Have Fun in the Sun with These 20 Summer Party Invitations

There’s something about summertime and fun in the sun that just screams PARTY! Kids are out of school, the weather is nice, and people are planning trips to see you — or you them. The reasons to host a party are endless.

Now you just need to choose a theme and send out the invitations! We’ve got you covered with summer party invitation templates and wording ideas for four popular summer party themes: luaus, pool parties, BBQs, and garden parties. 

Whether you’re throwing a kid’s summer birthday party, baby shower, bridal shower, 4th of July celebration, rehearsal dinner, graduation party, bachelorette soiree, cocktail party, or a “just because” get-together, these four classic summer party themes never disappoint. 

Say Aloha to Summer with These Festive Luau Invitations

Nothing says summer like the tropics, which makes it the perfect time to host a luau party. Don a grass skirt, Hawaiian shirt, or bright and flowery dress, indulge in some frozen drinks, and enjoy the enchantment of an evening in paradise. Don’t forget to pass out floral leis to your guests!

Help your friends and family get in the Hawaiian spirit with these luau-inspired summer party invitations.

1. Leafy Luau Invitation

Design: Elizabeth Silver

This Leafy Luau Invitation says it all: A bright, tropical, delicious gathering is ahead. Not set on the color scheme? It’s also available in a cream-colored background with pops of deep purple, bold orange, and vibrant pink. Or work with one of our designers for a completely custom color palette.

2. Aloha Waikiki Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This stunning sunset invitation paints the perfect picture of Hawaii with a breathtaking illustration of a beach, surfboard, palm trees, and a setting sun. It’s an ideal design for an intimate evening beach party with a small group of friends.

3. Peppy Pineapple Party Invitation

Design: Patrice Horvath Design

You’ll rarely find a luau without a pineapple present. This fun and colorful invitation puts pineapples in the spotlight, making it an excellent choice for luaus and Tiki parties alike. 

4. Tiki Totems Invitation

Design: Bonjour Berry

Speaking of Tiki parties, this Tiki Totems Invitation can also be used as inspiration for a luau–themed party. Set up a backyard Tiki bar, and invite your friends to indulge in island cocktails with this colorful and unique invitation. 

5. It’s a Luau! Invitation

Design: Loree Mayer Design

This vibrant floral invitation is good for all ages and keeps the heart of the party front and center. Plus, the colorful design is fully customizable, and there’s a matching thank you note that you can send to guests after the party!

Dive Into Fun with These Summer Pool Party Invitations

Whether you’re an avid swimmer or prefer to sit at the water’s edge, a pool party can make a big splash for kids and adults. This fun-in-the-sun theme — complete with pool noodles, flamingos, beach balls, and cannonballs — serves up the ultimate summer experience. Don’t have a pool? Schedule a party at your local community pool.

Take a look at some of our favorite pool-inspired invitations below to get the party started.

6. Palm Springs Pool Invitation

Design: Carmia Jordaan

The turquoise blue waters seem to be waving you in with this retro pool party invitation. The design features multi-tone tile surrounding an arch-shaped swimming pool complete with palm leaves and umbrellas at each corner of the design. 

7. Painted Paradise Invitation

Design: Lucrecia Caporale

Guests will be counting down the days until they can make a splash at your pool party after they receive this pretty and relaxing invitation. It’s the perfect style and color palette for a Tuscan-inspired pool party. Be sure to have plenty of gelato and sparkling water on hand to keep your guests cool and refreshed.

8. Summer Cutout Invitation

Design: Tennie & Co

This boho arch invitation is visually appealing with simple shapes and lines that depict a sun and waves. The modern vibe makes it perfect for a poolside birthday celebration, bridal shower, or bachelorette party. Place waterproof Bluetooth speakers around the perimeter to play a summertime playlist, and stock a floating bar with drinks and snacks.

9. Pool Floaties Invitation

Design: Ashley Ottinger

Talk about fun splashes of color, this Pool Floaties Invitation makes you want to reach out and start floating away on an innertube. It’s perfect for a classic, family-friendly pool party. Don’t forget the ice cream cones and popsicles!

10. Dive In! Invitation

Design: Lori Danelle

This hand-drawn illustrated invitation is sure to make a splash! It’s perfect for an end-of-summer soiree or a kid’s birthday invitation. Turn on the grill, slather on the sunscreen, and enjoy a memorable afternoon with friends and family.

Fire Up the Party with These BBQ-Inspired Invites

What’s the centerpiece of a great party? Good food! And summertime calls for some of the best — mouthwatering watermelon, sweet corn on the cob, and brats and burgers grilled to perfection. Gather your friends and family together for a delectable meal with these BBQ-inspired invitations.

11. Stacked Burger Invitation

Design: Jen Montgomery

Tempt their taste buds with this layered burger design, which has all the ingredients for a fantastic invitation that guests will have a hard time saying no to. This would be a perfect invite for a potluck-style BBQ. Just customize the text to ask guests to bring a dish to share.

12. Classic Grill Invitation

Design: Hudson Meet Rose

Featuring kebabs, sausage, and corn on the cob, this Classic Grill Invitation also puts the food front and center. While appropriate for any festivity, this makes a great invitation for a holiday party like Father’s Day or the 4th of July.

13. Classic Cornhole Invitation

Design: Tennie & Co

Adding party games to a BBQ can be a big draw. This cornhole-themed card is an excellent way to increase interest and get guests pumped up about not only the food but also some friendly competition. 

