Theme Invitations

• If you’re distributing invitations at work rather than through the mail, you can be creative in the form the invitation comes in. For example, if you’re hosting a barbeque, a simple paper flier could be folded into a bandana or tied with raffia or calico fabric; a luau invitation could include a rolled paper scroll invitation attached to a lei with a colorful ribbon; a beach theme could be printed on self-stick transparent paper and affixed to blow-up plastic beach balls; and a fiesta invitation could be tucked into the brim of a miniature sombrero.
  
  

Corporate Themed Parties

• For a corporate picnic that is more business-like, consider distributing company coffee mugs with a rolled up invitation tucked inside; a company notepad in which the first page is the printed invitation; or a corporate-wide email blast that allows guests to RSVP online.
  
  

Candy Grams

• Consider distributing sweet invitations by wrapping chocolate bars with event details or attaching a company-logoed helium-filled balloon to a paper invitation anchored by a small cellophane bag of hard candy. You could also distribute large gourmet cookies with invitations printed on the wrapper.
  
  

Invitation Raffle

• Add some excitement to the distribution of invitations by allowing employees to pick their paper invitation out of a basket in the employee break room. Tuck certificates for freebies or perks inside several of the invitations, good for a special parking spot, a paid day off from work or a coffee shop gift card.
  
  

Traditional Invitations

• If you’re sending traditional paper invitations through the mail, consider custom invitations that feature color photos of fun moments from the previous year’s picnic. You could also stuff envelopes with colorful, metallic confetti or feature a whimsical photo of the CEO dressed in a chef’s hat and apron, holding a set of barbeque tongs.
  
  

High-Tech Invitations

• Produce a short video invitation that gets emailed to each employee. Use colorful graphics and music, incorporate staff pictures or video clips and include a personal message from the CEO encouraging staff to attend the picnic.