How to Make Your Own Invitations to Print

1. Know your audience. Is this a formal event, such as a wedding or black-tie business banquet? Or is it informal like for your toddler's birthday party. In either case, your invitations should have the appropriate imagery and tone. For formal events, keep the design simple with very few colors. For fun, party-like events, you can be more creative with bright colors and pictures.
2. Get your pictures and graphics together. If you will be using pictures and graphics, take a few minutes to collect all of these into one folder on your computer so you can quickly find everything you need.
3. Gather your information. Where is your party? What is the date and time? Should the guests RSVP? Do you need a map on the invitation? These are important questions to ask yourself before you begin to design your invitations. Once you start playing with the actual design it is easy to miss something important.
4. Use a template. You will likely be using Microsoft Word to build this invitation. In Word 2007, go to the Start button and click New. Along the left side of the New Document window you can scroll down to the 'Invitation' templates. From there you can choose from a number of styles, such as business or party invitations. Start with a template that suits your event.If your software does not have templates built in, a quick search on the web should help you find anything you need. Office 2003, Open Office, Microsoft Works and even web-based templates are all available.
5. Add, resize and move your graphics until you are happy with the design. Leave plenty of room so your invitees can easily read the text of your invitation. It's easy to get carried away, so think simple on your design and remember that you still have to add the text.
6. Add the text in a color that contrasts the background. If the background is black, use white letters. If the background is orange, try blue letters.Also remember that not all of your readers have as good of eyesight as you might have. Keep the letters large enough for anyone to read and keep your font style simple.
7. Time to print! Make sure your paper is loaded and always print a single copy first to make sure you get what you expect. Never assume you got it right the first time, as this is a great way to waste paper and expensive ink or toner.