10 scary-good Halloween party invite ideas to frighten guests into responding
Tricks, treats, and goblins abound—sounds like it’s time for a Halloween party! Whether you’re planning a spooky shindig on the weekend before October 31st or hosting on All Hallow’s Eve itself, you’ll want your guests to know exactly when and where the haunting will occur with an invitation that matches your theme.
That’s why finding the perfect Halloween party invitation idea for your party will help you plan your get-together from the very start. From adult costume parties to kids trick-or-treat meetups to Halloween birthday parties for those October b-days, we’ll help you nail down the invitation basics as the host—or ghost?—of the year.
What to include in a Halloween party invitation
Sending Halloween invitations is similar to sending invitations to other parties, with a few differences. The exact wording can be punny or serious—we’ve provided some Halloween invitation wording suggestions below if you’re running low on creativity. But before any humor can happen, it’s important to list as many details as possible to ensure guests don’t arrive after the witches brew has run out.
Date, time, and location
Guests need to know when and where the party’s happening. Don’t assume they know it’s on Halloween, as many parties happen the weekend before—and sometimes after—Halloween.
Include:
- The exact date
- Your address
- The time the party will begin
- An end time, if you turn into a pumpkin at a certain hour
Food and drinks
Without details about the food and drink situation, guests may assume the menu consists solely of Tootsie Rolls and gummy candy. Clarify whether you’re serving dinner or just light appetizers.
If your party’s a Halloween potluck, have guests note what they’re bringing in their RSVP or on the Comment Wall so you don’t end up with 10 casseroles—or 10 buckets of peanut butter cups.
Dress code
Should guests arrive in costume? Most of the time, the answer is “yes” for a Halloween party, but no one likes to show up at a party wearing the wrong thing.
Make it clear that guests should dress up in their finest spooky wear, if they need to.
RSVP options
Unless you’re throwing a formal Halloween gala—which sounds amazing—you don’t need guests to RSVP with paper stationery.
Online invitations provide digital RSVP options—like Paperless Post’s convenient RSVP tracking. They make responding to your invitation easy and straightforward.
But if you’d like to add an extra form of communication for precaution, put your phone number on the invite for anyone on your guest list who prefers to text or call.
Any birthday information
If you’re throwing a joint Halloween birthday party, add this information to the invitation so guests know about it. You can also list gift information—such as “No gifts, please”—to avoid any confusion.
When to send Halloween party invites
Once you’re in the beginning stages of planning your spooky Halloween party, it’s time to send out the party invitations. Depending on the date and type of event, plan to send your invitations out early enough so that your guests can actually attend.
- If your party falls on October 31st, get your invitations out four weeks in advance so guests can make their Halloween plans early.
- If you’re having a party on a day other than Halloween, two to four weeks before the event should be sufficient.
- If you’re hosting a casual “come by after you’re done trick-or-treating” get-together, invitations can go out the week of Halloween—depending on your friend group and how far ahead they tend to fill up their calendars.
10 Halloween party invitation ideas
The only scary part about our Halloween party invite ideas is that you’ll have a hard time narrowing them down to just one. Paperless Post has customizable Halloween party invitations for any theme and type of party you’re planning.
1. Spooky and classy
If your Halloween party is more formal than frightening, try the pretty black-and-gold “Spooky Protectors” invitation.
- It’s great for office parties, galas, and other formal Halloween events.
- Use black and gold décor at the party to match the invitation style.
2. Kids’ Halloween party
Even after an evening of trick-or-treating, little goblins are ready to party. Invite them to an after-party with the “Spooky Neighbors” invitation.
- This is also a helpful invite for afternoon parties or trunk-or-treat events.
- Use it as a Halloween birthday party invitation for October birthdays.
- Add a Paperless Post custom pumpkin sticker to the invitation for an extra treat.
3. Haunted spirits
At an adult Halloween party, “spirit” has an entirely different meaning. “Mystique” and other adult Halloween party invitations set a haunted mood for a fun night.
- Decorate your party as if preparing for a seance.
- Serve Halloween-themed appetizers like mummy pigs-in-a-blanket or deviled eggs with extra devilish details—carrot horns and tails.
4. Ghoulish cocktail party
For a funny yet creepy Halloween cocktail party option, use the “What’s Your Poison” invitation to let guests know exactly how they’ll be spending their Halloween night.
- Plan a cocktail menu with Halloween-themed drinks, such as Witches Brew (Appletini) and Vampire’s Kiss (Bloody Mary).
- Customize the invitation with Paperless Post stickers that feature different drinks.
5. Halloween ball
Pretty and foreboding, the “Bat Storm” invitation gives the ultimate orange and black vibe to formal and casual events alike.
- Encourage guests to dress in formal costumes, such as Zombie Princess or the Phantom of the Opera.
- Use the invitation to invite coworkers to a special Halloween party, as well.
6. Ghouls’ night out
When it’s time to get the witches together, you’ll want the “Ooh Ghoul” invite for a ghouls’ night out to remember.
