Card stock works well for homemade invitations.
A birthday party is a big deal for most kids. Customizing the party makes the birthday child feel even more special on her day. Preprinted invitations from the party supply store lack personality and pizazz, but homemade invitations stand out and make your guests take notice. Match the invitations to the theme and color scheme of the party for a cohesive look. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
A card-style invitation made from card stock make a suitable birthday invitation base, and it can be mailed without extra postage. Printable invitations that you can customize online also produce an invitation that is easy to mail. For a more creative invitation, a 3-D object is an alternative. For example, write the party details on a miniature soccer ball for a sports-themed party. For an airplane theme, use paper airplanes as the invitations.
Design Ideas
If you go with a flat card stock invitation, add a custom look by cutting the paper into a shape related to the theme. For example, cut the card stock to look like a car, castle, monkey or fire truck depending on the theme. Let your child add the decorative details to the invitations to give him more ownership in the invitation process.
Another way to personalize invitations is to include a picture of your child. Incorporate his picture into the themed design if possible. If the invitation is shaped like a fire truck, take your child's picture while he's wearing a firefighter hat. Attach the picture in the cab of the fire truck to make it look like your child is driving the truck.
Wording
The invitation wording is best when you keep it short and sweet. The recipients wants to see the details at a glance so they knows the significant information. Highlight the date, time and location so the guests can plan to attend. Add in RSVP contact information for your benefit so you can plan for the appropriate number of guests. Add in any other details at the end of the invitations to give your guests any relevant information.
Tips
The timing of the invitations is a consideration when planning a child's birthday party. If you send them out too early, the guests might forget about the party by the time it rolls around. Send them out too late, and many of the recipients might already have plans. Aim for two to four weeks before the party. If you're making the invitations from scratch, allow plenty of time to assemble them to get them in the mail. Anything other than traditional flat invitations will cost you extra money to send through the postal system. If you're considering a 3-D invitation, consider hand delivering them.
Tags: your child, fire truck, birthday party, card stock, details invitations