14. Rustic Succulents Invitation

Design: Carmia Jordaan

BBQs aren’t just for beers and burgers. They’re perfect for a variety of celebrations, including engagement parties, bridal showers, and even rehearsal dinners. This floral and succulent frame gives off a rustic vibe and sets the tone for a more celebratory BBQ.

15. Gingham Onesie Invitation

Design: Jen Montgomery

This adorable “Ribs and Bibs” design is ideal for a birth announcement, gender reveal party, couples baby shower, and more. Plus, there are several trendy, soft color palettes to choose from, so you can customize your onesie any way you want.

Celebrate Summer in Full Bloom with These Garden-Themed Party Invitations

Garden parties are filled with beautiful sights and scents. Show off your gorgeous landscaping and floral scenery by inviting your inner circle to come indulge in an array of lilies, dahlias, snapdragons, lilacs, and more at a garden party. This setting is an excellent choice for a tea party or brunch. 

Encourage your friends and family to stop and smell the roses with these garden-themed summer party invitations.

16. Summer Garden Invitation

Design: Paper Raven Co.

This lovely Summer Garden Invitation features beautiful hand-illustrated wildflowers and vines on opposite corners and a script font in the center, creating a truly charming design. Customize the text to make the invite match any kind of gathering or to let guests know what to bring.

17. Festive Sunflowers Invitation

Design: Jamie Alexander

Festive and multi-colored sunflowers dominate this sweet cocktail party invitation. Carry the design into your party decor with burlap runners and sunflower bouquet centerpieces surrounded by fairy lights.

18. Summer Citrus Invitation

Design: Cass Loh

The citrus and botanical border of this baby shower invitation is perfect for a summer celebration honoring a mom-to-be. With a growing belly and new roots taking shape, she’ll feel right at home in the garden scene.  

19. Funky Flowers Invitation

Design: Ashley DeMeyere Design

This Funky Flowers Invitation features retro flowers and ‘70s-inspired typography. It sets the stage for a groovy time at a kids birthday party or a casual garden party. 

20. Folksy Butterfly Invitation

Design: Creo Study

Our Folksy Butterfly Invitation comes in a variety of color options, all combining a range of gorgeous, vibrant hues. The design would work beautifully for all types of gatherings, even a charming kid’s birthday party. 

How to Customize Your Summer Party Invitations

You’ve gotten a taste for some of the summer party digital invitations available for luaus, pool parties, BBQs, and garden parties. But even if you have another theme in mind, you can fully customize the above designs or any of the cards in Greenvelope’s collection.

Here are some of the ways you can make a design your own. 

Modify the Design Elements for a Bespoke Feel

Any of the stationery designs in Greenvelope’s collection — invitations, thank you cards, greeting cards, or save the dates — can be customized in a variety of ways. The colors, fonts, backgrounds, and envelope lining can all be modified to match the look and feel of the party you’re planning. 

See a wedding invitation design you like? You can customize it for a summer birthday party instead.

You can even add:

• Photos
• Videos
• Music
• Slideshows

Personalize Your Invitation Wording

Even though each of the above summer party invitations are designed with suggested wording, you can customize the text to make it match whatever type of celebration you’re hosting. Here are some ideas that align with our four featured themes to give you more inspo.

Luau Invitation Wording Ideas

• Want a taste of Hawaii at a fraction of the cost? Join us at our house for a luau!
• ‘Tis the season for floral skirts and Hawaiian shirts! Celebrate summertime with us.
• If you’ve ever wanted to learn the art of the hula dance, now’s your chance. We’re welcoming summer with a luau party.
• Join us in celebrating Hawaiian culture next month by attending our (mostly) traditional luau. Tropical attire is encouraged.

Pool Party Invitation Wording Ideas

• Come take a dip, the water’s nice! 
• Summer’s here, which means it’s time for a pool party! Bring your bathing suit and dive into the fun.
• Join us for a birthday celebration as [NAME] dives into a new year. 
• Kick back, relax, and let your troubles float away at our goodbye-to-summer pool party.

BBQ Invitation Wording Ideas

• What’s better than brats, burgers and brews? Best buds!
• You’re invited to grill and chill with us at our annual summer BBQ.
• We’ve planned a feast and surprise party in honor of [NAME]. Don’t miss out on the fun!
• This will be a birthday bash you won’t want to miss! Come celebrate [NAME] turning [#]!

Garden Party Invitation Wording Ideas

• Roses are red, violets are blue, our garden party wouldn’t be the same without you.
• Join us for a garden-themed bridal shower celebrating flowers blooming and love blossoming.
• We have a baby in bloom to celebrate! Join us for a party in the garden.
• You are cordially invited to our annual tea and garden party. Please be our guest!

Add All the Important Details

Once you’ve selected your theme and your desired invitation design, there are still a few more things to consider before finalizing the invite and clicking send. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your summer party invitation delivers all of the important information. 

Make sure you:

• Properly tease the theme to give recipients a flavor of what the party vibe will be.
• Outline the purpose of the celebration or milestone if there is one (e.g., bachelorette party, bridal shower, or birthday party).
• Cover where and when (including the time and date) the party is taking place.
• Tell guests how to RSVP and by when
• Included any other important details (e.g., BYOB, dress attire, where the guest of honor is registered, etc.)

Start Creating Your Perfect Summer Party Invitation Now

We hope you were inspired by the range of invitations we shared spanning luau, pool, BBQ, and garden-themed parties. All of these invitation templates can be fully customized with different wording and color options. 

Hosting a different type of celebration? Check out our full range of summer party invitations, including designs for ice cream socials, movie nights, picnics, and more.