Designing Wedding Shower Invitations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Bridal shower invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process, and there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when creating them. Firstly, it's essential to send out invitations four to eight weeks in advance to give guests enough notice. While printed invitations are typically preferred, email invitations can also be appropriate for more informal gatherings or when only close friends are invited. The design of the invitation should reflect the theme and style of the bridal shower, whether it's a bohemian-themed celebration or a sophisticated brunch. Be sure to include crucial details such as the guest of honour's name, date, time, location, and RSVP information. Adding registry information is also a thoughtful touch. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create beautiful and effective bridal shower invitations that set the tone for this special pre-wedding event.

What to include on the invitations: guest of honour, date, time, location, RSVP details, host, and registry information

When creating wedding shower invitations, it is essential to include several key details so that guests know what to expect. Here is a list of what to include in the invitations:

Guest of Honour

The guest of honour's name should be included in the invitation. If it is a bridal shower, only the bride's name should be included unless it is a co-ed shower, in which case, the bride's partner's name should also be added.

Date, Time, and Location

The date, time, and location are crucial details that need to be clearly stated in the invitation. It is recommended to spell out the month instead of using numerals (e.g., November 6, 2017, instead of 11-06-17) to avoid confusion. Including the full address of the venue is also essential to prevent guests from getting lost.

RSVP Details

It is important to include RSVP details, such as the date by which guests should respond, the name of the person to contact, and their phone number or email address. This information helps the host plan for the appropriate amount of food and drinks.

Host

Including the name of the host or hosts is proper etiquette. This lets guests know who is throwing the party and whom they can contact if they have any questions.

Registry Information

As the purpose of a bridal shower is to shower the bride with gifts, it is essential to include registry information. This can be done by providing the URL of the couple's wedding website or listing the names of the stores where the couple is registered.

When to send them out: six to eight weeks before the event

When it comes to sending out wedding shower invitations, timing is crucial. It is generally recommended that invitations be sent out six to eight weeks before the event. This timeframe allows guests to make travel arrangements if the bridal shower is in a different city or state. It also enables them to plan their schedules and make any necessary preparations.

For example, if you are planning a bridal shower for the beginning of November, sending out invitations in mid-to-late September is ideal. This gives your guests ample time to RSVP and make the necessary arrangements without feeling rushed.

However, it is important to strike a balance. Sending out invitations too early may cause the event to be forgotten, while sending them out too late may result in scheduling conflicts for your guests. Therefore, sticking to the six-to-eight-week timeframe is a safe bet.

Additionally, if the bridal shower is a more intimate affair with only a few guests, you may be able to send the invitations out a bit later, but it is always advisable to provide guests with ample notice so they can plan accordingly.

How to send them: paper invitations are best, but email is okay for bridesmaids hosting a shower for close friends only

When it comes to sending out wedding shower invitations, it is generally best to opt for paper invitations. They are more formal and allow guests to keep a memento of the occasion. However, there are instances when email invitations are acceptable. For example, if bridesmaids are hosting a shower exclusively for the bride's close friends, then email invitations are suitable.

If you choose to send paper invitations, there are several online services that offer customisable templates, such as Basic Invite, Paperless Post, Zazzle, Minted, and Paper Source. These services allow you to personalise your invitations with various colours, fonts, backdrops, envelope colours, and stamps. You can also include additional information and details, such as gift registry links, photo galleries, and accommodation options.

On the other hand, if you decide to send email invitations, Paperless Post is a good option as it allows you to edit, arrange registry and travel details, and track RSVPs all in one card. You can send invitations via text, email, or a shareable link, making it convenient for your guests.

Regardless of the format, it is important to include essential details such as the guest of honour's name, date, time, location, RSVP information, host's name and contact information, and any special instructions.

Wording ideas: traditional, modern, funny, or themed

The wording of your wedding shower invitations should reflect the tone of your event. Whether you're looking for traditional, modern, funny, or themed wording, here are some ideas to get you started:

Traditional Wording:

"Please join us for a bridal shower honouring [name of bride]."

"Help us shower [name of bride] with love."

"Come celebrate [name of bride] before she ties the knot."

Modern Wording:

"A toast to the soon-to-be Mrs."

"Let's help this Miss become a Mrs."

"Pop! Fizz! Clink! Twirl! Help us celebrate our favourite girl!"

Funny Wording:

"Guess what? Our girl finally got a ring (it took her long enough!). Come help us celebrate."

"Free booze and food! Come celebrate [name of bride] with us."

"You doughnut want to miss this."

Themed Wording:

If you're having a tea party: "You're cordially invited to [name of bride]'s bridal shower tea party. Wear your finest attire to toast to the bride."

If you're having a country-themed shower: "Boots, brunch, and bubbly. Let's have a shower [name of bride] is sure to remember."

If you're having a festival-themed shower: "Bride-fest, with special guest, [guest of honour]."

No matter which wording you choose, be sure to include all the essential details such as the name of the bride, the date, time, venue, dress code, host's name, and RSVP information.

Where to buy them: Paperless Post, Zazzle, Minted, Etsy, Shutterfly, and Papier all offer options

When it comes to buying wedding shower invitations, there are several online retailers to choose from, each offering its own unique selection of designs and customisation options. Here is a detailed breakdown of some of the popular options:

Paperless Post

Paperless Post offers a wide range of online wedding shower invitation designs, from elegant and classic to modern and minimalist. Their invitations are affordable, easy to customise, and beautiful. You can add your own personal touch by choosing from various colours, font styles, and elements like backdrops, envelope colours, and stamps. They also allow you to include registry links, directions, and track RSVPs seamlessly. Paperless Post has partnered with Paper Source to provide paper versions of their digital designs, giving you the option of printed invitations as well.

Zazzle

Zazzle offers a vast selection of bridal shower invitations with various themes, including floral, tropical, and brunch-themed designs. They often have sitewide sales and discounts, making their invitations a budget-friendly option. Zazzle also provides free shipping with their Zazzle Plus membership. Their invitations are fully customisable, allowing you to choose from different paper types, thicknesses, and corner cuts to create a unique and personalised invitation.

Minted

Minted is another popular choice for bridal shower invitations, offering a range of colourful and fun designs. Their Mimosa Brunch Bridal Shower Invitation is perfect for a boozy bridal brunch, while their Sorbet Bridal Invitation features a wash of ombre colour that can be customised to fit your bash's theme. Minted also offers add-ons like matching thank-you cards and favour tags, making them a one-stop shop for all your bridal shower needs.

Etsy

Etsy is a great option if you're looking for unique and creative bridal shower invitations. They offer a wide range of digital download invitations that you can edit and print at home, such as the Wildflower Bridal Shower Invitation by Emily Lane Paperie and the Desert Boho Bridal Shower Invitation Template by Niki Press Designs. Etsy sellers often provide matching details like signs, table numbers, and thank-you notes, ensuring a cohesive look for your bridal shower.

Shutterfly

Shutterfly offers bridal shower invitations with lots of customisation options. You can select from a range of design colours, trimming, paper types, and envelopes to create a one-of-a-kind invitation. They also allow you to add a personal photo of the bride or couple, making the invitation even more special. Shutterfly's invitations are affordable, with some options starting at just $2.

Papier

Papier offers elegant and simple bridal shower invitations, such as their Wild Flowers Bridal Shower Invitation, which features a beautiful bouquet of blooms on textured paper. Their invitations are printed on 5 x 7-inch paper and typically come in sets of 10. Papier's invitations are an excellent choice for a spring shower or a floral-themed event.

Frequently asked questions