How to Make Your Own Printable Invitations for Any Occasion

Even with modern technology like email and cell phones, printed invitations have remained the most common way to let people know about your upcoming party and will continue to remain popular due to the timeless rules of party etiquette. Invitations can be a major cost, especially for large parties, like weddings and some baby showers. However, with a little creativity and time, you can make your own printable invitations, even if you have no artistic skills.

1. The first step is designing your card. You can use a simple word processor like Microsoft Word and if you want, you can go to the Adobe's website at http://createpdf.adobe.com to convert your file into a pdf file. Select the proper dimensions and print out a sample on some plain white paper just to make sure it is the right size.

2. Next, you will want to find the proper card stock to print out your invitations on. Your local office supply store will have these and you can purchase them inexpensively there.

3. Use the word processor to insert text boxes with the words you want on your invitation. Play around with the fonts and text color.

4. There are many sites that offer free clip art and pictures that you can use for your invitations. Just do a search for "free clip art" on the search engines and you will find many sites that provide these services for free. Browse through and download the pictures you want and then insert them into your card at the desired location.

5. If you use a background image, make sure it does not obscure the text on the card. Ideally, background images should be watermarked. Most word processors will allow you to select background images and make them watermarks. Another alternative is to click on all the text boxes and give them solid colored backgrounds.

6. Need a catchy poem or verse? Once again, you can search the internet for related verses. For example, if I am making baby shower invitations, then I can search for "baby shower poem" or "baby verse" and any other related phrases.

7. Save the master copy of the finished card and print out a sample copy on plain paper to see what it will look like. If it looks good, then you can start personalizing each card and printing it out on card stock.

8. If you do not have a color printer, then create a personalized copy for each guest and save it as a separate file on a disk. Take the disk to your local print shop and have them print out a invitation for each guest. Some print shops may even print out the invitations for you if you give them the guest list and template. A print shop will cost more than printing them out yourself, but probably less than buying invitations from somewhere else. Plus the product should look very professional and they may even have the right card stock available. Additionally, print shops can do engraved invitations as well, which are good for upscale occasions like weddings.

Some other guidelines include try to stick to a central theme, don't try to use too many pictures and colors, and compare your card to others at card stores to get a feel for what a good invitation should look like. Remember that most invitations are simple and have just a few graphics and maybe one verse. As you can see, there are infinite possibilities when creating your own party invitations and not only is it a fun project, but will also save you money.

About the Author - Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For baby shower supplies, information, and more baby related articles by this author, visit My Baby Shower Favors (http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com).

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

---

Lets NOT Talk Turkey

The carving. The leftovers. The endless stuffing. Actually, you love... Read More

Secrets to a Stress Free Holiday

December and all the excitement that comes with it can... Read More

Rubber Stamping and Scrapbooking will Bring the Family Together During The Holidays

No matter what celebration you and your family will rejoice... Read More

Celebrate the 4th and Help a Soldier

My good friend, Rae, just called and suggested having a... Read More

Christmas Lights Add Sparkle To The Holidays

Electric Christmas lights have been around since the 1880's. It... Read More

30th Birthday Gift Ideas

Choosing a birthday gift for a friend about to turn... Read More

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas is a magical time of year, both for kids... Read More

Spooky Halloween Party Ideas

Are you looking for special Halloween party ideas that will... Read More

Wolves, Goats, Martyrs and War: a History of Valentines Day

Valentines Day is one of the most enigmatic of holidays,... Read More

Surviving Those Holiday Blues

Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with... Read More

Find Great Halloween Costume Ideas! Have The Most Creative Costumes This Year

Usually, the hardest part about Halloween is finding the perfect... Read More

Magical Holiday Emergency Kit

With all the travel, gift buying, last minute cramming at... Read More

Inexpensive Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Kids

After all the gifts have been purchased and placed under... Read More

An Easy Gift For Many Occasions

It can be very hard to find that one perfect... Read More

Valentines Day! The Sweet and Romantic Holiday

When I think of Valentines Day I think of Chocolates... Read More

Dont Want Another Carpet Sweeper This Year For Christmas?

Unique "Drop-A-Hint" Plan Sends Your Gift Wishes Via E-mailSure, they... Read More

Happy Holidays? It?s Up To You

The Holiday Season. Does time seem to compress, or is... Read More

Bathed in Blue - Love Can Happen for You

Whether you know him by Eros or Cupid, this son... Read More

Kids Halloween Costumes! Your Pint-sized Witches And Goblins Can Look Their Spookiest & Cutest Ever

It's not only the candy that puts smiles on kids'... Read More

Ultimate Army Themed Games & Activities for Your Childs Birthday Party

Are you looking for the Ultimate Army Themed Party Games... Read More

Hoo Hoo ? Owls and Superstitions, Thats Who

Superstitions surrounding owls have a long and ancient history. These... Read More

Valentine?s Day - Online Worship

Gazing the wide stretched blue carpet, with blows of zephyrs... Read More

Ten Tips for a Real Holiday Season

Holidays and the start of a new year inevitably make... Read More

Easter Party Ideas

Easter marks the start of spring and is a sacred... Read More

12 Things That Make Life Worthwhile!

Happy New Year! Around the world, this is a time... Read More

How to Save Money at Christmas

Do you know how to save money at Christmas and... Read More

Three Steps to Reduce Holiday Stress for Your Kitty

The annual holidays can be a very stressful time for... Read More

Stress-Free Party Planning

It's a fact; most of us feel immediately stressed and... Read More

Set the Mood- Halloween Decoration Ideas

When Halloween comes around and you want to throw a... Read More

Anniversary Gift Ideas Year by Year, the First Nineteen Years

It's impossible to remember what gift is traditional for each... Read More

Are You Going To Survive The Holidays?

Admit it! You promised this year was not going to... Read More

Thanksgiving Memories

Turkey ... Stuffing ... Cranberry Sauce ... Pumpkin PieThis is... Read More

What to Do When You Are Alone for the Holidays

Being alone for the holidays is a major challenge for... Read More