You’ve set the date, found the venue, hired the caterer, and chosen the theme. Now, you just need people to show up! Whether you’re creating a digital invitation to send in an email, or a print design for the mail, this is a pretty crucial part of the event planning process.
But don’t sweat! It can be fun, too. You get to think about color palettes, themes, typography, imagery, event details, and more to distill your event into a single design.
With careful planning and attention to detail, you can learn how to make your own invitations without any design knowledge.
Looking for a place to start designing? Create makes it easy to personalize invitation templates or make your own custom party invitations using powerful tools and beautiful images.
Read on to discover 21 professional tips to make unforgettable custom invitations, cards, and save the dates for any occasion.
Invitation Tips, Inspiration, and Examples
1. Begin with Your Card Dimensions
Depending on the type of event you’re designing for and its context, your card dimensions may vary. Listed are some variations of invitation cards, ranging from small and square to thin and oblong.
Here are some popular dimensions for cards and invitations:
- 3.5 x 5 inches (RSVP card)
- 5.25 x 5.25 inches (square invitation)
- 4.25 x 5.5 inches (response card)
- 4.5 x 6.25 inches (response card)
- 5 x 7 inches (standard invitation)
- 5.5 x 7.5 inches (large invitation)
- 6.5 x 8.75 inches (large invitation)
- 4 x 9.25 inches (thin invitation)
2. Start Designing Early
Every well thought out invitation takes some time to design, so avoid a rushed timeline by planning out your invitation designs early.
It’s important to give yourself time to think about the layout, typography, illustration, and color schemes involved in your invitation.
3. Understand Color Theory
Color theory is one of the most important aspects of a design, guiding how different colors pair together to create a specific tone or emotion in a composition.
Don’t apply colors willy-nilly. Your design will look much better if you’re intentional about color.
Read our in-depth guide to color theory, color psychology, and color meaning, along with some color palette inspo for your next invitation.
4. Find Your Visual Style
Most invitations fall within or take from distinct visual styles. These styles affect the overall appearance of the card, including its color scheme, illustrations, and typography.
Finding the right style for your invitation may be overwhelming at first, since there are a lot of directions you can go in. Do some extensive research to help you narrow down which styles work best for your event.
A mood board helps you compile those inspirational examples of illustration styles, typography, and color schemes in one place.
You can also browse through sites such as Pinterest to find existing invitation styles or search through Create’s collection of invitation templates.
To find them in the tool, simply click File > Create new > Templates and scroll or type “invitation” into the search bar.
You’ll see category-specific invitations, like:
Even if you’re making a wedding invite, you can always start with a different category template and build from there, if you prefer a different layout.
Or, if you have a different vision in mind, you can always start from scratch with a blank canvas (more on this later!).
5. Experiment with Templates
Expounding on our template options, this design method is especially helpful when you’re not as accustomed to designing invites, or if you’re in a big rush.
Create features endless customizable templates for any occasion. No need to download templates from another third-party app when all your assets live right here.
You’ll notice many templates feature sample text (“Lorem Ipsum”) and a color palette to show you how typography and color comes together within the design.
In a template, most of the design and illustration work is completed; you just need to change out the text and color schemes to make the invitation more personal.
This can be achieved in Create by using the Change color panel on the left and adding text with the Text tab. Scroll our infinite list of fonts to pair a couple together and you’re set!
There are multiple ways to achieve elegance in a design template. In this case, having a standout graphic can make the entire look!
To find this editable champagne tower, simply click Graphics in Create and type “champagne” into the search bar. Click to apply!
6. Define Your Color Scheme
A consistent color scheme ties all design elements together and sets the tone of your invitation. The color scheme plays a bigger role than just appearance; it also defines the nature of the invitation.
For example, vibrant palettes work well for birthday invitations, while more subdued palettes are ideal in wedding invites.
Finding the right colors for your design can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with color theory.
To speed up the color selection process, I’ve created tons of custom color palettes for you to peruse. These 101 color combinations, 25 retro color palettes, and 20 holiday color palettes will give you a jolt of color inspiration in no time.
And, if you’re overwhelmed by the infinity of color shades, simply click Change color tab in Create to peruse your options all in the same place.
7. Source High-Quality Fonts
More on fonts! Using a high-quality font is especially important when you make your own invitations. Just like other design elements, typography plays a huge role in a composition.
Different fonts evoke different emotions. For example, script fonts exude elegance, while sans serif fonts give off a more casual vibe.
That being said, there are many sites to source your fonts from, and many of them are free. Some of these free fonts run the risk of being poorly designed, but there are some trustworthy sites to find free and high-quality fonts.
