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Make Your Own Summer BBQ Invitation

By Melanie Doncas | Designer Tutorials

As the mercury begins to rise, you’re probably getting excited for all that summer has to offer. After all, there’s nothing quite like firing up the barbeque and getting your friends around to enjoy the warm weather. As with any social gathering, however, it’s important to give your guests a taste of what’s to come in the form of an invitation. But not just any invitation will do; you’ll want one that’s not only informative but fun too.

So, how do you make a creative invitation for a summer barbecue? If color schemes, clip art, and font selections have got you in a spin, don’t fret. BeFunky’s Graphic Designer is home to plenty of BBQ invitation templates to help you get the job done in just minutes.

Keep reading, because we’ll show how you can customize one of our BBQ invitation templates for free!

bbq invite supporting

How to Make a BBQ Party Invitation Using BeFunky

Now that you know what theme you’d like to embrace for your summer BBQ, it’s time to make your BBQ party invitation. To get started, head to the Graphic Designer and start a new design.

Step 1: Choose Your BBQ Invitation Template

Within the Templates library, type “BBQ” in the search bar located at the top left of the screen. Then, hit Enter to bring up our customizable BBQ party invitations.

choose bbq template

Click on the template that takes your fancy, then click Use This Template to edit it.

use this template

Step 2: Edit the Existing Text

The next step is to edit your template’s existing text, so it reflects your own BBQ party details. You can change what the text says by double-clicking on the text box and typing.

When you click on any text box, a Text Properties panel also appears, where you can change elements such as font family, font size, spacing, paragraph, color, and more.

text properties menu

Wondering what to include in your BBQ invitation message? Think of the details your guests need to know, then structure them on your invitation in order of importance. These will include things such as the theme or type of event, its location, when it will be happening (the date and time), as well as what guests should bring, and who they can contact to RSVP for BBQ catering purposes.

Step 3: Add or Edit Graphics

If you want to turn up the fun factor of your invitation, you can add a wide range of graphics by navigating to Graphics in the main menu. Upload your own from your computer, or click Search Graphics to access BeFunky’s own extensive library.

graphics library

You can even search for specific graphics using the search bar in the top-left of the screen. Click on the graphics you wish to use, and they’ll be available in the Your Graphics section once you exit the Graphic Library.

choose pool graphics

Simply drag and drop them onto your design, then resize or reposition them using your mouse.

add graphics to bbq template

You can also change the color of your template’s existing or new graphics, if you wish. To do so, just click on the graphic you wish to change and a Graphic Properties panel appears. Then, click the Color Overlay or Graphic Colors swatches (depending on your graphic) to select a new color from the Color Picker.

change graphic colors

You can also reposition or resize any graphics by selecting them with your cursor, then dragging the graphic’s corners inwards (to make them smaller) or outwards (to make them larger).

Step 4: Save Your BBQ Invitation

Once your BBQ party invitation is complete, it’s time to save it. Click Save at the top of the screen, then select your desired destination.

save your bbq invite

The save destination and format of your BBQ party invitation template will depend on your distribution method. For example, if you want to print out your invitations to post them to your guests, then we recommend saving your invitation as a PDF file in Print Quality to ensure optimal results. If you want to send your guests their invitations digitally, on the other hand, then saving your design in JPG format will suffice. Want to share it with your guests via social media instead? Just hover over the +More option within the Save dropdown menu to upload directly to Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter.

Final BBQ Invitation Template

Ta-da! We were able to make this creative “grill and chill” invitation within just a few clicks.

bbq invite final

Top Themes for Summer BBQ Fun

A backyard BBQ doesn’t have to be boring. Switch up the same-old with a fun theme or a fresh new take on the standard event. Here are some of our favorite themes worth considering for your next barbeque bash!

Sizzle and Splash

While things are heating up on the barbeque, why not cool down with a splash in the pool? Pool parties are always a popular idea in the summer months, and when accompanied by delicious, barbecued food, you’re on to a winner. Tell guests to bring their swimsuits and sunscreen, and be sure to follow up your tasty BBQ lunch with some refreshing ice lollies. That’s “grill and chill” done right!

Summer Sports

Just because you and your friends are chatting around the barbeque doesn’t mean you have to miss out on those big moments in sport. Ensure your backyard is equipped with an outdoor television (or has a clear line of sight into your living room) and turn up the volume on your favorite sport. If beer, burgers on the grill, and sports banter sound like your perfect afternoon, then this is the theme for you.

July 4th

It sounds like a no-brainer, but if you’re looking for the perfect excuse to gather your friends and family for a big backyard BBQ, Independence Day is it. There’s no greater way to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather, and nationally important occasion than by firing up the barbeque. Of course, it wouldn’t be a July 4th celebration without red, white, and blue-themed food, so consider how you can get creative – even if it’s just with the post-BBQ desserts.

party 4th of july

Netflix and Grill

Summer is also the perfect time for outdoor movie nights, so why not plan a cinematic evening to accompany your delicious, barbequed food? All you’ll need is an outdoor projector and a screen. For a low-cost DIY option, however, consider using a plain white sheet instead.

This is a great idea for those looking for a family-friendly BBQ idea that will keep both adults and children entertained for hours. Choose a finger food-friendly menu, like kebabs and sliders, for guests to enjoy during the movie.  

Meat-Free

Summer barbeques are synonymous with grilled meat, but they don’t have to be. If you and your friends prefer vegetarian or vegan options, then opt for an entirely meat-free menu instead. Just some ideas include vegan sausages, mushroom burger patties, or even grilled tofu kebabs. You don’t even have to be vegetarian or vegan to enjoy healthier lunch alternatives at your next summer BBQ!

meat free theme

Ready to Design Your Own BBQ Party Invitation?

Thanks to BeFunky’s wide range of pre-designed BBQ party invitations, creating your own is easier than ever. Just swap out the text for your own details and switch up any colors or imagery you desire.

Ready to plan your next summer BBQ party? Head to the Graphic Designer today to get your invitation started!

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