Super, Super Invitations

Now that those year-end holidays are behind me I’ve got my sights set on the next big holiday.  Well, it’s not exactly a holiday, but it rivals New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July for sheer festive celebration.  I’m talkin’ about Super Bowl Sunday!

There’s nothing like kicking back with some friends, some brews, and a wide screen TV.  Who’s playing? Does it matter?  It’s a party, and, yeah, if my team makes it to the championships and beyond I’ll be psyched, but if not I’ll still enjoy the day.

So since I’m already in the mood for a party, it’s a great time to work on my Big Game invitations.  I’ve got a few options.

Design an Invitation

I can upload my own design on the Overnight Prints Invitation page, with a choice between three sizes.  Because I have a lot of text information to convey I want my invite design to be simple and uncomplicated.  Some of the motifs I’ve been considering include:

1. Event Ticket
2. Green football field with white yard lines
3. Funny cartoon of a Referee
4. Football stadium
5. Silhouette of a football player

Use a Postcard Template

If I want to save myself the hassle of creating a design I’ll go straight to Postcards.  There are several templates suitable for this 46^th annual event.  I kind of like the one with two opposing football helmets.

Use a Postcard template.

Go Rogue

Who says I have to use a traditional invitation layout?  The 4” x 9” Rack Card format is great for a gridiron theme, and I can forget about ordering and addressing separate envelopes.

A rack card format makes a great invitation.

Your designs for the Big Game invitation can be as creative or as corny as you can muster.  But it’s important to remember the basics of an invitation: the who, what, why, where and when.

Who: If your friends all know you as “Cap and Maggie” don’t go all formal and list yourselves as Bob and Margaret Hendrix.  Conversely, if you’re inviting the entire office or some distant relatives, don’t just put “Bob’s house.”

What: It’s worth mentioning that the NFL has trademarked Super Bowl® and Super Bowl Sunday®.  Seriously.  It’s unlikely they’re going to come after you unless you’re holding a for-profit event, but if you’re squeamish about such legalities just avoid the terms.  A commercial for Planters nuts once parodied this, saying “it would be super…to have a bowl…of Planters nuts while watching the big game!”

Be wary of using NFL trademarks in your invitation.-

Why: This is probably the least of your worries, since your intent should be evident from your headline, image and theme.

Where: Where are your friends coming from—down the street or two states away?  Do they already know where you live, or have they never been to your house before?  Do you need to include your city, or maybe even a map?  Be sure to include all of the details if you’re holding the event somewhere other than at home.

When: The most important info.  Don’t take it for granted that everyone knows the date.  Your nerdy nephew may not know, but you still want him there (or do you?).  And unless you want frenzied fans showing up while you’re still mixing the dip, include a start time.

Cover the Who, What, Where and When in your invitation copy.

Finally, decide if you want to require an RSVP.  If you’re ordering pizza you’ll probably want to know how big a crowd to expect.  If you are comfortable with people just dropping in I applaud your laid-back style.  Nevertheless, you should include your phone number in case folks get lost and need directions.

Have a great party, and enjoy the game!

–BR