If you design your invitation in Create (and we suggest it!), you already have a selection of great fonts to use, including invitation classics like script fonts.
High-quality fonts don’t mean you can’t also have fun. If you’re in for a seasonal, spooktacular time, pick fonts that fit the event like Tall Dark and Handsome.
Different sizes and bold-type versus italic versus regular can make it seem as though you actually have more fonts than two!
Be creative and know that nuance is well received. Plus, you never have to worry about low-quality fonts when working with Create.
Don’t have time to scroll through endless sites to find the font you need? Look through these 20 free script fonts.
8. Stick to a Few Classic Fonts
Now you know where to find fonts, but don’t get too font-happy. Typography plays a huge role in communicating the details of your event, so it’s essential to stick to a select few that capture the essence of the invitation.
In any design, use three or fewer fonts to keep things legible.
When you think of each typeface used as a different voice, it’s easy to see how too many voices could make the invitation too “loud,” overpowering the actual event info.
With the right selection of fonts, you can effectively set the tone of the invitation without overwhelming the reader.
Do the fonts Josefin Sans and La Belle Aurore rings any bells? If not—or even if just one does—make a new font pairing by straying just a bit from conventional. You can achieve a classic look without knowing these fonts prior.
Not sure how to carefully choose your fonts? Read through this handy guide to spot-on font pairing.
9. Don’t Crowd Your Card
When you make your own invitations, it’s important that you don’t crowd the design elements. A key concept in design is negative space, which allows the viewer to take in all aspects of the invitation without feeling completely bombarded.
Don’t be afraid to leave blank space between text or images.
In regards to typography, always leave ample room between event details. Avoid stacking text on top of each other or squeezing type into a cramped space.
Text packed into a small space can be hard to read.
Let the design speak for itself with a unique paint or watercolor texture. Peruse in Create and pick your favorite.
Limit details to the bare-bones, especially if it’s a save-the-date invite. Let your simple-yet-sweet look double as a forever keepsake.
And, be sure to play around with Create’s color gradients by selecting Change color > Gradient and adding an additional colored layer.
10. Align Text to the Center
Aligning type correctly is important in any design. Because most invitations don’t contain long paragraphs of copy, it’s best to align short phrases to the center of your design.
Flushing (or justifying) your text to one side or another may make your composition look off-balance. In Create, you can simply toggle the alignment controls on the left side of the app to set your text.
Once the text is aligned, you might consider some finesse, like image fill. What’s an image fill, you ask? Only one of Create’s neatest assets. Just as it sounds, you can edit any element of your invitation with an image fill.
To do so for text, simply click on it, then select Add image fill. You can replace fill with a personal pic or one from our media library, then click Done for a new text texture.
11. Take Advantage of Ampersands
Ampersands have a timeless, yet stylish, appeal with their effortless swashes and terminals. Instead of just typing “and” between names or other info, try incorporating ampersands.
They can inject some serious personality to an invitation.
1. Prata 2. Playfair Display 3. Alice 4. Rochester 5. Niconne 6. Vidaloka 7. Ovo 8. Berkshire Swash 9. Petit Formal 10. Elsie 11. Gravitas One 12. Rozha One
I’m a huge fan of ampersands, and I want you to love them, too. So, I’ve compiled a selection of twelve free fonts with absolutely stunning ampersands.
Layer them behind two names or combine the names in a unique way to highlight the ampersand. The options are endless!
12. Make Sure Details Are Legible
An invitation is more than just its aesthetics. As you go through the design process, don’t forget about the reason you’re making the invitation in the first place—to notify others of an important event.
To keep all details legible, be sure to use a considerable font size for location and dates. Be wary of font styles that are hard to read, such as loopy script styles or heavily condensed typefaces.
Always contrast the text color with its background—print dark ink on a light background, or vice versa.
13. Be Consistent
When creating an invitation that consists of multiple parts, such as a wedding invitation, there needs to be a coherent theme amongst all portions.
Stick to a consistent theme by using an established color palette, typeface, illustration, photography, and layout throughout all designs.
Create is chock-full of textures for any occasion. Might we suggest the Abstract, Retro, and Seasonal Patterns? If you don’t know how to design your invite yet, scroll through these design assets first for creative direction.
14. Incorporate Photography
An invitation doesn’t always require illustrations or hand-drawn elements; you can also attach personal images, or in this card’s instance, flat lay images.
