Well-designed party invitations are the beginning of a smoothly run event - that's where our invitation templates come in! Not only do they create anticipation for the celebration but they set the tone for the kind of soiree you’re throwing, whether that’s a casual picnic, a formal engagement party, a big charity gala or a joyous baby shower with friends.

Start With Smart Design

You don’t need a degree in graphic design to create beautiful invitations. With the help of Officeworks and Canva invitation templates, you can ensure all the elements are in place, from the details of the event to the illustrations. And for a really harmonious event, think beyond printed invitations: complement your theme by adding a broader range of event stationery, from thank you cards to menus, all in the same style and design.

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Hot Tip: Find the Perfect Paper

Choose from five different paper stocks when you print your party invitations at Officeworks: a rustic, organic-feel Kraft; three styles of white paper – gloss, satin and crystal; or a recycled option, with a modern, raw finish in a warm white shade.

Invitations for Every Occasion

Try these ideas and styles for your next big event.

Wedding

A series of custom-printed event invitations designed using the Officeworks ‘Eucalyptus’ template. The design features white font on a teal background with a white border and flowers and leaves in opposite corners.

Set a relaxed but chic tone for a wedding with this sleek design: the teal palette paired with dainty sprigs is the ideal way to prepare guests for a fresh, outdoor event. A ‘Save the Date’ card using the ‘Eucalyptus’ template sent out a few months in advance will give guests plenty of notice to keep the day free. Add a wishing well card for a modern way to let guests know that money towards a honeymoon or saving for a first home is highly appreciated.

Kid's Birthday

A set of brightly coloured printed invitations designed using the Officeworks ‘Jungle’ template. The design features jungle animals and a vine border.

The bold, bright colours and cartoon animals on this ‘Jungle’ template will delight invitees as well as the birthday boy or girl. Plan ahead and send out party invites early enough to get back those RSVPs so you can buy or make the right-size cake for a swarm of hungry kiddos.

Milestone Birthday

A variety of printed party invitations and place cards designed with the ‘Flicks and Flecks’ Officeworks template. The design features flecks of light blue, teal and red on white paper.

The bright colours on this ‘Flicks and Flecks’ invitation template set up the vibe for a fun night out. The time, location and RSVP details are clearly important but add an extra element of festivity by including a dress-up theme. If your event involves a sit-down meal, it’s a good idea to complement your party invitations with place cards in the same style.

Grand Business Opening

A set of printed thank you cards and discount vouchers created with the ‘Crescent Rise’ Officeworks template. The design features light brown text on a light green background.

Designing an invitation for the opening of a small business is a cost-effective way to get the word out. This simple graphic theme in the ‘Crescent Rise’ template leaves plenty of room for all-important details like location and opening times. But the smartest printed addition? A discount voucher given away at the event to encourage a return visit. As the event wraps up, also send guests off with a thank you card that includes your business’s social media handles, so they can tag the business in pictures they post of the event.

SEE ALSO: How to Use Canva: The Best Graphic Design Tips and Tricks

Baby Shower

Printed baby shower invitations designed using the ‘Modern Opacity’ Officeworks template. The design uses a mix of vertical and horizontal text on a red gradient background.

About to celebrate the impending arrival of a new bub with your nearest and dearest? A printed baby shower invite will make the day feel a little more special than simply creating a Facebook event page. Complete the look with a printed menu using the same ‘Modern Opacity’ template that allows guests to see the treats on offer and put their mind at ease about dietary requirements – particularly handy if there are fellow parents-to-be avoiding soft cheeses in attendance.

Engagement Party

Engagement party invitations and place cards designed using the ‘Dusty Shades’ Officeworks template. The design features white text on a soft blue background.

Just popped the question? Invite family and friends to raise a glass to the next chapter of your life. The simplicity of this ‘Dusty Shades’ design means it will easily tie in to whatever theme you choose in the coming months. Decorate tables with printed place cards, so you can group friends and family members that get along together (this may also save you time working out seating for the big day). And a printed thank you card is a sweet way to let guests know you’re looking forward to sharing your upcoming special day with them.

See Also: Easy Hand Lettering Techniques to Try at Home

Christmas in July

Christmas in July party invitations, itinerary and menus designed using the ‘Ink Blot’ Officeworks template. The design features red cursive header text and smaller green text on a white background.

Pair Aussie traditions with a wintery atmosphere by throwing a Christmas in July celebration – themed sweaters required! Customise the font colours in this ‘Ink Blot’ template, using red and green for a festive feel. As no Christmas is complete without a busy eating schedule, print off the menu so guests can pace themselves for their favourite desserts. And include the ‘Order of the Day’ card with the invitation, so everyone knows to bring along a Kris Kringle gift.

Charity Galas

Charity gala invitations, silent auction cards and thank you cards designed using the ‘Blossom Blush’ Officeworks template. The design features an elegant floral header and coral-coloured text on a white background.

The elegant floral design of ‘Blossom Blush’ is the ideal introduction for the likes of a Charity Gala Ball. It sets the mood for a formal evening and – bonus – will look lovely on your guests’ fridges. The invitation should include ticket price and purchase information, while ‘Silent Auction’ cards placed on the table on the night offer instructions for bidding. Thank you cards are a gracious way to end the night, expressing gratitude for money raised.

What to Try

Designing Your Own Invitations

If you’re creating an invitation without a template, there are a few things you should check before uploading your design for printing. Make sure it’s saved as a PDF and that the dimensions are all correct. Also ensure the resolution of your file is high enough so the print quality is up to standard. If you need guidance, the Design Guidelines are a good place to start, providing guides for common sizes of invites. Having your own design professionally printed allows you to choose your stock and the price includes plain white envelopes. 

Back to Basics

These tips may be obvious but key points can often be forgotten when you are under pressure or on a tight deadline.

Make Sure You Get the Timing Right 

For casual events, you only need to send invites a few weeks in advance but important celebrations and weddings involve a little more notice. For nuptials, send a ‘Save the Date’ six months prior (or even longer if you’re planning a destination wedding), then the formal wedding invitation with all the specific details can follow closer to the ‘I Dos’.

Double-Check the Details 

You don’t want guests turning up an hour early when the grazing board is still being put together. Confirm the information on the invite with everyone involved, from caterers to venue staff, and have another set of eyes check the copy for any mistake before they go to print. 

Printing and Invitation Glossary 

Wondering what all the jargon means when it comes to printing? We’ve compiled a handy list: 

  • Font A set of characters in a particular design; the size, colour and boldness of the letters can vary. 
  • Alignment The placement of various elements such as images and text on a page.
  • Stock The blank paper or card your invitation is printed on is often described by its weight. GSM determines the weight of the paper. The higher the GSM, the heavier the stock.
  • Opacity Determined by the amount of light that can pass through the chosen stock, the higher it is means the less likely it is for the printing to go through to the other side. 
  • Linen A type of paper with a crosshatch-like pattern that resembles a linen cloth.
  • Satin Finish A type of paper with a subtle sheen, a little less shiny than a gloss finish.

SEE ALSO: Clever Ways to Use Canva in Your Working Life

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This article was originally published in 2021 and has been updated.