Choosing Wedding Shower Invitations – Your How To Guide

Forget stodgy ceremonies and stiff etiquette. Wedding showers are a fun way to help a bride prepare for married life. Whether you're planning a formal party presided over by the dignified Great-aunt Hazel or a casual soiree with a group of sorority sisters, wedding shower invitations are a great way to give fellow partiers a sneak preview of the festivities.

While choosing wedding shower invitations is not as nerve-wracking as picking wedding invitations, you still want to create a great impression for the event. Perhaps the most important part of your job will be to set the overall tone by choosing the right style of invitations.

Casual with class

Will it be a backyard barbecue that includes the guys as well as the girls? Will guest be playing games like bridal bingo? Will the bride be embarassed at least once during the shower (all in good taste, of course). Let guests know what's in store for them by sending invites that say, "We're going to have a great time."

Designs - Die-cut papers are one fun way to invite guests to the event. Invitation paper shaped like a heart or an umbrella are casual and unique attention getters. If the bride and groom will celebrate their nuptials at a dream destination, consider using an invite printed to look like a U.S. passport. Online printers who specialize in wedding invitations offer a wide variety of shower-appropriate stationery pieces.

Colors - Just say "no" to white or ivory papers in favor of bold colors or flirty patterns. Consider matching the paper to the bride's personality. Use paper textured like soft sand for a beach baby or leopard-print borders for an animal lover.

Delivery - Mailing wedding shower invitations is the tried, true, and etiquette-approved method of inviting guests. However, there are other options. More and more wedding shower planners are using email to notify guests of the upcoming event. Even the masters of manners at the Emily Post Institute give the go-ahead for sending wedding shower invitations by email--especially if the guests are wired. Remember, don't leave out non-techie guests. Send a handwritten note or personally invite them to join the festivities.

Fuss-free formal

Even if the wedding shower features elderly relatives, catered meals, and elaborate table settings, you're not locked in to ultra-fussy invites--leave that for the wedding invitations.

Designs - Formal elegance is easy if you stick to simple styles. Raised panels and colored borders can add dimension to your wedding shower invitations. Fonts with a calligraphy-style look also add a classy touch to your invites. Find the widest selection of designs from online specialists who sell wedding invitations.

Colors - Keep it simple with classic ivories, whites, or other neutrals. Dress up the wedding shower invitations by adding hints of color to the borders or fonts.

Delivery - Like wedding invitations, sending shower invites through the mail is favored by etiquette experts. While you could send electronic wedding shower invitations to save money, it will sacrifice some of the event's formality.