Send Shower Invitations to Attend Something Different
My best friend and her husband are expecting their first child this winter. I offered to throw them a baby shower. They were a little wary at first. They are pretty non traditional and did not want to obligate people to buy them a lot of stuff. “So, you just send out baby shower invitations and people have to buy you things?” They asked. Given that I myself am an outspoken opponent of any shower that makes people feel obligated to buy something, I saw their point and wanted to come up with something different. I also know that baby showers represent something altogether more fulfilling emotionally than the average greedy bridal shower. A lot of brides and grooms are waiting until later in life to get married. They have jobs and are usually combining the belongings of two households when they get hitched. Unlike when the bridal shower was first created, many couples do not need assistance with the basic things needed for a house. Guests receiving bridal shower invitations should be asked to help celebrate, not reach into their pocketbooks. Friends and family will always want to give gifts anyway, but you want them to feel unencumbered and inspired when doing so.
My friends who were against the idea of a baby shower were afraid of those same bridal shower expectations. I told them that sending out baby shower invitations would evoke joy and a desire to help celebrate in their friends and family. For couples who have never had children, the things that you need for a baby are not things you have on hand, no matter what your socio economic status. Being pregnant with your first baby, can make you run and hide with confusion over how to prepare. Having a baby shower allows people who know what they are doing to lend a hand and give you some things they think will be special or helpful. The only thing that kept our first baby sleeping happily at night was a sleep sack, yet we would have never even tried such a thing if someone had not given it to us as a shower gift. A good number of other guests who will be sent shower invitations may not know the first thing about being pregnant or bringing a baby home. You have now given them an excuse to buy something adorably printed with little doggies from Baby Gap.
We decided to go with a theme that made my friends feel like they were not setting an expectation of lots of gifts. I sent out shower invitations for a “Wisdom and Wives Tales” party. Attendees were to bring a baby proofing item and a supply (diapers, wipes, baby thermometer). I also asked the people who were given shower invitations for the best piece of knowledge they received before they had a baby, and the most ridiculous thing masquerading as advice they had received. I took all the tidbits, had them professionally printed and bound, and gave them to the expectant couple. The books were a big hit and my friends adored that everyone shared such helpful information and entertaining tales. And they were very grateful for all the practical items and supplies that will make their life easier when the baby comes home. The shower invitations did not leave anyone with an obligation to purchase anything beyond the theme. I think all the guests, however, happily brought additional baby gifts. But all the guests loved being asked to be helpful and contribute something. And that is what it is all about.
May 6th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
This checklist should make the process go more smoothly for you.
First, where should you get the invitations? Going to stores in malls or in the town center means driving between stores, trying to attract the attention of busy clerks, and flipping through piles of books to find the one design you love. Online stores are open all the time, right on your laptop, and their catalogs offer search options that brick and mortar stores’ books can only dream of having. Tools like Google Shopping make comparing prices even easier. Online stores’ convenience and the lower cost of their invitations more than make up for any shipping fees.
May 12th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
After you are done with all the details and have prepared everything line a good general, now comes the part where you invite people. Now, why leave the invitation for last, you might ask? Well, for practicality’s sake you would not want the hassle of calling everyone and then resend another invitation should you have to move the date to another day. Also, of course you want a successful party where everything is perfect, right? And this includes the invitation. Therefore for it to match your perfect party, it would be better to have the invitation last. Supposing you suddenly changed your mind and decided to give a theme bridal shower invitation.
May 19th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Today, people know that bridal shower invitations, similar with the wedding invitations, must complement the style of the bridal shower. If the bridal shower is traditional, then they must have the traditional bridal shower invitation. Then there are some hosts who want to give theme bridal shower. In this case, they must also show the theme in the bridal shower invitations. For these invitations we do not have one general rule to follow.
May 24th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
This blog is rockin.
May 27th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
I will visit this site again. I want to thank you for posting this.
June 7th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
They showered the couple with the things they would need to start their new life together. The community did not need to receive bridal shower invitations to know to bring them a toaster; they were all just moved to help. Others say the United States was the birthplace of the shower. An American newspaper article from 1904 implies that the word “shower” originates from a Victorian era practice of putting gifts in a parasol. Regardless of where the custom began, the purpose was to compensate for an absent trousseau (hope chest) or dowry.
