There was a time when you had to buy pre-printed or even custom party invitations, because that's all that was available. But not anymore. These party invitations are not only downloadable and printable, they're free! So you can use them to your heart's content for any occasion (as long as you follow the terms of use below).

I've provided five diverse designs, so with any luck you'll be able to find one to suit you. There are actually two paisley designs, one in bold black and white, the other in a more subdued silver. For you vintage lovers, I've provided a version that features colorful vintage fruit. There's also a soft-looking pink invitation with yellow and pink daisies, for when the occasion is decidedly feminine. And for those who want to wake up their friends when they go to their mailboxes, there's an invitation with very brightly colored butterflies on a stunning teal background.

The instructions for making these free party invitations, as well as links to buy envelopes that will fit them perfectly, can be found below.

Free Printable Party Invitation Instructions

1. Downloading the invitation artwork

When you click on an invitation thumbnail, a larger image will appear. When you see it larger, double-click on it. That will cause an optimum-sized version to appear. If you have a Mac, control-click the image until a pop-up menu comes up that gives you the option to save it. If you have a PC, right-click your mouse to save the artwork to your hard drive.

2. Pasting the invitation into a word processor

These invitations can be sized to fit square envelopes that are 5" x 5", 6" x 6", 6 1/2" x 6 1/2", 7" x 7" or any variation thereof. It just depends on which envelope size you choose. Naturally, if you plan to present the invitations by hand, you can make the final versions any size you want. If you want to buy envelopes that are perfectly sized, however, I've provided links to four sizes of square envelopes in the right column.

The art can be inserted into the document in several ways. If you're going to paste one or two invitations per page because you want to use them large, you can paste the art into the document or "insert" it through your word processor's clip art interface. You can also build a table that has cells for each of the invitations you want on the page. Just paste the art into one cell, size it and then copy that exact size art into the remaining cells.

If you don't know how to make a table and you're using MS Word, you can paste one image into a text box, size it and copy it into the page as many times as you like. This will allow you to move the invitation artwork around on the page. Be sure to paste the images so they butt together on one of the sides or the top or bottom, though, so you can't see white between the images. This will allow you to make one cut work for two invitations, which will save time and possibly your sanity. (Cutting the invitations is my least favorite part!)

If you want to use more than one piece of invitation art per page, size the first one perfectly before copying it and putting more of them on the page. that will save you trouble, because sizing multiple images and getting them to match isn't all that easy. A simple way to determine the right size before you paste everything in place is to paste just one in the document and print it. That will let you know if you need to re-size the art.

3. Printing the invitations

Using the thickest card stock your printer can take will ensure your invitation won't feel flimsy and cheap. If you don't know what thickness is appropriate, check your printer's documentation or the printer company's web site. But remember, too-heavy card stock will jam the printer. It might not even print at all.

4. Cutting the invitations

Using a paper cutter or taking them to a copy center, instant print shop or office supply store to be cut are the best methods if you want professional results. A craft knife, ruler and cutting board will also work. You can use scissors as an alternative, but chances are the edges won't be straight. If you have to use the scissors, try some with decorator-edges that create patterns, such as waves or zig-zags. Those would hide at least some uneven cuts.

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Terms of Use

You are free to use these free party invitations all you want for your personal use. But you may not sell these images, give them away as a collection or incorporate them into products without permission. I'm open, though, so if you have a special request or any questions, please contact Carla at info [@] vintageholidaycrafts [.com].

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If you use these free images, I would appreciate a link back to this page using the following code or text:

<a href="http://hubpages.com/_invitations/hub/printable-party-invitations">free party invitations</a>

If you don't know how to use the HTML code above, please use this link:

http://hubpages.com/_invitations/hub/printable-party-invitations

... and link it from one of the phrases below:

free party invitations

printable party invitations

These invitations were designed using Picnik, the online graphics program anyone can use for free. To learn how to create your own Picnik images, check out my tutorial teaches how to create your own clip art.