Invitations of any kind should read when the party starts.
A birthday party doesn't begin when your guests arrive; it begins when they receive their invitations. For different reasons, the invitation is the first indication of what kind of party to expect. Sending invitations provides the pertinent details of the party, such as the where and when. The invitation itself represents the effort you are putting into the party. An elaborate invite will surely impress, while a date and time scribbled on a cocktail napkin may betray a sense of haphazardness. Does this Spark an idea?
Shaped Invitations
Invitations don't have to be classic rectangles or squares; show your creativity by cutting your invitations into party-related shapes. For a Wild West-themed party, for example, trim your invitations into the shape of a cowboy boot, cactus or sheriff's badge. To ensure your invitations still fit in the envelopes, start with an envelope-size piece of card stock. Trace your design onto the card stock as large as you can, then trim off the excess.
Printed Designs
If you don't want to send invitations cut into different shapes, you can still be creative in your design. Adding a print design to your invitations gives them the personality absent in plain white paper while showing your guests what kind of party you are throwing. For example, an invitation decorated with flowers and tea cups illustrates a garden party, while you can adorn an Oscar party invitation with award statuettes, ticket stubs and popcorn kernels.
Themed Language
Your invitation is defined not only by how it looks but what it says. Using themed language is another way of embracing your party's theme, but it also helps you deliver the important information. For a pirate-themed party, for example, you may write "Time ye be arrivin'" to indicate the time the party starts, while you can preface a list of items to bring to the party with "booty to bring." Similarly, an outer-space-themed party invitation may read "Time of lift off" to indicate the time the party begins -- look up any special lingo related to your theme.
Important Info
Whichever steps you take to make your invitations unique, almost all birthday party invitations should furnish your guests with the same information. For example, include the date and time of the party, as well as where it will take place. If your guests need to bring anything special, such as a dish for a potluck or swim trunks for a pool party, let them know on the invitation. For a kids' party, include information such as the time the party is ending so parents can plan on picking up their children. If you're keeping track of the guest list ahead of time, provide a phone number and a deadline to RSVP.
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