Just like the modern shower, today's
bridal shower invitations can range from extremely casual to
formal. And there's as much potential for creativity with the
invitations as you have time and inclination for. The main thing to
keep in mind is that the invitation should be a reflection of the
bride's tastes, and, of course, the party itself.
Your first task should be to sit down with the
bride and help her put together a list of people to invite.
While a phone call or online invitation is perfectly fine for a
casual shower involving just a close group of friends, a paper
invitation should be used if the guest list goes beyond your
immediate circle.
Professionally printed invitations are the most formal choice-and
often the most expensive. Visit an upscale paper shop or wedding
invitation printer for the highest-quality printed invitations. Or,
hit the shops for inspiration, then save money by using one of the
many Internet-based printers to do the job. Just make sure you
allow extra time for shipping for invitations ordered online, and
be as specific and detail-oriented in your order as possible.
Printed invitations are usually made in the bride's chosen wedding
colors, so have this information handy. The cards should also
reflect the theme of the shower-for example, playful and sexy for a
lingerie
shower, or sleek and fresh for a spa day.
Alternatively, you can choose to make your own bridal shower
invitations. While this will take time, handmade invitations are a
fantastic keepsake for the bride. These cards, too, can be as
casual or as formal as you like. You can start with blank designer
invitation sets (many come in a variety of colors and special
designs, with lined or foiled envelopes). Hand-letter the
invitations in calligraphy or just print clearly. Or, save
yourself the wrist cramps and design a rubber stamp with all the
event invitation (most print shops can get these made inexpensively
if you supply them with a text document of the design).
Whatever approach you choose, be sure your bridal shower invitation
covers the basics. Make sure to include the bride's name, the time
and date of the shower, the address of the soiree, and your name
and phone number for the
RSVP's. Guests will appreciate clues on what type of gift to
bring, and knowing whether there's a registry. Get the invitations
in the mail at least two weeks prior to the shower, and assume
anyone you haven't gotten an RSVP from will be there. And enjoy
showering the bride with the same love and attention as you've put
into the event!
Learn more about how
to throw a bridal shower - or, if you're looking ahead, learn
how to make
perfect wedding invitations.
