Last Updated on December 19, 2022
More than a traditional affair, bridal showers offer the bride-to-be a chance to get to know female members of her future husband’s family.
A light-hearted event, these parties are usually hosted by the maid-of-honor. Family members and friends can host the shower as well. Today, some brides-to-be host their own gatherings!
Bridal Shower vs. Bachelorette Party: What’s the Difference?
Are you a party planning rookie? Don’t fret. As a host, you have one priority in mind: make sure the guest-of-honor (i.e. the bride-to-be) feels spoiled and loved. So it’s important to make these festivities as memorable as you can.
But which party should you throw first? And is there a difference? Wedding experts say, YES. Here are the main differences:
Timing. As a rule of thumb (and to keep everyone sane), bachelorette bashes happen way before the wedding. This is because the bachelorette party was created to celebrate the remaining months of singledom. A shower on the other hand, is held closer to the wedding date.
Purpose. Bachelorette parties are for you and your closest friends! It’s to have fun, relax, and basically relish one’s remaining days before stepping into a new chapter in life. Bridal showers as per tradition, is for the anticipation of married life. Here, female guests may dish out advice or even life lessons, along with gifts and/or money.
Activities and theme. Reserve the raunchy games and décor for your bachelorette bash. Meanwhile, ensure the bridal celebration is more relaxed and cheerful. That’s why many showers are usually held as brunches, breakfasts, or tea parties. Most bachelorettes are also held at night.
It would be a good idea to talk to the bride-to-be regarding details (e.g. does she want a couple’s shower, gifts or no, party motif, preferred dates, party games, guest list, etc.), so you avoid making anyone feel awkward at the event.
Unique Bridal Shower Invitation Templates
Make sure to send invites preferably eight (8) to four (4) weeks before the occasion. If you’re running late, then at least (2) weeks beforehand. This should give guests enough time to check their schedules and prepare. You can have the bridal shower on the same day as the bachelorette party too, so long as they are on different times.
What are you waiting for? Check out these gorgeous bridal shower invitations and see which ones fit your party’s theme.
1. Greenery Wild Leaves Bridal Shower
Ideal for garden, brunch, modern, or any theme really, this invite design by Incredible Prints will make any contemporary or boho bride-to-be, happy.
Download Greenery Wild Leaves Bridal Shower
2. Bridal Shower
This pack by HmarkaShop contains the basics of what you’ll need to host a delightful pre-wedding party. From cards to labels, all that’s missing is party games.
3. Bridal Shower Invitation Card
Easily edit this bridal shower invitation by Graphicforest to accommodate any motif you have in mind.
Download Bridal Shower Invitation Card
4. Bridal Shower Invitation Template
This fully editable peach floral design card by CrazyOWL can be printed to also serve as a memento for your guests. File is compatible with Photoshop CS2, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Microsoft Word.
Download Bridal Shower Invitation Template
5. Bridal Shower Invitation SHR129
Clean, simple, but complete, this high-resolution invitation template from Shafura Wedding can be printed on decorative paper for an interesting effect.
Download Bridal Shower Invitation SHR129
6. Bridal Shower Invitation
Just like the blushing bride-to-be, the florals in this shower invitation is as fresh as a spring’s day.
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7. Dreamy Floral Bridal Shower Invite
Ashlyn Designs brings you this wistful concept that includes 2 color options. All images and free font links are incorporated.
Download Dreamy Floral Bridal Shower Invite
8. Bridal Shower Invitation SHR307
This minimalist bridal shower invite may seem plain – but it’s the perfect design for less. Plus, this gives you more freedom to print them out on specialty paper.
Download Bridal Shower Invitation SHR307
9. Bridal Shower Invitation
With dainty burgundy details and flourishing calligraphy, this card design from AQR Studio is sure to delight everyone in the guest list.
Download Bridal Shower Invitation
10. Floral Bridal Shower Card template
Who says bouquets are only for walking down the aisle? Surprise the bride-to-be with this exquisite invitation template by Cute Little Workshop.
Download Floral Bridal Shower Card template
11. Mint and Navy Bridal Shower Invite
This mint-and-navy colored invite card would be a nice addition to nautical, beach, ferry, or cruise-themed occasions.
Download Mint and Navy Bridal Shower Invite
12. Navy Rose Gold Roses Bridal Shower
Looking to soften the usual white-and-navy hue pairing? Then you will love this elegant template by DreamsClipArt that features soft peach roses in gold detailing.
Download Navy Rose Gold Roses Bridal Shower
13. Bridal Shower Invitation Isabella
Can’t decide between dark red, navy blue, or emerald green? Why not get all 3 color options when you purchase this shower invitation! Brought to you by Print The Love Boutique.
Download Bridal Shower Invitation Isabella
14. Floral Bridal Shower Invitation
Planning pre-wedding parties stressing you out? Let this beautiful floral template by Retrographix help you. Compatible with Photoshop and MS Word.
Download Floral Bridal Shower Invitation
15. Bridal Shower Invitation IV001
Draca Design Co brings you this chic digital template that will make bridal shower planning a breeze. Simply fill in with your own info, save, and hit send!
Download Bridal Shower Invitation IV001
16. Dreamcatcher Invitation Template 16
This lovely shower invite from AnemonePaperie boasts of hand-painted watercolor illustrations that will brighten any boho, artsy, or unconventional bridal bash. ‘Thank You’ cards included.
Download Dreamcatcher Invitation Template 16
17. Night Out Bridal Shower Invitation
Vibrant, playful, and definitely unique, this spirited card design by Werlang Paper is available in 2 color variants.
Download Night Out Bridal Shower Invitation
18. Bridal Brunch Invitation
Gorgeous flowers will greet your guests when they see this pretty template. It’s easy to edit and personalize, regardless of your chosen party motif.
Download Bridal Brunch Invitation
19. Gold Floral Bridal Shower Invitation
Maggie Molloy proudly presents this stylish and modern bridal shower invitation featuring hand-drawn doodles and gold foliage. Available in 3 different colour variations: blush, white, and charcoal. (Please consult printing services if you want actual gold foil embossing effects.)
Download Gold Floral Bridal Shower Invitation
20. Bridal Shower Invitation
This vertical style template contains a large monogram with floral details that’s sure to impress the bride-to-be!
Download Bridal Shower Invitation
21. Floral Bridal Shower Invite
Whether it’s a day or night affair, this fully editable card design from Pixejoo will be a welcome addition to your pre-party plans. The set comes in 2 color options: white-and-gold or navy-and-gold.
Download Floral Bridal Shower Invite
22. Pink Watercolor Bridal Shower
The pink watercolour background of this invitation template by Annago perfectly complements the gold typography details – similar to a bride’s blushing cheeks! Compatible with Photoshop CS3 or higher.
Download Pink Watercolor Bridal Shower