Designing Invitations That WOW—Whether It’s a Gala or a Gumbo Party
- Laura Kuhn
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
An invitation isn’t just a card—it’s a promise. A whisper of what’s to come. A stylish “save the date” for the unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning a black-tie fundraiser at a French Quarter mansion or a backyard boil with jazz and jambalaya, the invitation sets the tone. It tells your guests, this is worth showing up for.
At Midnight Boheme, we’ve designed everything from gilded gala invites to gumbo potluck flyers—and no matter the dress code, they all have one thing in common: WOW factor.
Here’s how to design invitations that don’t just inform—but excite.
✨ 1. Set the Mood with Typography & Tone
Is your event elegant or eccentric? Vintage or vibrant? Your font and phrasing should reflect the vibe.
For a Gala:
Script fonts, serif headlines, and minimal layouts
Language like “cordially invited” or “evening of elegance”
For a Gumbo Party:
Playful type, bold color, and spicy phrasing
Language like “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” or “Bring your appetite!”
🖋 Your invitation is the opening line of your event’s story. Make it speak fluently.
🎨 2. Design with Visual Flair
The best invitations look so good, people keep them. Think beyond the basics.
Add:
Hand-drawn illustrations or icons
Custom monograms or event logos
A pop of foil, a watercolor wash, or a vintage background texture
✂️ Don’t be afraid of drama. It could be a gold envelope, a wax seal, or a die-cut in the shape of a crawfish.
🗓 3. Deliver the Essentials (Beautifully)
Design only works if the info is clear.
Must-haves:
Who, what, when, where
Dress code (black tie? casual with flair?)
RSVP details (email, phone, or a QR code that makes it easy)
Optional: event hashtag, parking info, or a rain plan
🎯 Pro tip: Design hierarchy helps. Let the most important info stand out, and the rest support it.
📐 4. Play with Format & Printing Style
Sure, a 5x7 card is classic—but it’s not your only option.
Formats to consider:
Folded card: Adds dimension and makes room for storytelling
Gatefold: A dramatic opening moment
Postcard: Budget-friendly, bold on arrival
Layered pieces: RSVP cards, maps, menus tucked in a pocket fold
Digital invitations: Designed with flair for email or social media
Printing finishes to try:
Foil stamping, embossing, letterpress
Edge painting, textured stock, acrylic or vellum overlays
📦 Whether it arrives by envelope or inbox—make it look and feel like a keepsake.
🎭 5. Don’t Forget the Personality
Even the fanciest soirée needs a little you in the design. That might mean:
A cheeky tagline
A hidden nod to your brand or culture
A wink of local flavor (fleur-de-lis, brass band silhouettes, cocktail icons, crawfish doodles)
💃 The invitation should feel like a pre-party. If it makes them smile, they’re already RSVPing “yes.”
🌙 From Black-Tie to Backyard, Midnight Boheme Designs for the Moment
We’ve designed invites for:
Fundraisers & galas
Food festivals & cocktail hours
Weddings & second lines
Masquerade balls & crawfish boils
Brand launches & boutique openings
Each one custom-tailored to fit the moment—and spark joy on arrival.
Let’s make your invitation one that nobody forgets.
Midnight Boheme🎨 Custom Invitation & Event Design | New Orleans, LA
Stylish. Story-driven. Designed to impress. Start your invitation design ➝