Many people forgo the typical bridal shower and choose to go with what is called a household shower instead. Many household showers also include the groom, as well as the bride, and are also known as a couple's shower.

Shower invitations, shower invitations, shower invitations! Wedding showers are normally held about two weeks before the big occasion and should be mailed well in advance to reach guests in time so that they can save the day for the party. The date time and venue of the party including a map, if required, should be clear to make arrival easy for the guests.

Guests who are invited to the shower should be, as a rule, invited to the wedding. Since showers are essentially parties where gifts are given, some shower invitations carry the details of the registry of stores to which the bride subscribes. In today's busy world, guests find this a big help when looking for a gift that will be cherished for many years.

Shower parties today usually have a theme to make them more enjoyable and memorable to the host, the guests and the guest of honor. Popular themes for bridal showers are lingerie showers, recipe showers and pampered bride showers. A couple's shower may have themes like handyman or handywoman, or a stock the bar theme.

Whatever the topic, the shower invitations should carry a picture and details to add to the guest's anticipation of the party. When a surprise shower party is held, the invitations should definitely state the time by which the guests are expected to arrive. You may even decide to purchase custom invitations for your shower.

Many shower invitations request those who plan to attend to RSVP according to the date that is written on the card. By asking for the guests to RSVP for the shower, the hostess is better able to plan for food and drink supplies that will be needed.

It is important that your bridal shower invitations, or baby shower invitations are eye catching and make those invited excited about the upcoming event. Look over some invitation samples online and consider purchasing some special invitation paper or a kit that will help you design your own.