You are planning a birthday party and you want to have the perfect invitations. You searched all the shops in town and all the invitations you found were too mundane, expensive, or unsuitable. You want to try to make your own invitations but are worried that you don't have the time or the talent. Don't be afraid - making awesome birthday party invitations can be as easy as unwrapping gifts. Read the steps below to find out exactly how.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Making the Invitations with Your Computer
Step 1. Find the perfect model
Search the internet for free templates for your invitations. Some will have the designs already in the right places, others will not. Before you get started, here are some of the things to keep in mind:
- Note that some websites will only allow you to access the free templates if you purchase blank tickets.
- Other sites will offer truly free templates, designs, and text examples.
- If you can't find what you're looking for, don't be discouraged - be creative!
Step 2. Find the right images
You can search for pictures suitable for the occasion on the internet, or search through your own photos. Here are some other tips for finding the perfect image:
- If you are an artist, is there no better image than having a drawing made by you?
- If you know a talented artist, ask for her help in drawing the perfect image.
- Search through your old photos. If you're helping your grandfather celebrate his 80th birthday, a baby photo will be a perfect touch to your invitation.
- If your image is not on the internet, you will need to scan it to have it on your computer.
Step 3. Find the right words
The words you choose will make a difference. You can search the internet for inspiration, but since you're making your own invitations, a personal touch would be perfect. Here are some things to do:
- Make sure the words match the picture well. Words can refer to the image in some way, or simply recall its tone. If you have chosen a silly image, a sober tone will not do.
- Choose the tone. If you want the invitation to be serious and meaningful, don't choose funny words.
- Be specific. Write jokes about the guest of honor that his or her friends will appreciate. If it's your birthday, write something about yourself.
- Have fun! It's your invitation, so if you want to write a silly rhyme, be out of place or make the invites laugh, go for it!
Step 4. Tell the guests what they need to know
The invitation will set the tone of the party and tell the guests exactly what to expect. Here are some things you need to say:
- Place and date of the party.
- The exact time of the event. If it is a surprise party, communicate that everyone must be present at a specific time, at least half an hour before the real surprise.
- What to bring besides gifts. If you are having a pool party, please advise to bring a swimsuit.
- By which date they will have to confirm their presence.
Step 5. Before printing the invitations, print a sample
Looking at the test invitation will allow you to figure out if there is something to correct before giving the invitation to print. Here are some things to note:
- Typing errors. While you should be looking for spelling errors on your computer, read the invitation aloud to make sure it is error free.
- Alignment. Made sure everything is centered properly.
- Make sure your invitation is pleasing to the eye. Check that the colors aren't too bright and that the invitation doesn't look confusing - it shouldn't be full of pictures and words.
- Make sure it's easy to read. Did you use a clearly legible font? Are the details about the party clear?
- Can you fold it properly? The picture is in front, and the details inside?
Step 6. Get the right paper
Before you print the rest of the invitations, you will need blank invitation paper. Make sure it's thick and strong enough, but thin enough to fit into your printer.
When buying tickets, always buy some extras, to avoid problems in case of unforeseen events
Step 7. Add extra flair to your cards (optional)
When you have printed your invitations, you can add personal touches to make your invitations more interesting. This is an optional step - if the invitation is already perfect, or you don't have time, skip this step. If you're interested, here are some great ways to add some spice to your invitations:
- Add some glitter to the finished product. Don't add too many or the invitation will be confusing.
- Add stickers, stamps or whatever is funny and silly.
- Have fun! If it feels right, kiss the card or envelope with lipstick.
Step 8. Deliver your invitations by post or by hand on time
To make sure your guests show up at the party, send out the invitations at least one month before the party. Here are some tips:
- Make sure you are sending the invitations to the right addresses. If you haven't received a reply, it could be because of a wrong address.
- Start talking about your party before sending out the invitations. This will entice guests to join.
Method 2 of 2: Making the Invitations by Hand
Step 1. Get the materials
Before you start making your invitations, you should go to an art store to get all the things you need to make them. Here's what you need to include on your shopping list:
- Cardboard. Choose at least four different colors. Make sure one of the colors is light enough to write on. Light colors include yellow, blue and white.
- Scissors.
- Some glue.
- Stencils, stickers and stamps.
- Glitter.
- Colored markers that do not smudge and are odorless.
- Large envelopes.
Step 2. Ask your friends to help you if you wish
Even if you only need to make a dozen or so invitations, it will take a lot of time and effort. The process will be easier and more fun if you ask a trusted group of friends to help you. This will also serve to create excitement for the party.
Turn this event into a small party. Prepare a dinner for your friends, or create tickets while listening to good music or watching a funny movie. You can also ask your friends to stop and sleep with you
Step 3. Take a piece of construction paper and fold it vertically, as if you were closing a book
This will be the paper you write on, so it should be light in color.
The invitations will be homemade, so you can choose different colors for each one
Step 4. Write the relevant information on the invitation
Choose a marker color that contrasts nicely with the color of the paper. There are a few things you should write on the invitation:
- On the invitation front, tell the guests that you are planning a birthday party. You can choose a serious or funny tone. Make sure you write down who the birthday boy is.
- Inside, inform your guests of the relevant details, such as the date and place of the party, what they should bring, and if confirmation of their attendance is expected.
- If you are writing the invitation by hand, you can have fun and personalize each invitation according to the invitee who will receive it. You won't have to do this for every guest, as it may take too long.
- If your friends are helping you, make sure they have nice handwriting.
Step 5. Add other elements to make your invitations more interesting
Your invitations will already look good, but with a few tweaks they will become outstanding. Here's what you can do:
- Use the remaining cardstock to cut out shapes such as hearts, stars or flowers and glue them onto the invitations. Wait for them to dry.
- Place stickers on the invitations, or use stencils to make figures.
- Add glitter to the invitations. Be careful, glitter can be confusing, and may annoy guests if they get their hands covered in glitter when they open the invitation.
- You can decorate each invitation differently.
Step 6. Put the card in an envelope and mail it to the guests
The envelopes you will use must be large enough to hold the card.
You can also add stickers to the envelope to personalize it
Advice
- Once you've mastered ticket making, have fun. Gather your friends and teach them how to make affordable homemade birthday party invitations
- Get spare ink cartridges. Don't risk running out of ink before you have printed all the invitations.
