Make Your Own Bridal Shower Invitations

The bridal shower is a custom dating back to the late 1800s and is held in celebration of an upcoming wedding. Usually, the shower is hosted by the maid or matron of honor at her home, the bride-to-be's home or another location such as a dining hall. Gifts are given, games are played, food is served and the bride gets special time to bond with her friends and family. Traditionally, bridal showers are attended by women only, usually the maid/matron of honor, bridesmaids and perhaps other close female friends. When planning a shower, one of the first things you need are bridal shower invitations.

When sending out the bridal shower invitations, mail them about a month before the event. Request that invitees RSVP within two weeks of the event so you can better plan things like the menu, party favors, etc. Selecting invitations can be done from a stationery store, there are plenty of them both on and offline. Wedding catalogs and supply stores also sell bridal shower invites. You can also make your own, with stationery computer software or by hand. Making the invitations yourself is more special than simply ordering pre-made cards.

There are plenty of computer software programs that allow you to make stationery of all kinds. When printing, use a heavy card stock. Usually with these programs you can choose a graphic from the selection that comes with the program or upload your own. If you know the wedding colors and/or theme, tie that into your invitation design. Even if you don't, you can make a color scheme and/or theme for the shower. For example you could do a beach theme or choose invitations and decorations featuring the bride's favorite color. These are just a couple of ideas to consider.

The bridal shower invitations should contain important information such as who the shower is for, when and where it is to be held, the RSVP deadline, any theme information and where the bride is registered for gifts. This makes it easy for guests to choose the perfect present for the guest of honor. You should know when writing the invitations and choosing the guest list that these days some showers include the groom and his friends also. Whether or not you want this type of shower is up to you as the hostess. You might even want to ask the bride her preference before making a decision.

Bridal shower invitations should reflect the theme of the shower, what you feel are the preferences of the bride and contain the information guests need to RSVP and attend. The shower itself should be organized with games and prizes, party favors, a casual menu and a cake. Usually there is also a bridesmaids' luncheon where the bride-to-be gathers with her bridesmaids and gives each of them a small gift, such as an inexpensive jewelry item or other trinket.