You’ve done it! You have decided to host your own Kentucky Derby Party. So first thing on the list is creating or purchasing your invitations.
This post may contain affiliate links.
If you are the creative type and you really want to make your own, here are a few ideas.
You can create an invitation in Word, Pages, Adobe, Canva, and Picmonkey to name a few.
If you are using Word (PC) or Pages (MAC), you are probably familiar with your document product. I have a MAC, so I can use a Template, or I can create my invitation from scratch using lines, colors, images, etc. Here is an example of the Template and how you can use it. This one is actually postcard size which means if you print double-sided, you can pop your names in and simply cut and put a stamp on and you are ready for post!
I have Adobe Photo Shop but I do much better with the less tech programs. Of all of those listed above, Adobe is the only one that would not be FREE. So unless you plan to learn to use it for more than your invitations, I would use one of the other options.
My go to for design is Canva.com but that is because at the time I was using Picmonkey, they did not have as much to offer in the design realm. Both platforms have continually improved and while I design in Canva, I use Picmonkey for all photo editing.
Here are two designs I made that follow the criteria I posted in Kentucky Derby Party Planning. These were made using Canva selecting “invitations” which is a 5 x 7 size as a Template. You don’t have to use a template. You can do a custom size or select any of the available sizes already in their menu.
I deleted the background and photos and kept the font and layout of the front of the Derby Hat Invite.
Then I searched for a Free Illustration of a Hat. I found this one in two colors and then changed them to all one color so it would look like a solid image.
I edited all of the info and changed the background and added the border.
Then I copied the first page and added the second.
I removed the hat and the larger text and copied and moved all of the times into place so I could add my itinerary.
I wanted to dress it up just a little bit more and I added the bow ties in different shapes and colors.
There you have it. Simple but very customized to me and my taste which you won’t find if you decide to purchase yours.
The Run For The Roses Invite is simply a copy of the first one.
I changed a font, color and images and voila! Another unique invite that suits my style.
I have FREE PDFs of Run For The Roses for you to download below. PDFS are editable, so you can change the data to make it your own. Print on card stock and do double sided only if you wish to add the itinerary on the back.
For envelopes, you can order them from just about anywhere, but to make it easy for you I had added my amazon link below:
Another option is to pay for Invitations that you can download digitally from a site like Etsy. It would work just like my FREE DOWNLOADS above. The cost will range from $2.95 – $15.00. They often also will custom print and mail you an order with your envelopes plus the cost of shipping.
I also am a Reseller for Vista Print. I design your card to your satisfaction and you can select custom envelopes and more, but of course it all adds up. The nice thing about Vista Print is that you can make a really amazing invite and since you don’t need that many, the price is not going to break the bank. Here is one ready for customizing. These start as low as $0.47 cents per invitation. The price goes up depending on card stock, foils, back printing, envelopes, envelope printing. However, even if they got as high as $1 per invite, that is such a nominal fee. Shipping and me are extra, however, the rate I am quoting is wholesale, so you won’t be over paying.
I also have other items that I can customize for your party like these coasters that match the invitation I gave you for FREE.
Another design site where you could make your own is Minted.
That was a lot of info! I was planning on sharing a bit of Kentucky Derby History in this post but I think I need to make that one stand on its own…since this post is long and there is so much history with The Kentucky Derby that I would love to share.
Let me know if you have any questions about what is what here, how to do something or especially if you want to order a custom invite please contact me at Hi@yourhomeyourhappyplace.com as well as popping it in the comments so I will be alerted that you want to place an order. Of course, I can do any kind of event not just the Kentucky Derby.
Thank you for spending your time here. I would love for you to subscribe and follow me on my social media and youtube account all available to click to on my home page. Also, don’t forget to check out Retail Therapy and Tees for more of my shopping finds for you!
[…] Previous […]