There is no question that a standard invite can look snazzy and will do the job of getting the party goers to the venue on time. A simple card can tie in with the party theme and is quick and simple to produce. I like designing and creating my own, but if you’re a bit computer or crafty challenged, there are many Etsy stores that will do a fine job for you. Three favourites are:
Pink Creative Invites
Peppertowne
Little Bulldog Design
Plus there are loads of free invite printables about the place. Google ‘free party invitation printables’ and for other ideas and inspiration do check out :
Our blogging mate Simoney has Kids Party Invites
Browse through the printables round up at the fabulous How About Orange
Kellie often includes party invites in her Friday Freebies at 74 Lime Lane
Kate at picklebums also does some lovely free printables that include some invites.
However.
HOWEVER.
A standard card is one thing. An imaginative, amazing party invitation is quite another. It will set the scene and turn the sleep-countdown on weeks before the party. More than that, it shows that your children’s party is all about the actual children and I’m all about that. Peeking at some (very beautiful) party scenes here and there, I’ve noticed that there can be a tendency for ‘stylishness’ to overtake the childish fun… and we can’t have that!
If you’re going to come up with something original that will stand out in the crowd, you’ve got to let your imagination go a bit wild and grow leg hair. Settle on your theme and then grab ideas from as many places as you can (Pinterest again comes up trumps for collecting all those grabs in one place and wedding sites are the absolute biz for clever ideas!). It goes without saying that you should be thinking about the party and the invitations at least three months out from the party. That gives you lots of time to settle on an idea and then let your imagination fly!
Here are some great leaping off points…
You can package a standard invitation or add a little something in such a way that it takes it to another level.
Using a ticket style for the invite suggests a marvellous journey is in store and the party goer can bring it along on the day to gain ‘admittance’, making them feel extra special.
A ticket can become something even more – a keepsake of a party journey. Passports, mission logs, maps and diaries work for all sorts of parties – travel, under the sea, superhero, spy, fairy…
Rachel {Little Bits of Lovely} says
So many gorgeous ideas; I love the tickets and passport – they are so fun!
Kymmie says
Oh, the eye candy of stationery. I could just die here and be very happy.
I remember organising a friend’s farewell party and doing a ticket – just like a Qantas boarding pass. It was tre cool (even if I think so myself!)
All this party talk has me thinking of not only one birthday party next year (within a two day period), but two! And I’ve already decided on Christmas table settings…
xx
Mum's the word says
Oh I love these, great invitations really start a party off on the right foot!
Down that Little Lane says
Love the slumber party ones….too cute x
MomAgain@40 says
Stunning ideas!
Thanks for sharing!
It is sometimes the most simple creation that is the most successful!
Deb @ home life simplified says
Have been watching you pinning party stuff and my 6yo thanks you – we are doing a world travel party in february and the passport you pinned went straight into our idea file.
party planning has to be one of the best uses of pinterest!
Mum on the Run says
Cute, cute, gorgeous, cute and gorgeous some more.
you’ve got me thinking about next year already!!
🙂
Anonymous says
Inspirational as usual. Thank you.
Lou says
Inspirational as usual. Thanks
(Sorry I am admin-challenged today – may have sent you two anon comments!)
sassandspice says
Wow these invitations all made me smile, considering I’ve had a very bad weekend. All very cute and unique. Definitely storing these ideas for my next party x
Rhonda says
LOVE!!!
Now I can’t wait to have a little kid again. My son at 11 is too “cool” for childish parties. At least he seems to think so.
Simoney says
OH I love these!!!
In spite of the fact that I am a purveyor of printable invitations… {THANKS for the link love BTW xxx}
I totally agree with making the invitation something special.
Each birthday when we arrive at the theme I get to work in Photoshop in the invitation. I make the child a PART of the invitation; this birthday Dash gets to be Bear grylls on His; Miss Fab was Rapunzel on her Tangled invite; Scrag was Buzz Lightyear etc tec.
Then I get them printed out on magnets, so the guests can stick them on their fridge.
I have a wonderful colourful collection of all the birthdays gone by on our fridge – an awesome reminder of the fun we have.
And I TOTALLY agree with stylishness sometimes taking over the CHILDREN’s party… I’m all for theme and accessories and making it special, but its all about the kids having FUN at the end of the day. I am loving your party theme Maxabella! x
Miss Kitty-Cat says
I love a good invitation! Nothing sets the scene better than a well thought out clever invite. My wedding invites were almost my favourite part of the preparations and I really enjoyed researching and searching for the right ones.
I can’t wait for Baby G to start having parties – I suspect I am going to go a little mad with decorations, invitations, food, presents….
K xxx
Photographer Mum says
Thanks for posting all these ideas! My daughter’s birthday is coming up soon and you have given me lots of inspiration!!
bron @ baby space says
aha! I’ve already been following your pins and things in preparation of the firefighter birthday party we’re having here on the weekend. It’s normal to still be organising for a party that’s two days away, right?
Jules says
Wow, I’m blown away by all the amazing ideas out there! I feel all inspired to do a Christmas lunch for my friends now!
Looking forward to the ‘food’ post. I’d be interested to know what a good ratio of savoury vs sweet food is for a party. One friend mentioned after my son’s first birthday that we had too much sweet stuff and not enough savoury options! He’s my first bub and it was my first time hosting a party so I’m a complete novice when it comes to being a hostess!!
Ms Jelena says
Wonderful as always!
Ms Jelena xx
Nicole says
that is just wowwowwow. so many wonderfully inspiring ideas.
reminds me of the time we did a joint party for my younger brother and sister. it was circus themed. we sent out ticket invitations, had a whole show for entertainment {put on by us kids and our cats, of course!} and my brother even walk around giving out popcorn during the show! good times!
xoxo
Natalie says
Glad i’m not the only nutcase that stays up making invitations and sewing lolly bags…. Love these ideas!
Jayne says
These are all so fabulous … bubs isnt even born yet and I am already looking forward to the big 1st birthday just so I can pull some of these invite ideas together!
🙂
alyssa says
these invitations are adorable! 🙂
xx
alyssa
http://wereaucourant.blogspot.com
one claire day says
wowzers, so many great ideas. I’m a stationery freak and I’m just loving this! x
Sarah says
I have to admit I am an invitation junkie but I fear even I may have overdosed on these. How clever are some of these ideas? they are AMAZING. I am so glad Mr Small is still er, small enough for me to go all out on his invites for his next birthday. I have bookmarked this post. x