Planning a shower is typically a time-honored wedding tradition but that doesn't mean the bridal shower invitations have to look traditional. Today, more than ever, there are so many fun designs from which to choose. Many styles go beyond the basics of providing guests with all the party details by also proclaiming a specific theme for the event.

In addition to the typical wedding motifs, there are bridal shower invitations to match special themes including...

• Kitchen Shower
• Tea Party
• Garden Luncheon
• Lingerie Shower
• Cocktail Party

For a personal touch, choose a style with an attached card for sharing a recipe, wedding wishes or marriage advice with the bride. If not included in the design, you can simply insert one of these special cards with the shower invitation asking the guests to fill out and bring with them to the party. When including a recipe card, you could even begin stocking the bride's pantry by asking guests to bring with them one ingredient used in the recipe.

When it comes to the specifics on the bridal shower invitations, included should be the bride's name, day, date and time of shower, who is hosting, as well as the name and location of the party. If the shower is being planned as a surprise to the bride, this needs to be conveyed on the invitation so guests are prepared.

It might be a good idea to know how many guests will be attending and there are a couple of choices for gathering that number. Some invitation designs may have a matching response card with return envelope you can purchase and include for guests to mail back. Having an RSVP phone number printed directly at the bottom of the shower invitation is another option.

Placing a return address on the envelopes will ensure that the Post Office can return any undeliverable invitations. This could be as simple as adding a return address label or paying a small fee to have it printed on the envelope when you order the bridal shower invitations.

If the shower is going to be for the couple and not just the bride, be sure both the invitation design and wording are appropriate.