If you think it’s hard to make your own bridal shower invitations, think again! As a former DIY Bride and Maid of Honor, I’ve come up with an easy process to create homemade invitations that anyone can follow. (Yes, even if you are a DIY newbie.) The hardest part of the whole process is nailing down your theme. Once you’ve got that in mind, it’s a piece of bridal shower cake. So, let’s dive into crafting your own stunning invites.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for DIY Bridal Shower Invitations
Alright savvy shower planners, here’s your step-by-step guide to DIY bridal shower invitations, packed with expert tips and tricks! If you’ve already chosen your theme, skip ahead to Step 2.
Step 1: Choose Your Bridal Shower Theme
First things first, set the tone for your bridal shower by selecting a theme that reflects the bride’s personality and the season of the event. As I mentioned before, this is truly the hardest part. There are literally so many ideas to consider. Dive into Pinterest for inspiration and explore bridal shower themes and invitation designs based on a few key elements you want to incorporate.
Here is some food for thought to get you started.
Spring Bridal Shower Invitation Themes
- For the carefree kinda bride, look for elements like florals, scripted fonts, or playful motifs that resonate with the bride’s style.
- For a bride that is a bit more posh, you could incorporate an elegant twist with a theme like Petals and Prosecco.
Summer Bridal Shower Invitation Themes
- For a more laid-back bride, a picnic bridal shower could be a fun way to enjoy the season and flavors of summer.
- On the other hand, a fiesta-themed bridal shower is a great choice for a vibrant, high-energy celebration.
»» Need more inspiration? Check out these Summer Bridal Shower theme ideas.
Fall Bridal Shower Invitation Themes
- Got a farmers market, flannel-loving friend? Then a flannel and fizz-themed bridal shower will be be right up her alley!
- Planning a celebration for a more sophisticated bride-to-be? Then how about a vino and vows wine tasting themed bridal shower?
»» Want more to explore? Set the vibe with these Fall Bridal Shower Themes.
Winter Bridal Shower Invitation Themes
- For an elegant winter bridal shower celebration, consider a winter wonderland theme. This is the perfect theme for the classy bride-to-be who loves a neutral aesthetic.
- For something a bit more playful, consider a Merry and Mimosas theme. Play up the Christmastime vibes with lots of festive color and, of course, a mimosa bar.
»» Need more inspiration? Steal some ideas from these 31 Winter Party Themes.
Do you hate the idea of a theme? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered, too! Consider using the bride’s wedding colors or motifs as your guide for your bridal shower invitations and decor. You can’t go wrong by going this route, plus you’ll create a cohesive aesthetic throughout the wedding festivities.
Step 2: Design Your Bridal Shower Invitations
Once you’ve selected your bridal shower theme, or at least a general aesthetic (if you or your bride hate themes and want no part in them, LOL), you can begin designing your invitations.
»» Skip the Design Process. If you want NO PART in designing your own bridal shower invitations, check out this article to find invitation templates you can purchase and download.
OK, back to my design process. This part of the process sounds daunting, especially if you’ve never designed anything before, but don’t fret. I’ve simplified the process and included a crash course video tutorial of my favorite user-friendly design tool.
1. Start by firing up good old Pinterest and creating a board for your bridal shower planning ideas.
2. Search Pinterest for invitation examples that fit your theme. If you chose Petals and Prosecco, for example, you would search for “Petals and Prosecco Invitations.”
3. Pin every invitation design that grabs you to your board.
4. Go back to your board and use the process of elimination to narrow it down to 1-2 invitation styles you like most.
5. Create a free Canva account and watch this quick 10-minute Canva crash course.
6. Start designing! Let the invites you pinned be your inspirational guide to locate similar fonts and design elements from Canva’s extensive libraries.
PRO TIP: If there are design elements you want to use that aren’t available in the free version of Canva, you can purchase a month of the Pro version. Get your money’s worth by using that time to design ALL of the bridal shower signage before canceling.
Step 3: Finalize Your Bridal Shower Invitations
Before finalizing your bridal shower invitation, make sure you’ve included the following information:
- Bride’s name (duh)
- Shower date and time
- Location of the bridal shower
- RSVP information
- Any additional details your guests need to know
Finally, double-check the spelling and accuracy of all information.
Step 4: Gather Your Supplies
Once you have finalized your design, gather all the necessary supplies for creating your DIY bridal shower invitations. Consider cardstock or specialty paper, envelopes, embellishments (such as ribbons, lace, or stickers), adhesive, scissors, or a paper cutter, and any decorative elements you plan to include.
PRO TIP: Opt for premium paper stock to elevate the look and feel of your invitations. Matte or textured finishes add a touch of luxury, while glossy finishes provide a polished look.
Step 5: Print Your Bridal Shower Invitations
Now, onto the printing stage! Let’s discuss your options:
- Option 1: If printing at home, complete a test print before hitting print on all of your invitations. You may need to adjust some settings on your printer to get the scale right. Don’t get discouraged. Sometimes this process requires a bit of trial and error to get it just right!
- Option 2: If you’re like me and don’t trust your printer to do the job justice, consider online printing services. Cards and Pockets is a top choice known for its extensive paper selection and custom-cutting services. Platforms like Vistaprint, Zazzle, Shutterfly, and FedEx Office also provide custom printing options (be sure to look for an active promo to save!)
PRO TIP: Remember, you only need to print as many invitations as you have households, NOT the total number of invitees. Add 3-5 invitations to that number in case of mess-ups, last-minute additions, and a keepsake for the bride.
Step 6: Assemble & Address Your Invitations
After printing, assemble your invitations by trimming (if you printed at home) and combining your invite with any additional detail or RSVP cards. Address your envelopes carefully and add your postage.
For details on how to address your invitations correctly for every guest, check out The Knot’s guide to addressing bridal shower invitations.
Step 7: Mail Your Invites
Once your invites are ready to go, it’s time to spread the word! Mail your bridal shower invitations at least 4-6 weeks before the event date. This gives your guests plenty of time to mark their calendars and RSVP.
PRO TIP: Include a separate RSVP card with a pre-stamped envelope to make it easier for guests to respond. You can also set up a digital RSVP form for added convenience.
Ready to Make Your Own Bridal Shower Invitations?
By following these steps, you can make your own bridal shower invitations that are both beautiful and highly personalized. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the process of designing and crafting invitations that reflect the bride’s unique style and the joy of the occasion.
Questions or feedback about this DIY Bridal Shower Invitation tutorial? Get in touch using the contact form, or drop a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Happy crafting and planning, friend!
The Savvy Swaréy