How to Design a Bachelorette Invitation

If you have volunteered or been chosen to organize a bachelorette party, you probably already know it's going to be a lot of work---and a lot of fun! After deciding on the guest list, theme, location and activities, it's time to invite your guests. While a telephone or email invitation can work fine for this informal gathering, a printed, mailed invitation makes the event even more special and provides an additional keepsake for the bride and her guests. Best of all, making your own invitations is easy and fun! Follow these basic steps to create a bachelorette party invitation you and your friend will love. Add your own creative touches, or if you are not artistically inclined ask an artsy friend to pitch in with ideas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper Computer and printer for electronically designed card Pictures, decorative paper, markers, scissors and glue for handmade card Envelopes

Make your own Bachelorette Party Invitations

1. Confirm the event details with the bride or other party planners. You'll want to put this information in your invitation:
   - Time and date
   - Place
   - RSVP or contact info (email address or phone number for the organizer or organizers)
   - Theme (if any)
   - Dress code (if any)
   - Special requests
   Depending on the party's theme and activities, it is acceptable for the organizer to ask for a donation from the guests to cover the costs (especially if the activity includes something costly, such as a performance or a spa treatment). You can communicate the requested donation on the invitation or discuss it personally with the guests during the party-planning stage. Use your best judgment as to what makes sense for your group of friends.

2. Decide on the size of the card. Two sizes that are easy to produce and find envelopes for are:
   - 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches (a sheet of letter-size paper folded in half)
   - 4.25 inches by 5.5 inches (either half of a sheet of letter-size paper that's then folded in half, or a sheet of letter-size paper folded in fourths)

3. Choose the paper. Card stock or a heavier-weight paper is traditional for invitations; choose one that will work with your laser printer if you are printing the invitations from your computer. Regular writing paper is more economical but can feel flimsy; it works best folded in fourths (creating a 4.25 inches by 5.5 inches invitation), as the extra fold gives it a more invitationlike weight.

4. Fold a blank piece of paper to create a mock-up of your invitation. On this blank card, pencil in where each piece of information will be placed. Here are some suggestions:
   - Front cover: Bride's name, name of event and date. Include the theme if there is one.
   - Inside left: Leave this blank, or use the space for additional information---an explanation of the theme, the dress code and whether guests should bring anything special. A fun poem or joke about the occasion could also go here.
   - Inside right: Event details. Repeat the name of the event and the date and time. Give the location, including the specific street address, and the phone number and/or email address for the RSVP.
   - Back cover: Leave this blank, though you can add a map to the party location here if necessary.

5. If you'd like to design your invitation electronically, use a computer program such as Microsoft Word (or a more complex design program if you're comfortable with one). Invitation templates are available that allow you to type in your information and lay out the page, and many allow you to add graphics or photos. If the number of guests is low, you can print the invitations out on your own printer; if there are more than 20 guests or you don't have a printer, have a copy or print shop do it for you. Either save the invitation as a PDF on a portable drive or print out one copy. Take the PDF or printed copy to your local print shop and get as many copies or printouts as you need. Some print shops will fold and finish the invitations for an extra charge.

6. If you don't have a computer, or if you prefer the personal touch of handmade invitations, create your own. Here are few methods to consider:
   - Collage, including photocopied photos of the bride, decorative paper trim or bits of ribbon
   - Rubber stamps (great for making a large number of invitations)
   - A drawing or cartoon, photocopied and pasted onto the card
   The range of ideas is only limited by your creativity. Whatever method you choose, be sure to include the important event information in clear, easy-to-read handwriting or type. Make as many copies as you need by hand, or make one perfect master and make copies of it on your own copier or at a print shop.

7. Choose an envelope as close to the size of your card as possible. Address the envelopes, stamp them and mail them in plenty of time so that your guests will be sure to save the date.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, this party is all about the bride. Personal touches will make the invitation more fun. Incorporate photos of the bride and groom, use her favorite colors and include images of her hobbies or favorite movies or TV shows, and don't be afraid of playing on any friendly "in" jokes. If the bachelorette party has a theme, work it into the design of the invitation. This will pique the guests' interest and give them a chance to think of special ways to add to the celebration.
• While bachelorette parties are often silly and risque affairs, it's best to be conservative when it comes to imagery and wording for the invitation; you want to avoid the risk that you'll embarrass or offend someone. Use your judgment and your knowledge of the bride's and her friends' personalities.

Resources

• Bachelorette Parties: The Basics