Bridal showers are usually held between three and six weeks before the wedding, and hosted by someone in the wedding party. However, anyone who is invited to the wedding can host a bridal shower. Traditionally, only females are invited to a bridal shower. But co-ed couples' showers are becoming more and more acceptable and practiced. Only people that are invited to the wedding should be invited to the shower.
Bridal shower invitation etiquette dictates that you should plan on sending out invitations at least four weeks before the shower. One of the purposes of the gathering is to shower the bride with gifts, and guests will need time to shop.
When choosing bridal shower invitations, there are many ways to make the invite more creative and personal than ones you might pick up at a stationary store and simply fill in the blanks. A quick search of the Internet will provide you with sites that will allow you to download clip art associated with weddings such as this one, and sites that will make the entire invitation for you, and even print and send them.
Or, you can make them yourself. Blank note cards, or card stock, can be purchased at paper stores and art stores. Use rubber stamps, wax seals, confetti, glitter, paints, stencils, paper scraps, metallic pens and photos to personalize the invitations. Common themes for bridal showers (and invitations) include: garden, picnic, floral, lingerie, chocolate, tea, kitchen and recipe. If you are using a theme, make sure your invitations reflect it.
Bridal shower invitation etiquette suggests that when addressing the invitations, each guest should receive their own, even if they live in the same household. Basic elements that should be included on the invitation include: shower theme (if applicable), bride's name, when, where and host's name. Remember to enclose a phone number for guests to RSVP. Often, the invitation will also include information about which stores the bride and groom are registered with. A week before the shower, follow up with any guests you haven't heard from by phone to make sure they have received their bridal shower invitation.
