Have a big event coming up and want to get people excited before they even show up? Use invitation apps to create stylish invites that build anticipation and make people eager to RSVP.
1. Evite
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing: Free with premium options
Evite is well-known for its wide variety of invitation designs for almost any occasion you can think of. From birthdays to office parties, everything’s covered. You’re able to send both digital and physical invites. Whether you’re using the Web or app version, it’s easy to scroll through designs, customize the look, and send them out in just minutes.
The best part is that you’re even able to track RSVPs. Certain features are premium only, such as certain designs, physically mailing invites, and a shareable link to the invitation. But if you just want to email or text an invitation along with tracking RSVPs, hundreds of designs are completely free. Premium varies based on the number of guests.
2. Canva
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing: Free with premium options
Canva is one of the more well-known invitation apps, though it’s for designing far more than invitations. It’s even a popular CapCut alternative. However, with over 7,000 invitation templates at the time of writing, you’ll definitely find something to fit with your event’s vibe. Of course, Canva’s editing tools let you fully customize any template or start from scratch.
Some designs and features are premium only, but free templates and creating your own designs are free. It’s also free to send out invites directly via email or social media from Canva. If you want more formal invitations, try their printing and mailing service. Fees vary based on the invite style and number of invitations.
3. 1Invites
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing: Free with premium options
1Invites is more limited in their free plan than some of the other invitation apps on this list. However, the app does offer numerous templates for nearly every occasion, including backyard BBQs and farewell events. All it takes is a few clicks in the app to create a custom invitation.
The downside is that you’re limited to 10 templates or images in the free account. Plus, many users report that the RSVP feature (which is free) is glitchy at times. I’d recommend 1Invites for just the occasional event, but if you hold events often, I’d opt for another app to save money.
4. Punchbowl
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing: Free with premium options
Punchbowl specializes in both invitations and greeting cards. What really stands out are the extras, such as video messages, potluck lists, polls, and more. There’s a large variety of templates and designs, including licensed options like Disney. You can also track RSVPs and let guests send gift cards from their invitations. Guests can also bring along custom gifts.
In browsing, over half of the designs are premium only. Plus, most other features beyond basic invitation creation are premium. However, they offer a seven-day free trial. If you only need to create invitations for one event, you can always cancel. I’m also not sure why the subscription prices vary so much between the Web, Android, and iOS versions.
5. Paperless Post
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing: Free with premium options
Paperless Post focuses on traditional and digital invitations, though they also offer greeting cards. It’s one of the best invitation apps to create elegant traditional invitation cards and send them directly via the app. They have a nice selection of free cards and flyers, though you do have to pay close attention when setting things up. Sometimes even the free options try to sneak in premium features.
Obviously, physical invitations aren’t free. For online invitations, creating and sending basic invitations is completely free. Some designs are premium-only, along with other features, like advanced guest tracking.
6. Invitd
Pricing: Free with premium options
What’s easier than texting someone an invitation? Invitd lets you design stunning invitations and send them to all your guests via text. Plus, the app tracks who responds so that you know who is and isn’t coming.
The templates cover a wide range of events, from graduation parties to fundraising events. You can even use it to arrange regular meetups with friends. As with most invitation apps, there are some premium features, including premium designs and creating and sending print invitations.
7. Adobe Express
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing: Free with premium options
If you often use Adobe products, give Adobe Express a try for your next invitations. It features numerous designs for most any type of event. You can even start from scratch for a completely custom invitation. It’s free to design and download your invitations, but there are premium designs and print options that carry a fee.
The only downside is that Adobe Express is just for creating designs. You don’t get RSVP tracking or the option to send invites directly through the app. You’ll have to download it, then send it via text or email. However, AI design tools are available even in the free version for more unique invitations.
8. Apple Invites
Available on: iOS
Pricing: Requires iCloud+ subscription
Apple Invites is Apple’s own invitation maker. It works similarly to most other invitation apps, but it’s far more interactive. Outside of just creating and sending out invitations, Invites lets you post updates, create shared albums to collect photos from the event, and even incorporate music.
The only downside is that Invites doesn’t offer a free option. You must have an iCloud+ subscription to use it. If you host events often or already have the subscription, it’s well worth it. The good news is that guests don’t need a subscription or even an iPhone to respond to invitations.
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Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
