If you’ve ever searched around on Google or Etsy, you’ve probably come across digital party decorations. Perhaps you were looking find the perfect party decorations for a birthday party or celebration in your life, and you saw the term “digital download”. If you have ever wondered to yourself, “what are digital party decorations?” Let me break it down for you!
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Digital Party Decorations
As you might know, I started creating party decorations when I opened my company, A Touch of LA, LLC. My favorite thing to work on is a custom party! This means we work together to create a custom print and shipped box of party decorations that you absolutely love. I offer this service, because while there are a ton of party decorations on Etsy, many times, it’s not what you want! Maybe the font of the party decorations isn’t exactly what you’re looking for. Maybe the color or the style, or the photo that goes with the decorations just doesn’t work for your theme. And that’s where the custom party idea came to be.
While I still love to create the perfect party decorations for people celebrating milestones with their families, I noticed that the custom party decorations I created were sometimes not in people’s budget. Even more importantly, many times, families were having a small get together with family only, and didn’t want to spend major bucks on expensive party decorations. That’s where the digital decorations were born. Now I can create the exact same decorations that I create for my custom parties at a much cheaper price for the masses!
What are Digital Party Decorations
Digital party decorations are essentially digital files that you can download, print, and then assemble the party decorations yourself. Let’s say, for example you find a “Happy Birthday Banner” that you really like on Etsy! But then you notice it’s digital. Don’t let this deter you! First, you’ll purchase the item. After you’ve purchased it, the file will likely be emailed directly to you. This is the case for all the digital parties on my website. If you order on Etsy, you’ll head over to your purchases and reviews tab to get your file. I’d like to point out to you that as of this date, you must be on a computer to download your file. You will not be able to do it from a mobile device. (Etsy doesn’t tell you this, and it can be a little confusing!)
Differences in Files for Digital Party Decorations
Many times, digital party decorations come as as PNGs, PDFs, and JPGs. These are just types of files. If this confuses you, don’t worry! It’s much simpler than it sounds.
JPG Files
A JPG file is your typical photo file that most of the images on your phone are formatted in. That’s most likely the type of file you’ll receive as a digital party download. All you need to do is save the file as a regular image on your computer or mobile device. Printing is just like any other image or letter you’ve printed in the past. Most items that you find on my Etsy shop (as well as others’), or on my digital parties page, are sized to fit on reglar letter paper so that it’s easy to print with a regular printer. No need to know any technical crazy stuff!
PNG Party Decoration Files
Another file is a PNG. This stands for “Portable Graphics Format”, which you’ll have to remember…never! The only thing you’ll want to know about a PNG file is that it has the ability to display transparent backgrounds. This is great if you are uploading your file to a Cricut or another cutting machine. (If you do have a Cricut, you’ll definitely want to read about how I organize and store mine!)
Editable PDF Files
And lastly, you might be downloading a PDF. Again, you don’t have to know why it’s called that. However, some printers like when you provide them with PDFs, just because it’s their way of doing things. However, the main reason you’d want a PDF is if the file is Editable. Many times, I offer editable digital party decorations so that you can customize the item to your specific milestone. In that case, these editable files come as PDFs. If you want to learn more about editable, digital party decorations, you’ll want to read about How to Edit and Print an Editable PDF.
Assembling your Digital Party Decorations
Once you download your file, it will look something like the below Happy Birthday Banner for a Peach Themed Party. Once you print your happy birthday banner (or another digital party decoration that you purchased), you’re ready to cut and assemble it!
Assembling your digital party decorations sounds hard at first, but luckily, I have some blogs dedicated to just that! For example, this blog on How to DIY Party Decorations on a Budget takes you through the steps to follow in order to assemble your digital party decorations! For example, how to make happy birthday banners, cupcake toppers, favor tags, and centerpiece sticks. Not only does it break down how to create each of those digital party decorations, but I also have a dedicated tutorial page on how to make digital party decorations right here. And, I have you covered as well if you want to learn what items I use to make my custom party decorations.
How to Print Digital Party Decorations
I’ll first say you can absolutely print your decorations on any printer that you currently have. However, if you’re looking to create party decorations that look their best, or maybe you’re opening up your very own party decorations business, you might want to know the printing suggestions I have for printing digital party decorations. You can read all about the printer recommendations for party decorations here.
Why Digital Party Decorations Are A Great Option
It might be pretty obvious by now that there are major benefits to getting digital party decorations instead of purchasing ready-made party decorations. For one, you can get them pretty darn cheap! Most of my digital party decorations cost around 5.00 (or less!). That’s a steal compared to my custom-made printed and shipped decorations.
Another benefit is for all my crafty friends! DIY Digital Decorations are fun to make if you like to get a little crafty. Additionally, it’s fun to get the whole family involved and have the kids help out – especially if it’s for their party.
Additional Resources
You might also be interested in the following articles:
How to Print Digital Invitations from Etsy
Best Online Printers for Posters
How to Make Personalized Water Bottle Labels For Your Party
Lastly, thank you so much for taking the time to read about digital party decor! I hope this gives you some ideas about using digital decor for your next event! Tell me below what you thought! I love to help you celebrate life through party decorations and beyond. Above all, I’d love to connect with you. Reach out to me on Instagram and let’s chat, or continue celebrating your life with The Celebration Effect.
xox
Lindsay
