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You can design and print an invitation in Microsoft Word, the Adobe Design Suite, or other open access word processing or design software options. If you or a friend have great handwriting, you can even hand letter the invitations. Use high-quality paper that feels like a card or has an interesting texture. You can also create weight by layering your invitations. Starting with a standard card-sized printed invitation, you can add a thicker, colored sheet of card stock that is slightly larger to the back with a small amount of glue or double sided tape. If you want to personalize your invitations and save time, consider using custom stamps. You have a personalized note or a picture turned into a rubber stamp. Then, you can quickly replicate each card for your guest. If you want to save some time compared with DIY invitations, you can order personalized invitations. Prices vary dramatically based on the style, paper type, printing in color or black and white, and other variables, so have an idea of the look you want in order to get an accurate price quote. Party City, Target, Staples, Office Max, and local stationers or artisans will all offer custom invitation printing. Most shipping companies like UPS and FedEx also offer custom invitations. Online providers like VistaPrint and Shutter Fly make and send customized invitations as well. If your guests are more modern or your event is less formal, invitation applications like iTunes, Evite, or even Facebook can make inviting everyone on your guest list quick and easy. Most programs allow you to upload your own custom designs or use a standard template, so you can streamline your invitation process. In addition to making the design process go more quickly, you'll also be able to send the invites immediately via digital file and receive RSVPs right away, which is great for tight timelines. Make sure your note includes the occasion of the event, the date, location, and the time. You should also let your invitee know whether or not they're encouraged to bring a guest. Additionally, request that your invitees RSVP using an enclosed card, email address, RSVP application, or by phone depending on your preference. Keep it short and sweet, but make sure you include polite request phrases like "Please attend," or "We request your attendance," to make sure your invitees feel welcome. For instance, try something like: "Please come to my birthday party. The event is on October sixteen at my home. The party will take place from 3 o'clock to 4:30. Please RSVP as soon as possible using the included RSVP card, my email, or calling me on the phone." You should also include any special directions to your event or instructions such as dress code or other relevant information. The most important thing to keep in mind is the intention. Your intention is to show respect to your guests, so do your utmost to remember and include these details. If you're inviting a single woman who is unmarried, you'll want to use "Miss" or "Ms.," or if the invite is addressed to a single man, "Mr." If you're inviting a married couple, you'll use "Mr." and "Mrs." However, things become more complicated, if you're inviting friends or relatives who have special titles like "Dr." or "Esq." If you do mistakenly address an invitation, apologize over the phone, in person, or in writing. This is more than adequate atonement for your faux pas. In the top left hand corner of the envelope, you'll need to include your name, street address, city, state, and zip code. In the center of the envelope, include the same information for your invitee. You may also want to include your contact information inside the invitation either on the invitation itself or on an RSVP card. That way, if your invitee misplaces the envelope, they still have access to your contact information. Your closing line or valediction and signature should be specifically catered to your audience. For instance, if you're inviting your boss, a polite "sincerely" is likely the best valedictory. If you're closing out the invitation to your parents, "love" may be more appropriate. This is a great opportunity to quickly and easily include a personalized touch to your invitation notes that doesn't take up too much time. Use an inside joke to make the invitation personal. For instance, "Thanks for always buying my drinks, Rob." Will be a very personal message you can quickly write to a college roommate on your wedding invitation. This would likely not be appropriate on your parents' invitation. You can find a wide array of decorative flourishes as simple as a borderline to more complicated vines, roses, or pumpkins. If you have a friend or family member who's an artist, you can even ask them to custom design your invitation. This is yet another great opportunity to include your personal style in the invitation making process. However, ensure your design fits the event. For instance, the skull and crossbones may be a fun decoration for a Halloween party invite, but it is unlikely to fit your wedding invitation.
Make your own invitations. Purchase custom invites. Consider streamlining with electronic invitations (evites). Write a welcoming invitation note. Address the invitee correctly. Include recipient and return addresses. Sign off politely. Decorate your invitations.