner
• Cardstock (optional)
• Printer (optional)

Instructions

1. Design a basic layout for your invitations for the cardstock or paper you'll print them on. Draw your design on a prototype to see where words, pictures and graphics will be placed.

2. Gather at least one or two photos or images to include on the invitations. Fitting pictures might include common ancestors or previous reunion pictures. Or use an image of the location for the reunion or of your family crest.

3. Scan the picture (or pictures) into your computer.

4. Adjust the photos to the sizes you need by using photo software.

5. Open the word processing or graphic design program on your computer. Choose the correct dimensions and layout (meaning portrait or landscape) for your paper or the cardstock you will be using.

6. Insert the picture and a text box for the front of the invitation.

7. Write friendly, informal and inviting words. For example, write "Robert and Elizabeth James . . . the two that started it all" on an invitation using a photo of the ancestors everyone has in common.

8. Type reunion information in a text box on the page that will be the inside of the invitation. Include the theme, activities, date, time, your contact information and any costs involved.

9. Print out your invitations, or save your invitation template to take to a copy center.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have the software or know-how to create the design, ask a friend or copy center for help.

• Make extra copies in case anyone was accidentally left off of the guest list.

• Use your family crest, or design one to include on the invitations. It may become a symbol that represents the entire family.

• Don't make the invitation too formal, because you want the reunion to appear fun and inviting.

References

• Family Reunion: Reunion Invitation
• Purple Trail: How to Plan a Reunion
• Your Family Legacy: History to Your Family Reunion