Halloween party invitations are the perfect way to set the tone and ignite excitement about your holiday bash. The trick is to make sure all the information that is crucial to the event is listed, and that guests get an idea of what the party will be like. You also have options when it comes to making, buying or printing your Halloween invites.

What Goes on Your Halloween Party Invitations? 

The first thing that really should be made clear is the type of party you are planning on having. Some of that can be obvious from the type of invitation you send, so make sure it matches. If you are really just doing an autumn get together, don’t use invitations that have skulls and bats all over them. Of course, if you are throwing an all out chilling and spooky monster mash bash, don’t send invitations that just have pumpkins and autumn leaves on them.

Because themes and activities at Halloween parties can be inappropriate for certain ages you should make that clear too, if necessary. In other words, if this is an adults-only sort of event, make sure there isn’t a misunderstanding. Even if you are planning to have scary stories that would not be a good idea for the under 13 age group, specify the party is a “PG-13” type of gathering. In all other cases, maybe just mention “all ages welcome.”

Also Include…

The events you are planning can help entice and inform potential guests, as well. You should certainly include planned activities such as bobbing for apples, a hay ride, ghost stories and a costume contest. In fact, although it should be understood, it can’t hurt to mention that “there will be a costume contest, so wear your best one.”

If you would like people to bring anything, just let them know. It could be food, candy or, for adults, wine or beer. If you’re hosting the event and supplying most of the food or events, there’s nothing wrong with asking for a little help in return. While on the subject, mention if there will be food and say what kind. If it is just snacks, people may want to eat beforehand. If it is a seven course meal, guests might want to know before grabbing a meal on the way.

The general idea is to include all information so that no one would even have to question the details. This includes the address, especially if is somewhere other than your home, phone number for RSVP, phone number for venue if different, email, time, date and anything else you deem necessary.

DIY Invites

If you’re feeling crafty, there are several options you can choose from to make your own Halloween party invitations. You can print your own that you design on your computer and that will save you money compared to buying store bought ones and time by not having to create anything more elaborate than that.

Or, if you would like to get your family involved, get everyone to pitch in and make the invitations. Use markers and stickers and glitter, just get creative. Keep in mind, one person should probably write out the important details of the party. Having your five year old try to spell out “Halloween party” sounds cute, but the data will be lost in the scribble.

Vintage Invitations

You can find great vintage Halloween invitations from online sources such as eBay and Etsy. It adds some flair to use old fashioned, retro invites. There are places online that specialize in this type of thing, and you can find entire packaged Halloween invites, still unopened, this way. You may have to settle for a few different styles if you are inviting a large number of people and cannot find three or more packs of the same kind, but it is worth it, especially if you are planning a vintage Halloween party.

Other Options

There are of course, the traditional store bought ones you can find at party stores and fill in the information yourself. For a few extra dollars you can also have your own printed. This gives you the best choices and saves you the hassle of having to handwrite all the data yourself. Lastly, evites are becoming more popular now. This service is usually free, can still have a picture to express the theme and saves tress by not using paper.

Whatever you decide, just relax and have a good time. Halloween party invitations are just the start of the event that should be the talk of the holiday season.