No matter what kind of party you are having, guests must first be invited. It’s pretty common with all of the technology we have at our fingertips to send out a group text, Facebook invitation or e-mail to let people know the details of an event – I’ve even recently discovered that you can send wedding invitations via Paperless Post. For a spontaneous post-work cocktail outing or any last-minute get together, online is definitely a perfect solution. I am, however, a paper fiend, and if time is on your side for your planning, there are an array of simple and inexpensive options to stylishly (and tangibly) spread the word.
Likely to be the fastest solution and great for smaller, more impromptu get-togethers, there are many paper companies, both large and small making amazing fill-in invitations. Many of us may remember these well from childhood birthday celebrations, but I certainly never remember anything the caliber of what is now available. With letterpress ever-popular in the stationery world you can find this simple solution done up on thick paper stock, with calligraphy lettering and all undoubtedly hand-pressed.
Colorful, quick and inexpensive, offset printing is often a great choice for parties organized in advance, but smaller and less formal in nature, like showers, engagements, birthdays etc. Many well-known stationers offer offset printing as an option, and exclusive designs from popular companies can be found on online sources like Minted or Paperless Post. This fun shower invitation from Wedding Paper Divas is a great example of this. With rush options available, you can get printed invitations in a matter of days.
Sending…
For small events, or those where many people know details advance regardless of an actual invitation, 2 weeks is a decent time-frame for your guests to receive an invite, and 6 weeks is more than ample. If you are having an informal dinner party for friends, 2 weeks should suffice. A bridal shower with many out-of-town guests whom you expect to come, 6 or even 8 weeks would be a more comfortable allotment. Every party is different, so just think logically about your needs and the needs of your guests – oftentimes counting backwards from the event date on a calendar is incredibly helpful.
A few tips:
- Sending an invitation too far in advance may cause some to forget about your event, though hopefully a paper invitation will go up right away on a fridge or bulletin board.
- For the RSVP include the person’s name and make sure to list the contact method which is most convenient for them.
- If there are multiple hosts, list their names in alphabetical order – it will cut down on any drama!
- Always list a dress code where there may be any question – no one likes to be over or under-dressed.
- No children? No gifts? Cash bar? Make a polite notation so no one is inconvenienced.
There is something just extra special about receiving a real piece of mail, and with a myriad of fun and fast options, there’s no reason to not invite the old-fashioned way!
1) These Are Things – Special Delivery Card. $6 each
2) Lindsay Letters – Soiree,You Say? Boxed Invites. $30 for 12
3) Pei Designs – Ribbon Party Invitation Set. $25 for 8
4) Wedding Paper Divas – Krafty Bride, Sunny Yellow. $54 for 30 invitations.
It can be easy and affordable to send our paper invitations, so why not get the party started right?!
xoxo,
