General Instructions

• 1). Choose a theme and color scheme for your party that you'll use for all the invitations and decorations. Traditionally pink is for girls and blue is for boys, but there are many themes you can use for either gender and for gender-neutral parties. A few popular ideas are jungle safari, pea pod and alphabet.
  
  
• 2). Determine your guest list. If you're inviting a few close friends of the mom, you can spend more time on each invitation. You could make handmade individualized cards if you want. If you're inviting everyone she knows, simple flyers are a better option.
  
  
• 3). Determine your budget. Decide what percentage of your total budget you want to spend on decorations and invitations (25% is usually a good estimate).
  
  

Make a Banner

• 1). Design your banner graphics. Use a color scheme that matches your theme. You can use a graphics software program on your computer, or you can use a template from a website that makes banners, such as PartyBanners.com, BannerGrams.com or BannersFast.com (see Resources).
  
  
• 2). Write your banner message. This can be a simple message like "Congratulations," or it can be something more personal that matches your theme.
  
  
• 3). Choose your fonts if you are designing your banner from scratch. Use a font that is big enough to read easily from a distance, and do not use more than two different fonts on one banner.
  
  
• 4). Print your banner. If you are using an online template, order the banner from the website. If you are designing on your home computer, you can take the design to a local print shop to have your banner printed. You can also print on your home computer; if you choose this option, consider using durable weatherproof banner vinyl for inkjet printing instead of paper.
  
  

Make Cards

• 1). Design your cards. Choose colors and pictures that match your theme. You can use personal pictures of the mom-to-be, a fetal ultrasound picture or theme-related pictures. If you have a limited number of invitees, consider using card stock to make the cards prettier and more durable.
  
  
• 2). Write your message. This should include the time, date and location of the party and information on how to RSVP. It can also include something related to the theme, information on what to bring or any special instructions for the guests.
  
  
• 3). Print your cards.
  
  
• 4). Add decorations, if desired. You can use ribbons and scrapbooking stickers to make your cards three-dimensional and unique.
  
  
• 5). Make matching thank-you cards, if desired. The mom-to-be can use these cards to write thank-you notes for presents she receives at the party. Make one thank-you card for every guest who RSVPs yes.
  
  

Make Flyers

• 1). Design your flyers. Choose colors and pictures that match your theme.
  
  
• 2). Write your message. If you are using flyers as invitations, this should include the time, date and location of the party and information on how to RSVP.
  
  
• 3). Print your flyers. Consider using colored paper that matches your color scheme to make the flyers more interesting and attractive.