June 12th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Bridal shower invitations are the invitations that are sent by the bride & groom or engaged couple on their ceremony. They are designed in accordance to the type of the occasion you want to arrange like if you want an afternoon tea then its style and design will be different as compare to a bridal shower invitation of barbecue theme. There are a number of themes and designs which are used for designing the bridal invitations. The two broad categories in which most of the designers classify their invitation designs are traditional and modern cards.
You should also consider that how will you present it and presentation includes both the appearance and the delivery of invitation.
June 22nd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
When you have finished, pick out a shipping speed option. Sooner is always better because extra time cushions you against the worry of losing invitations in the mail. If you are concerned that the party details will change between when you order the invitations and when the guests receive them, put together a party page online and add the URL to the invitations.
When you are done, click the order button and wait a few days. Most online stores print bridal shower invitations extremely quickly, so you can often have your invitations within the week.
June 28th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Helpful post.
July 10th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Great information.
July 14th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Like the blog. Keep the great information coming.
July 15th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Awesome post dude.
July 19th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
And, having decided that you are going to opt for a special invitation with which to request your guest’s presence, it is time to go shopping! The market in abound with a variety of bridal shower invitation products and ideas. And these are not going to burn a hole in your pocket either!
As can be expected, composing the invitation prose is a daunting task. You want the invitation text to convey just the right message with regard to the theme of your party, if any, and use an appropriate style and tone. For the more conventional types, a poetic invitation works, while the fashionable ones may opt for the latest in thing in invitation designs. As a rule, the invitation text carries to the guest the type of party it is going to be, in keeping with the bride’s preferences.
July 30th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Great day dude.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:03 pm
My kind of post.
August 30th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Great stuff. Found you blog great.
August 31st, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Great post. I will bookmark this page.
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:20 pm
The father of the woman did not approve and expressed it by not offering a dowry. The couple was determined to marry anyway. All the people who had previously been helped by the miller decided to return the favor. The couple was showered by gifts. The couple did not, of course, send out bridal shower invitations.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Check that the name of the location is spelled correctly and that the address is accurate. Attach some directions if you know the address is confusing or does not make sense when you mapquest it. Make sure to tell people to reply as to whether they will be able to attend or not. There are always guests who will attend without replying, and those will not attend but never tell you. Such ambiguities can wreak havoc on your food, drink and activities preparation.
September 11th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
the Bridal Shower invitation.
Bridal shower invitations are the first window of declaration of the party to follow. Bridal shower invitations tell your guests who you are and what you represent. There are several international companies that focus on producing customized bridal shower invitations. All kinds of preferences are catered for.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
If you are going to handwrite the invitation message, a set of specialty calligraphy pens will be invaluable. If your handwriting is not invitation worthy, you can rely on stencils for the message portion of your invitation. There are people who will provide their fancy handwriting for your bridal shower invitations for a small fee. Lastly, whatever the design, people love accessories on their invitations. If you are doing something completely out of the box, you probably already have the frills covered.
October 4th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Love this post. Bring more posts.
October 7th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
This was a great post. I found this helpful.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
This was helpful stuff.
October 26th, 2009 at 2:12 am
Anyone who is looking to design bridal shower invitations will naturally want them to be as to be as unique and as beautiful as possible. Now that is often easier said than done. It can be quite a challenge do so however, especially if you have never put together your own bridal shower invitations before, but with the tips that we have outlined in this article, you can put together bridal shower invitations that your guests will remember for a long, long time to come.
When deciding on how to come up with bridal shower invitations, you have two options available to you. You can either hire the services of a professional designer, or you can opt to do the job yourself.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:13 am
Of course you want your invitation to have the same theme and to inform your guests properly. In other words, if you still have not sent out the invitation, you can still make as many changes as your want with the party.
The first thing that you should do before you write on the invitation is to make a list of the people who will be invited. You do this by asking the bride for the list, so you can make sure you have not left someone out. Then with the list on your hand, go over it with the bride so you can make sure that these people would also be invited in the wedding.