- It’s perfect for girlfriends who are planning a night on the town or a house party.
- Consider adding a theme for friends to dress alike.
7. Monster mash
Going for an understated look? The “Halloween Mash” invitation states its intention clearly without the muss, fuss, or pus.
- It’s perfect for a more formal or dignified event.
- Use it when planning a murder mystery Halloween party.
8. Owl be there
If your friend group is more Harry Potter and less Michael Myers, send the “Birthday Magic” invitation to your favorite wizards and muggles alike.
- It’s great for a “Harry Potter” Halloween party—or any other magical theme.
- Use Page Styles and a fun font to add a bit of whimsy to your event details.
9. Costume party
Forget candy and ghosts—some Halloween parties are all about the costumes. The “Howlin’ Halloween” invitation lets guests know that dressing up is of the utmost importance (for humans and pets alike).
- It’s great for both adult Halloween parties and kid Halloween parties.
- It also works for pet-friendly shindigs.
- You can mention a costume contest on the invitation and give out prizes to the best costume as an added treat.
10. Carving contest
Put jack-o’-lantern artistry on full display with the “Halloween Thrills” invitation. It’s both cute and scary to fit any party vibe.
- Send it out for carving parties for adults or kids.
- Tell guests to BYOP—Bring Your Own Pumpkin.
Halloween party invitation wording
If you’re wondering what to say on your Halloween party invitations, we have it covered! Whether you’re into Halloween puns, love some good spooky language, or you’re just here for the cute pumpkins, here are some Halloween party invitation wording ideas for you.
General Halloween party
Get into the spine-chilling Halloween spirit with invitation wording that would make a black cat screech—as well as puns that would make even the scariest clown chuckle.
We welcome you, mere mortals, for a night of fearsome fun.
Make your way down the haunted corridor alive,
and you will be rewarded with treats a plenty.
Come dressed to impress,
for the spookiest or most clever of all guests will win a prize
to die for.
The McDonald Residence
Sunday, October 31 at 7pm
Murder mystery party
There’s no better time to host a murder mystery party than on Halloween. Set the mood for your guests right off the bat in your invitation wording.
We’ve got a Halloween murder mystery to solve!
All will be explained when you get here …
just bring your best costume and sleuthing skills.
Costumes non-negotiable.
Homemade costumes are encouraged.
The Old Art Museum
123 Art Way
Minneapolis, MN
Monday, October 29th at 9pm
Theme party
No matter your Halloween theme, your invitation wording will set the mood and let guests know what type of event to expect.
Join us at our home to celebrate our favorite day of the year:
HALLOWEEN!
✨[Theme and dress code]✨
Enjoy dinner, drinks, and spooky surprises on Saturday, October 29th at 4pm.
Kids are welcome!
Trick-or-treat party
Kick-start a trip around the block with wording that invites guests to your trick-or-treat party.
Don a costume and join [kids’ names] for Halloween games and dinner,
followed by trick-or-treating around our neighborhood!
Games and dinner start at 5pm
Trick-or-treating begins at sundown
Family Halloween party
Invite your favorite families over for an October cookout with a Halloween touch.
Join us for a family Halloween cookout!
Bring your fam, dressed in costume and ready to eat hotdogs + hamburgers.
We can’t wait to chill with you!
555 Main St.
Sunnyside, CA
October 30 at 4pm
Kids’ birthday
Don’t leave the birthday kid out! Let guests know that your party is pulling double duty this October with Halloween birthday party invitations that use the right wording.
We’re celebrating Kieran’s 8th birthday with you—our ghoulish friends!
Come in your best costume ready to party and get scary.
This monster mash starts on October 26 at 1pm.
No gifts necessary!
Adult birthday
Just because you’re a grownup doesn’t mean you don’t get a birthday party. Invite guests to your Halloween-themed party—with a dark twist.
Join us as we mourn the loss of [Celebrant’s] youth
with spirits and costumes.
Costumes are strongly encouraged for all eccentrics invited.
BYOB or come enjoy ours!
Friday, October 28 at 7pm
RSVP by October 15 with any dietary restrictions
Planning a scary good time with Paperless Post
Now that you’ve found your invitation design and figured out your wording, it’s time to customize your favorite Halloween party invitation on Paperless Post. Try out our Page Styles that match any theme, decide whether to email, text, or share via link, and add Video Blocks. You can embed a video directly on your event page by uploading it from your computer, or add a YouTube or Vimeo link if you have a theme or message for your guests. Add a link to a potluck signup sheet, or to Google Maps directions to your house so your guests don’t get lost.
Once the Halloween invitations go out, it’s time to plan the rest of your wicked bash. Match your Halloween party decorations with your invitations for a nice, themed look. Or check out more kid-friendly Halloween party ideas that are just spooky enough for the littlest monsters in your group. And if you really want to get scared this year, find a haunted venue near you for a party that’s sure to be killer—no bones about it.