How to Make Invitations That Set the Tone for Your Big Event

Design the perfect invite with customizable invitation templates from Wixel →

Invitations set the tone for any occasion. Creating invitations is more than just choosing a design—it’s about setting the tone for an event, engaging your audience, and crafting a keepsake that people will cherish. Whether it’s a wedding, a baby shower, a business event, or a birthday party, your invitation is the first peek your recipients will get into what you’ve planned.

This article will walk you through creating engaging, memorable invitations, no matter your design experience. From defining your purpose to reviewing the final touches, you'll learn how to create invites that are as unique as the event they represent.

New to design? Discover what is graphic design and some basic design principles to help you get started.

01. Define the purpose and theme of your event

Every great invitation starts with a clear purpose and theme. The purpose of your invitation could range anywhere from a formal gala to a casual backyard barbecue. Defining this from the outset ensures your design will resonate with the recipients.

The theme, on the other hand, is your chance to infuse personality and style into your invitation. A wedding invite might lean towards elegance and subtlety, while a birthday bash could flourish with bold, vibrant colors. If you're hosting a corporate event, think about creating a layout that conveys professionalism while still catching the eye.

02. Select a design platform

Before you start designing, choose a platform that aligns with your skill level and needs. For those seeking effortless digital design, platforms like Wixel are incredible, offering user-friendly interfaces tailored for beginners and experts alike.

Look for a tool that balances flexibility with simplicity. If you're new to design, search for a platform with built-in templates, auto-alignment tools, and drag-and-drop functionality. If you're a bit more advanced, aim for one that gives you the freedom to develop your design from scratch while still offering technical support features.

Choosing the right platform will save time, reduce frustration, and ultimately empower you to turn your vision into reality. By teaming up with a platform like Wixel, you’re setting the foundation for a polished, professional design.

03. Pick a layout

The layout is the foundation of your design. Decide on the size of your invitation (we’ll get into dimensions later) and how you want to arrange the text, images, and decorative elements. Look for balance—leave enough white space for a clean, readable design.

Tools like Wixel often come with templates to inspire you, so don’t feel like you need to create everything from scratch.

04. Use colors and fonts to set the mood

Colors and fonts aren’t just decorative—they drive feelings, set expectations, and communicate the vibe of your event. Color theory plays a key role in this, helping you choose the right palette to set the tone. A pastel palette with soft serif fonts might capture the elegance of a baby shower, while bold metallics paired with a sleek sans-serif typeface scream sophistication for a launch party.

Start with your purpose and theme as a guide. For colors, it’s often helpful to pick three hues—a dominant color, a secondary color, and an accent—ensuring cohesive design. Platforms like Wixel have color palette generators that include pre-designed color palettes optimized for different tones and moods.

When it comes to fonts, readability is important. Use no more than two fonts to maintain clarity—one for headers and one for body text—and make sure text sizes are legible across different devices or if printed. A bold, approachable font for your main title paired with a minimal font for the details often creates a harmonious balance.

Learn more about what is typography to pick the best font for your next invitation.

05. Add custom illustrations or icons

Illustrations and icons bring life to your invitation. They can reinforce your theme, spark interest, and make your design uniquely "you." Imagine foliage illustrations framing a wedding invite, or playful balloon icons highlighting a children’s birthday party.

One way to find the right illustrations is by aligning them with your event's narrative. A beach party might feature wave patterns or sunbursts, while a tech conference could use sleek, geometric shapes. Tools like Wixel often include a library of customizable icons to suit any occasion.

If you're creating a more unique or personal event, you could also sketch your own illustrations or collaborate with a designer. Adding original touches ensures your invitation stands out and creates a lasting impression.

06. Include the essential information

Your invitation should be informative and easy to read. Make sure it includes:

Event name and purpose
Date and time
Venue details
RSVP instructions
Additional details like dress codes or special instructions

Write everything in a way that fits your event’s character. A business meeting might take a more formal tone, while a kids' party can use playful and colorful language.

07. Review, refine, and save

With the bulk of your design completed, it’s time to refine. First, carefully review your text for errors or inconsistencies. Double-check details like dates, spelling, and font sizes to ensure uniformity.

Next, step back and assess your design as a whole. Does the layout feel balanced? Are all elements aligned properly? Tools like Wixel typically offer alignment guides and zoom features for precise editing.

Finally, preview your invitation across different devices if it's digital, or opt for a trial print if it’s physical. This will help you spot any overlooked elements and ensure your final version meets your standards. Once you’re happy with the result, save your file in the appropriate format—PDF for printing or JPEG/PNG for online sharing.

Tips to print and distribute your invitations

Understand your print needs

When it’s time to print, consider your material—paper thickness and texture can enhance the impression of your invitations. Choose from options like matte, glossy, or textured finishes, depending on the vibe you want to convey.

Work with your printer

Send your design to the printer in a print-ready format and include instructions for color quality. Discuss bleed margins and any specific printing requirements to ensure a flawless finish.

Distribute your invites

Distributing your invitations can be done digitally or physically. For physical copies, aim for at least 3-4 weeks before your event to give recipients time to respond. If you’re sending them via email or social media, create an RSVP link to make it easy for guests to confirm attendance.

Types of invitations

Different events call for different types of invitations. No matter what type of invitation you’re making, ensure it aligns with the tone of your event.

Here are some examples to inspire you:

Wedding invitations often feature soft colors, elegant typography, and high-quality paper stock.
Corporate invitations keep things professional, with clean fonts and a modern design.
Kids’ party invitations explore playful colors, bold illustrations, and fun themes like space or animals.
Casual event invitations allow for creative freedom, mixing quirky designs with vibrant colors.

Invitation dimensions

Standard sizes vary depending on the purpose and printing methods, but here are the most common dimensions to consider:

4 x 6 inches (A6): Easy to mail and great for casual invites.
5 x 7 inches (A7): Perfect for semi-formal events like weddings or showers.
6 x 8 inches: Often used for larger, more luxurious designs.
Digital invites are usually made for shared formats like email and WhatsApp, so they are often optimized for screen dimensions.

Additional design projects to explore:

How to make invitations FAQ

Can I create invitations digitally?

Yes—digital invites can be emailed or shared via social platforms, saving you time and printing costs.

How to make invitations that set the tone for your big event