Photography is a great way to make invitations more personal and intimate. If you want to make your own invitation using Create, you can easily search and incorporate images from Shutterstock’s collection, or upload your own personal photos to the app.
To do so, simply click Images and then Upload or select from our stocked image library for whatever you seek.
Type in specific keywords into the search bar and select your favorite. Click to apply, then drag to adjust position and sizing.
15. Add Texture to Your Card
If you’re printing your invitation on a flat sheet of paper, the design might appear lackluster without some additional finishes. Try adding some dimension to a flat design by incorporating debossing, embossing, or letterpress.
Debossed portions are depressed into the surface, while embossed patterns are raised on paper. Letterpress printing leaves an imprint of text or images, either with or without ink.
All of these subtle imprints can give your invitations that wow factor. The elements cost extra at a printer, but they might be worth it on an otherwise minimal design.
16. Include a Personal Touch
Nowadays, many invitations are designed exclusively online with the help of design software, like our online photo editor. Stray from the norm and include a handwritten touch by personally addressing your cards with calligraphy or by incorporating splashes of watercolor.
When you do this, simply leave room on the invitation for your handmade touches.
17. Experiment with Metallic Inks or Foils
For special and memorable occasions, like a wedding or important birthday celebration, try experimenting with metallic ink or foil accents. These accents add a hint of shine and brilliance to borders, illustrations, and typography.
Before committing to using specialty inks in your invitation, be sure to consult with a professional printing shop.
To find the foil options in Create, you can peruse the Graphics tab and type in “Gold” for accents, or search Textures > Foil for background textures.
If you want to make the text gold like this one, simply click on the text layer and find the gold color, or add a gold image fill.
18. Insert Personal Photos
To select your own collage layout from scratch, simply click Collage and click to apply your favorite. Leave a cell specifically for details and adjust sizing on the others.
Insert candids, pro-photos, or give your guests a reason to co-host a photoshoot beforehand!
19. Focus on Packaging
Invitations, especially wedding invites, can contain more than just a single card. The envelopes and other adorning details need to complement the invitation design—not combat it.
Consider how the outer packaging pairs with the contents. Keep it consistent and polished by using a similar color scheme and typography.
20. Print on High-Quality Paper
Paper is the foundation of your invitation, providing texture and creating a base for printing. While often overlooked, it is just as important as the design.
There are many paper options to choose from, from a thin translucent vellum to a thick, textured linen cardstock.
Most invitations are printed on smooth cardstock, but there are various textures and weights to consider when you make your own invitations.
21. Remember to Send Thank You Cards!
Once the event ends, be sure to send out thank you notes in a timely manner to those who attended, supported your event, or brought gifts.
Show your guests that you appreciate them attending and supporting your event by mailing them a handwritten note.
Thank You notes don’t have to be as embellished as the invitation—make a template in Create with a few, simple elements that relate to your invite.
Or, make the entire background an image instead!
There’s always a reason to celebrate. If your favorite furry friend is celebrating a trip around the sun, share the occasion with loved ones! Invite friends, family, and their pets to come play for a while, then send a sweet thank you card when you’re done.
Never skimp on a chance to show your loved ones you care. Plus, look at that adorable pic of the doggos!
Make an Invitation in No Time with Create
Alright, invitees! As mentioned, you can hop into Create with a blank canvas or pre-designed invitation template. Whichever you choose, the subsequent customization steps will remain the same.
Here’s the quick how-to:
Choose a Blank Canvas
Click File > Create new > Blank canvas. Scroll to Print Sizes or type your custom specs into the Create custom toolbar. Click Make it!
Template
Click File > Create new > Template. Type “invitation” or scroll to find the category. Select to customize.
Next Steps?
Do it up however you see fit! Ideas?
- Add background colors, gradients, or textures
- Layer effects and text (plus text effects) for a polished look
- Infuse related graphics and adjust sizing and colors as you see fit
- Download in PNG, JPEG, or PDF format to desktop and print or upload straight to email or social
Know that your work will always be auto-saved in our cloud storage for you to revisit anytime. Just click File > Edit a copy if you want to keep your original version.
Lastly, if you need to account for bleed marks, simply click the Settings (gear) icon on the bottom and toggle on “Show bleed marks” before you download.
If you’re printing in bulk or need assistance, reconsider that local print shop or somewhere that can answer all of your questions.
At the end of the day, people thrive on connection and there are endless ways to connect these days. Whatever that looks like for you, have fun creating a memorable experience from start to finish.
First step? Invites. See all that Create has to offer and trust your intuition each step of the way.
Our RSVP? Yes!
License this cover image via Floral Deco.
