Thinking of using online invitations for your next event? Evites are an easy and effective way to get the word out about your next event—but they may not be right for every occasion.
What Is an Evite?
An evite is an online invitation or digital version of a traditional paper invitation, typically sent via email, text, or through online platforms. Evites allow event hosts to convey details and recipients to respond electronically, providing a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to physical invitations.
When to Send an Evite
As a general rule, formal occasions like weddings, major birthdays, or milestone anniversaries lend themselves well printed invitations. Evites, on the other hand, are perfect for more casual gatherings like team-building events, nights out with friends, and family reunions.
Still on the fence about if evites are right for you? Let’s look at the pros and cons of email invitations:
Pros of Evite Online Invitations
Evites Are Quick
If you are planning a last-minute event or need to save time, evites are quick and easy. You don't have to fuss with writing addresses or mailing out invitations. Customize a template, upload the emails of your guest list, and send. From start to finish, you can have your invite out in a matter of minutes.
You Can Manage Evite RSVPs Online
People will RSVP to your party online, which makes it super easy to track guests. Depending on the site you choose, guests may even be able to leave comments about why they cannot attend and view who else is invited.
Many Evite Websites Are Free
Most evite sites have both free and premium options, which certainly helps party planners who are on a tight budget. Even if you choose to use a premium template, you are almost guaranteed to pay less than you would for printing and mailing invitations. Evite, for example, costs $59.99 for sending their premium evites to 100 or fewer people, with considerably more affordable subscriptions for event planners.
Cons of Evite Online Invitations
Online Evites Are Not Convenient for Everyone
Even in a digital age, if your guest list is on the older side, online invites might be tricky. Additionally, evites work best if you readily have email addresses for your entire guest list—otherwise, you will be busy chasing down contact information. Even for tech-savvy guests, evites can get lost in cluttered inboxes.
Evites Don’t Make Great Keepsakes
A well-designed and printed invitation can be kept as a keepsake forever. It can be placed in a scrapbook, hung up in a home, or kept in a memory box. Online invitations are not as easy to keep for sentimental value.
Evites Give the Impression of a Casual Event
If casual is what you are going for, great! However, if you want your event’s first impression to feel momentous, an evite probably isn’t up for the job. If you've taken the time to reserve a beautiful venue, a mailed invitation might be a better fit for setting the tone.
Best Free Evite Websites (Plus Examples)
If you’ve decided that an online invitation is right for you, you have plenty of options for customizable invitations for any occasion.
Here are our favorites:
1. Evite
Evite has been around since 1998 and continues to be a popular option today due to their thousands of free and premium templates, many of which are hand-drawn or animated. If you’re looking for an incredibly easy experience, Evite is hard to beat. They even have a mobile app where you can send invitations via text, email, or Facebook, track RSVPs, and message your guests.
2. Paperless Post
New York City-based, Paperless Post is a slightly sleeker provider specializing in design-focused invites. Paperless Post partners with fashion designers like Kate Spade New York and Oscar de la Renta to create chic online invites. While there are free options here, you will likely have to spend a small amount if you are sending to more than 50 guests.
4. Punchbowl
Punchbowl is an online invitation platform known for its user-friendly interface and diverse selection of customizable digital invitations. With features like event planning tools, digital greeting cards, and the option to send invites via email or social media, it’s a versatile choice for various occasions.
5. PartyLabz
PartyLabz emphasizes personalization and collaborative event planning. Users can create and customize invitations, manage guest lists, and coordinate details with attendees. The platform also offers features for collecting contributions and collaborating on event-related tasks, simplifying the overall event-planning experience.
6. Smilebox
With Smilebox, you can effortlessly create digital invitations that capture the essence of your event. The platform offers playful templates and easy customization options, allowing you to infuse fun and personality into your announcements.
7. Canva
While primarily a graphic design tool, Canva also offers a range of templates for creating online invitations. Users can easily customize designs, add event details, and share invitations digitally. Canva is like your creative sidekick for whipping up awesome digital invites—just pick a template, add your flair, and share the invite!
8. Facebook Events
Facebook Events is a widely used platform that integrates seamlessly with the social media giant. With most friends active daily on Facebook, Facebook Events makes it easy to personally send them invites. It allows users to create and manage event invitations, share details with friends, and track RSVPs directly on Facebook.
Create the Perfect Evite After Finding Your Venue on EventUp
What's your take on evites? Love them? Hate them? Let us know in the comments!
And if you’re on the hunt for an impressive venue for your next event, check out our venue directory to find the space that’s right for you.
Use EventUp to search, find, and book venues today!
