Persuasive print: Make your invite the reason they show up

Think about the last event invitation you received. Was it a text message? An email? A calendar placeholder from Eventbrite you completely forgot you accepted? Chances are, it didn’t exactly stop you in your tracks.

And it’s no wonder. People receive, on average, 121 emails a day and check their phones 205 times a day. Your digital invite has probably been swallowed up by the endless scroll, putting your event at risk of being forgotten. 

Low RSVPs aren’t just disappointing, they’re costly too. They mean wasted budget, empty seats, and missed chances to connect. 

But there’s a simple way to turn those numbers around and get people saying ‘yes.’ And it all starts with Paper.

If it’s worth inviting people, it’s worth doing it properly

Because how you invite someone says a lot about what you’re inviting them to. And a beautifully printed invitation perfectly sets the tone. One study found that 67% of recipients feel more valued when receiving a handwritten note or card. 

It’s what behavioral scientists call the endowment effect. Once we hold something in our hands, we assign it more value. That’s where high-quality paper stocks and Special Finishes come in, adding texture, weight, and a sense of occasion that digital simply can’t match.

Print is persuasive 

In a world where it’s the exception, not the rule, print grabs attention, builds trust, and sticks in people’s minds long after they’ve put it down. You recall information 70% better from print than digital, and neuroscience studies show that print creates stronger emotional responses and deeper brand connections. In a world of endless pings, print feels personal. It’s no surprise that the response rate of direct mail is 30x higher than email. 

Ready to harness the power of print? Here’s how to create invitations that will get the RSVPs rolling in.

How to create persuasive invitations 

1. Start strong. Like “cancel-your-plans” strong.

“You’re invited” is a start. But it’s boring. The goal is to spark interest and get some hype going. Lead with intrigue or value instead. 

Try something like:

• “Come for the cocktails. Stay for the secret product launch.”
• “You bring the ideas. We’ll bring the drinks.”
• “An evening of bold thinking, creative sparks, and even better snacks.”

Make sure the why is clear, exciting, and tailored to your audience.

2. Spell out all the hot details 

It might sound obvious, but too many invites skip over the need-to-knows. 

Make sure these stand out:

• What the event is
• When it’s happening (date and time)
• Where it is (including parking or transport tips if needed)
• How to RSVP or register

Consider the format, too. Postcards and Flyers give you enough space to keep things clear and creative. Add a QR code if it’s a digital RSVP.

3. Design with plenty of personality

First impressions are everything. Pick paper stocks, finishes, and layouts that match your event’s energy and set the tone from the get-go:

• Formal dinners or holiday parties: Think Luxe textures and Gold Foils.
  
• A fun summer party: Go bold with bright color pops, unusual shapes, and funky fonts.
  
• A creative networking event: Lean into visual storytelling, illustrations, photography, or playful design. Use Printfinity to give each invite a unique spin or showcase different speakers, themes, or artworks.

4. Tell them exactly what to do next

Yeah, “RSVP by Friday” works. But it’s boring. 

Try something like:

• “Scan to save your spot. We’ll have your nachos waiting.”
• “RSVP by June 10th so we can chill the drinks.”
• “Let us know you’re in (and who you’re bringing).”

Make it feel low-effort but high reward. If people feel seen and welcomed, they’re more likely to commit.

5. Finish with an unexpected twist

Ok, this is your wildcard. The cherry on top. The pièce de résistance: give them something they weren’t expecting:

• A handwritten note 
• A tear-off tab with a discount or drink token
• A miniature map or local guide
• A Polaroid of last year’s event
• A design so nice they’ll want to keep it

Printed invites are a chance to make people feel chosen. That sense of care sets the tone before they’ve even walked through the door. 

RSVP here: Print the perfect invites 

With persuasive print and a MOO Business Plan to match, we’ll help you turn your invitations into participations. To get started, fill in this simple form, and one of our team members will be in touch shortly.