Party invitations are your guests’ first impression of your awesome party.
One of the problems I’ve heard over and over is that moms plan elaborate parties and then classmates don’t attend. It’s frustrating and costly for parents and heart breaking for kids. One solution to the problem is to step-up the invitation to the next level so everyone knows its going to be a “can’t miss” event.
Here’s how to create an invitation that gives them a taste of what’s to come – and make them so excited they won’t be able to wait until the big day.
The 3D Party Invitation
A 3D party invitation is simply an object with the invitation attached.
Choose an object that hints at things to come – something that makes the invitee excited about the party theme.
Here’s one idea: this is simply a caramel apple flavored lollipop included with the invitation (free printable available at One Charming Party.)
- attach the invitation to a pool noodle for a pool party
- write the invitation information on a beach ball, deflate and mail for a beach party
- write the information on an inflatable #1 finger, deflate and mail for a sports party
- put the invitation in a clear bottle with some sand for a pirate party
- attach it to a little bottle of a bubbly beverage or champagne bubble bath for a new year’s invitation
- attach it to a tiara for a princess party
- put a sheriff’s badge on it for a cowboy party
- attach it to a theme shaped cookie
- attach it to the handle of a tea cup for a tea party
- include a tea bag for a tea party
- include a super hero eye mask for a super hero party
- attach it to fairy wings for the girls to wear to the party
- send a fortune teller finger game in an envelope that opens up with the party information
- roll the invitation around a toy rolling pin for a baking party
- attach it to a bag of legos, play dough or other toy that fits the party theme
- attach it to a pool noodle with duct tape handle for a light sabre for a Star Wars party
- put the information in a homemade fortune cookie
- print a candy bar wrapper for a large chocolate bar with the party information and wrap it around
You get the idea. Just think of an item that represents the theme of your party and attach it – or a toy or cookie or candy version of it – to the invitation.
The Surprise Ball
As the crepe paper is unrolled the gifts fall out until the end when the invitation information is revealed.
See our tutorial to see how how to make a suprise ball invitation.
Appeal to the Senses
Take your invitations to the next level and appeal to more senses than just sight.
Taste
As mentioned above, send a lollipop with a flavor that relates to your party theme, a chocolate bar or cookie. Think about which flavors might be reminiscent of your chosen theme.
Scent
It’s as easy as spraying the inside of the envelope with a specific scent – and you can use it again at the door as guests arrive to link the two. There’s pine scent for Christmas invitations, sea breeze for a beach party, cookie dough for a baking party, baby powder scent for a baby shower, and so on.
Sound
You’ve seen the cards that play music in the card shops, but did you know you can record your own? There are blank Sound Modules for Greeting Cards so you can record your own music or message.
The 10 Second Recordable Sound Module is cheaper, and you can send an ocean sound for a beach party, seagulls squawking for a pirate party, horns playing a royal proclamation for a princess party, etc.
Information to Include in Your Party Invitation
When you’re creating your own invitation it’s easy to get so excited about the creative side of it that you miss the practical so here’s a list of information that should be included in your invitation as a checklist.
- Name of the host and/or honoree – the birthday girl or birthday boy
- Date of party including Day, Month and Time
- Address of party venue – include a map and phone number for the venue if people haven’t been there before
- Reason for the party – birthday, anniversary, baby shower, milestone or playday
- Party theme if you have chosen one
- RSVP – give them the name and phone number for them to call to confirm or decline the invitation, along with a “reply by” date that is a week before the party to give you enough time to chase them down if necessary
- “Best wishes only” notice if you don’t expect them to come bearing gifts
- Requests: specify if you want them to wear a costume or bring something in particular for the party, let them know that its a suprise party, tell them about any special terms or events happening at the party and what they’ll need such as a swim suit for a pool party
Consider including a request to bring canned goods for the local food bank, or a donation for a charity that is connected to your party theme – such as a donation to Cookies for Kids Cancer for a baking party, or diapers and baby formula for the food bank at a baby shower.
If collecting money, make it a competition between the girls & guys to see who donates the most!