Whether you're approaching a birthday milestone, throwing a bash
for a family member or just getting a few friends together for a
casual
party, creating the right birthday invitation can set the tone
for the event and add to the fun.
The easiest birthday party invitations are created online. In
addition to the old standbys, there are a variety of new invitation
sites that allow guests to RSVP, comment, and interact with the
host. Many feature cool designs and animation. Another approach is
to create a
MySpace page for your party, allowing you to set the tone with
pictures, video and music, and to post updates for your friends.
This is also a good way to post pictures for your guests after the
party's over.
For kid's
birthdays and bigger birthday parties, it can be nice to send a
good old-fashioned paper invitation. Most stationary stores
carry a variety of printable blank cards. Choose one that's spare
and sophisticated, with high-quality card stock, or find fun
birthday invitations designed with your party's themes. When
printing the invitation, make sure to include the name of the
birthday girl or boy, the date, time and place of the party, and a
phone number that guests can use to RSVP.
Postcards can make easy and creative birthday invitations. Create a
postcard template on your computer with a space for a message,
address and stamp, or use a template from a greeting card
application or website. Print on card stock, and cover the front of
the postcard with a collage of stickers, photos, whatever you want.
No envelope needed- just stamp and stick these invitations in the
mail.
Creative types can take the theme of the party and run with it,
creating wildly attention-getting birthday party invitations. For
instance, if it's a garden party, buy a bunch of flower
seed packets. Then print the details for your party on solid 3" by
5" white labels (available at the office supply store). Or, if
you're going mini-golfing, print the invitation on the back side of
a scorecard. If your event is a cocktail party, get some
disposable cardboard drink coasters at a party supply store. Use
the label trick again and stick the party information to the top of
the coaster. Put a couple of swizzle sticks or drink umbrellas in
the envelope, too. For a surprise party, use printable iron-on
appliqués to custom-make T-shirts that say "Happy Birthday " with
the name of your guest of honor, and send them out with the
invitations.
Whether you make classic cards, online invites, or something more
creative, let your imagination go. The only guideline for birthday
invitations? Let the theme of the party be your inspiration.
Learn more about how to throw a great party from professional event
planner Charlie Scola:
http://www.videojug.com/interview/party-planning-basics