November 1st, 2009 at 3:21 am
Keep it coming. great info.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:38 am
Bridal shower invitations can be customized, and this means a great way to showcase your personality. The market abounds with DIY kits, that come with customizable folio pocket folds, jackets and even exclusive mix and match color envelopes along with printed invitation pieces all of which can be ordered a la carte! You can even buy plain cards and write your own prose. Pique the interest of your guests with a striking custom made invitation in keeping with the theme of your party, while still retaining your individuality. Experiment as you please, and you are bound to find the bridal shower invitation that will be an appropriate precursor to the grand event, the wedding itself. Shopping online also allows you to view previews or order sample packages, so there are no surprises later.
November 15th, 2009 at 3:40 am
Awesome. Blog was awesome.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:44 am
A simple design would be a good chose for a planner with a low budget and a long list of invitees. What is the theme of the shower going to be? The theme you decide on will help you pick the type of invitations you will need. If the shower is going to be a different theme than the wedding, you will need to take that into consideration. The theme of the shower and the design of the invitations should go hand and hand when planning the shower. If the shower is a formal event then the best design choice would be fancy elegant invitations.
December 5th, 2009 at 3:48 am
Very great. Helpful info.
December 11th, 2009 at 3:51 am
I liked reading this post. Really cool.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:53 am
What began in the late 1800s, has continued to flourish into the 2000s. It appears that the United States and Canada are the main celebrators of the bridal shower. And here is where I believe the shower has taken a turn for the materialistic worse. If the purpose of the bridal shower is to compensate for the basic things a bride and groom need to start a home, then most couples today do not need much additional assistance. Yes, in some cases, the bride and groom are fresh out of high school or college and do not have basic things.
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:47 am
Generally if a number of outstation guests are expected wedding shower invitations are sent for a time close to the wedding so they can attend as well. The number of wedding shower invitations sent and the relatives who should be invited is subjective and is decided by the couple or the host.
Primarily to begin inviting people, a guest list is required which can be arranged from the bride or her mother if it is a surprise. Another important factor is that only people invited to the wedding should be invited to the bridal shower as otherwise the bride might get into an awkward situation. An invite should be sent around 4 weeks before the shower, thus there is enough time to keep calendar empty and it is not so far off that someone would forget accidentally.
January 7th, 2010 at 5:06 am
That being said, there have been instances wherein bridal shower invitations were designed in a playful or casual tone, which mirrors the personalities of the bride and groom. In cases wherein the bridal shower is to be held for only a small group of friends and family, a more casual approach may be just the right thing. The important thing is to make sure that your bridal shower invitations are appropriate to the setting, your event, and your guests.
As for the information that will be written on the bridal shower invitations, you can be as short and to the point or as wordy as you like. Keep in mind however that at the every least, you should provide information about when and where the event is being held, the names of the bride and the groom, their parents and of course the theme of the bridal shower.
January 9th, 2010 at 5:08 am
More often than not, a bridal shower is based upon a particular theme which is reflected in the decor, the food and everything in between. Bridal showers are usually afternoon tea on the weekend wherein the guests are dressed up and is as though it is a wedding rehearsal by itself. It is taken that the bridal shower and everything about it reflects the personality of the bride, therefore it also goes a long way in showing how well the person managing the even knows the bride.
As for the perfect timing to send out the invitations, this can be tricky because if you send invitations out too late, your guests might already have other plans, while if you send them out too far in advance, you run the risk of guests forgetting about the Shower altogether. Two to three weeks prior to the bridal shower is the apt time to send out invitations.
January 20th, 2010 at 5:56 am
So what kind of invitation is right for you? Well that really depends on your personal preferences, the theme of your bridal shower if any, and of course the guest list. You would certainly want the theme as also the invitation to communicate your style as well as respect the preferences of the invitees.
For instance, a funky crowd might be delighted by a lingerie bridal shower, while a more moderate audience may be scandalized by such a bold party invite! Therefore, selecting the theme is vital to choosing the appropriate bridal shower invitation.
The wide assortment of invitation styles and the range of paper, print and text options will ensure that you find the perfect fit for your bridal shower. A neat and graceful bridal shower invitation will reflect an urbane upbringing, while a modish hand made design will work wonders for the modern crowd.
January 25th, 2010 at 6:17 am
Great info.