Printing Wedding Shower Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but stressful time. One way to save time and money is to print your own wedding shower invitations. You can choose from a variety of customizable templates online, or design your own from scratch. You can add personal touches, such as photographs, custom messages, and illustrations. You can also choose from a range of printing options, such as gloss finish, backside printing, and rounded corners. Once you're happy with the design, you can print your invitations at home or use an online printing service.

Choosing a theme

• Reflect the bride's personality and interests: Select a theme that aligns with the bride's hobbies, favourite things, or unique aspects of their personality. For example, if she loves wine, consider a wine-tasting theme, or if she's into crafts, a craft-themed shower can be a lot of fun.
• Consider a unique twist on traditional themes: Take a traditional theme, such as a bridal brunch or tea party, and add a unique twist. For instance, a boozy bridal brunch with mimosas and croissants or a fairy tale-themed tea party with guests wearing fascinators.
• Think about the level of formality: Decide on the level of formality you want for the event. This will influence not only your choice of theme but also the invitation wording and dress code. Options range from casual to cocktail or even formal attire.
• Involve the couple's interests: If you're hosting a couple's wedding shower, incorporate both the bride and groom's interests. For example, a stock-the-bar theme where guests bring their favourite spirits for the couple, or a kitchen-themed shower where guests bring appliances and supplies.
• Choose a colour-themed shower: From "something blue" showers to pretty-in-pink events, colour themes add a delightful touch. Ask guests to wear specific colours or incorporate them into their gifts.
• Go beyond the traditional shower: If the bride prefers pools to showers, a pool party bridal shower can be a fun twist. Or, if you're feeling festive, a fiesta-themed shower with a taco bar, margaritas, and flan can be a vibrant and fun option.
• Don't forget the details: Once you've chosen a theme, remember to include all the essential details on your invitations, such as the date, time, location, host's name, and any special instructions for guests, like dress code or gift suggestions.

Selecting a template

Know Your Options

Before settling on a template, explore the various options available to you. Websites like Canva, Greetings Island, Etsy, and Basic Invite offer a wide range of wedding shower invitation templates. Browse through their collections to get a sense of the different styles, themes, and customisation options available.

Consider the Theme

Think about the theme of the wedding shower and try to find a template that complements it. For example, if you're planning a lingerie-themed bridal shower, you might choose a template with elegant lace patterns or illustrations of lingerie. If it's a fiesta-themed celebration, look for templates with bold patterns, vibrant colours, and playful illustrations.

Reflect the Couple's Personality

The wedding shower invitation should also reflect the personality and interests of the couple, especially the bride. Consider incorporating their favourite colours, songs, books, or even destinations into the design. For instance, if the couple loves the beach, a beach-themed or tropical invitation template might be perfect.

Match the Wedding Theme

If you want a seamless look, you can also choose a template that matches the theme and colour scheme of the actual wedding. This is a great way to build anticipation and excitement for the big day, especially if the wedding has a unique or specific theme.

Customisation Options

When selecting a template, pay attention to the customisation options available. Look for templates that allow you to edit text, change fonts, add photos, and adjust colours to create a truly personalised invitation. Some websites offer free customisation, while others may charge a small fee for certain premium features or fonts.

Print and Digital Options

Finally, consider how you want to send the invitations. Some websites allow you to download the designed invitation as a PDF or image file, which you can then print at home or send to a print shop. Others may offer the option to send invitations digitally, directly from their platform, with full event management capabilities, including RSVP and registry information.

Adding photos and text

Choosing Photos:

• Select photos that reflect the theme of the wedding shower. For example, if you're having a lingerie-themed bridal shower, you can add photos of elegant lace patterns or stylish illustrations of lingerie.
• Consider including engagement photos or other romantic snapshots that showcase the happy couple. This is a wonderful way to make the invitations more personal and meaningful.
• If you don't have suitable photos of your own, you can use stock images, illustrations, or graphics. These can be found on websites like Canva, which offers a library of over 1 million options, some priced at just $1 each.

