Make Your Own Invitations For A Personal Touch
Even today, a personal invitation conveys proper etiquette and is still very much an active practice. One of the first things you think about when planning a party is the guest list. The best way to capture the theme of the party and to peak the interest of your prospective guests is by sending an invitation. Receiving a personal invitation in the mail spreads a little warmth. You can make it even more special if you make your own invitations.
Party Invitation
The Basics of Creating an Invitation
There are several ways to create your own invitations. You can use basic word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or other software such as Microsoft Publisher. This program has templates that you use as a starting point. In Microsoft Word you can create text boxes and formulate them on the page however you like. You can choose different font styles and colors. You can even add clipart or photos to your invitation. There are also many free templates available online.
Print the invitations on card stock that you can find at your local office supply stores or at online specialty stores. If you don’t have a good color printer, you can put your creation on disk and take it to a local printer. Bring your own paper supply and make sure you’ve checked the details for accuracy.
What To Say
The body of the invitation should include an introduction on the front of the invitation such as “Guess who’s getting married?” or “You’re invited”. Depending on the occasion and the guest list, make it as personal or as formal as is appropriate. On the inside you will need to include the date, time and location of the party and, if necessary, the hosts. Also include any details such as dress, special menus or directions to the venue.
Add the Personal Touch
Get really creative when you make your own invitations and create something directly linked to the party theme. For example, if you’re hosting a luau, fill small bottles with sand and put a printed invitation in the bottle. Deliver them by hand or mail them in small boxes. For a Christmas party, send the invitations along with a small snow globe as a keepsake. If you’re planning a Halloween party, send the invitation in a miniature coffin. If you use your imagination you will be able to make your invitations one-of-a-kind fun.
When making invitations for children’s parties, let your child take part in the crafting. Find out what theme they want and let them work on a picture related to it. It gives them the chance to display their artistic skills to their friends. Create imaginative shapes, like Mickey Mouse ears for a Mickey party or a pirate hat for a pirate party. If they are too young to draw, let them glue glitter on invitations. They will be delighted that they had a hand in the making of the invitations.
Get creative and imagine your guests’ faces when they open your invitation. They will know it is truly personal and will appreciate the effort you put into the task. They will expect a great party. Your invitation will stand out from the rest and may even bring a smile to the recipient’s face. The small gesture of an invitation will never go out of style. It will remain the predominant way to welcome someone to your party.
