It isn’t necessary to go to a specialty store and have invitations professionally printed up; the invitations don’t have to be formal, by any means, and that would cost you a fortune. Probably the easiest way to get the word out is to make your own fliers on your computer, print out some copies, and distribute them to each house on your block (this is a good way to get the kids involved as well – putting them in charge of flier delivery). Here is a good example of a block party invitation, from one city’s Parks and Recreation site:
_____ Chairs to sit on_____ Food for the barbecue_____ Salad & dessert to share with others at the party_____ Beverages _____ Plates, cutlery, and non-breakable cups _____ Other:________________________________
Please join us for an evening of fun and friendship!
Do you have the following that could be used for the party?:
_____barbecue grill _____tables _____coolers
Do you have any special talents that you would like to entertain us with at the party?
No. of people from your household attending _______ Ages_______________
You can also make posters and hang them on signs and street lights if city ordinances permit you to do so (you’ll probably want to check first). Posters can be fun to make, great advertisement, and can even be laminated (relatively inexpensively) to protect them from the elements. If you have set up a neighborhood planning committee, your public relations person will be responsible for these details. Whatever your method of getting the word out, the biggest rule is that you must invite everyone on the block. You can’t just pick and choose which families to ask; that isn’t the spirit of a block party.