Adding Text:

• Include essential information such as the name of the bride-to-be, the date, time, and location of the bridal shower, the name(s) of the host(s), and RSVP details.
• Get creative with your wording! While maintaining a simple and warm tone, feel free to add a fun poem or a funny line that reflects your personality.
• Ensure that your text is easy to read and that important details stand out. You can play around with different fonts, sizes, and colours to create a visually appealing design.
• If you're using editable templates, take advantage of the customisation options to personalise the text. You can change the font, adjust the wording, and even add your own photos to make the invitations truly yours.

Remember, adding photos and text to your wedding shower invitations is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and set the tone for this joyous occasion. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with the design process!

Printing options

There are several options for printing wedding shower invitations. You can choose to print them at home, use an online printing service, or opt for a more traditional printing method such as letterpress or foil stamping. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for each option:

• Home Printing: This option offers flexibility and convenience, especially if you're working with a tight timeline. You can easily customise your invitations using editable templates from sites like Etsy. After customising your design, simply download it as a PDF and print it at home. This option allows you to control the printing timeline and make last-minute changes. However, keep in mind that the printing quality may depend on your printer and paper choices.
• Online Printing Services: Online platforms like Canva offer an extensive selection of bridal shower invitation templates. You can customise your design by adding text, uploading photos, and exploring their library of graphics. After finalising your design, you can share it digitally or opt for their high-quality print service, Canva Print. This option is budget-friendly and user-friendly, even for those without graphic design experience.
• Professional Printing Services: Companies like Staples offer custom invitation printing services. They provide various design options, including photo- and illustration-based cards with gloss finish and backside printing. You can choose from different sizes and select add-ons like rounded corners and envelopes. Same-day printing is available for orders placed before noon, with delivery within five to seven business days.
• Letterpress Printing: Letterpress printing creates a unique, elegant impression on the paper. This traditional printing method uses a relief plate to press the design into the paper, resulting in a tactile and visually appealing invitation. Letterpress invitations are often more expensive but can add a touch of luxury to your wedding shower invitations.
• Foil Stamping: Foil stamping is a process where foil is applied to the paper using a metal die, resulting in a shiny, metallic finish. This technique is perfect for adding a luxurious and elegant touch to your invitations. You can choose from various foil colours, such as gold, silver, or rose gold, to match your wedding theme. Foil stamping is typically more costly than standard printing, but it creates a sophisticated and memorable invitation.

Sending the invitations

Finalize the Guest List

Before sending out invitations, it is crucial to finalize the guest list. Consult with the bride and other members of the bridal party to ensure that no one is missed. It is also important to consider the budget and venue capacity when determining the number of guests. Traditionally, the bridal shower guest list includes close female family members, friends, and female members of the wedding party.

Timing is Key

Bridal shower invitations should typically be sent out six to eight weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to make necessary arrangements and RSVP. However, if you are planning a more intimate gathering, you may send the invitations out closer to the event date, but it is still recommended to give guests ample notice.

Include All the Necessary Information

When creating your invitations, ensure that you include all the essential details. The invitations should mention the name of the bride-to-be, the date, time, and location of the bridal shower, as well as the name(s) of the host(s) and their contact information for RSVPs. Don't forget to include any special instructions, such as dress code or contribution requests.

Choose a Design That Fits the Bride's Style

Select a design that aligns with the bride's personality and taste. Consider her favourite colours, themes, and any specific requests she may have. If she has a particular style in mind, such as rustic, bohemian, or elegant, try to incorporate that into the invitation design. You can also add a creative twist with editable templates, custom photographs, and personalized messages.

Consult the Bride

While traditionally, the maid of honour or host chooses the invitations, it is beneficial to involve the bride in the process. Consult with her on the style, design, and wording of the invitation to ensure it reflects her preferences and the wedding theme. This will help ensure that the bridal party is on the same page and that the bridal shower is tailored to the bride's tastes.

Printing and Sharing Options

Once you have designed your invitations, you can opt for high-quality prints or share them digitally. Many websites offer customizable templates that you can download as images or PDFs and then print at home or through a printing service. Alternatively, you can share your invitations via email or social media platforms.

Frequently asked questions