The invitation is often the first notice your guests will receive about your event. You can create invitations from all kinds of materials, but remember, this is your chance to express yourself, and most of all, have some fun!

If you are planning to mail invitations, any blank card or specialty paper can become an invitation by simply printing a page from your computer. Use the wording below as a guide, but remember to convey a sense of fun about this upcoming event.

Include all the information you want your guests to know before they arrive at your event. You may want to use a traditional invitation wording like:

You’re invited to a Grandparents’ Shower to celebrate the birth of a new set of grandparents! Come help Grandma and Grandpa get ready for this momentous occasion!

Then include the other important information such as “We’re building a book collection for the grandbaby — bring your favorite children’s book” (or movie, song, etc.).

E-mail invitations should contain the same information as the snail mail invitation. You can send this in a standard e-mail or you can use one of the many electronic invitation sites now available. If you choose this option, make sure that all the invited guests have regular, daily access to a computer and e-mail account. If you don’t have e-mail addresses for all your guests, opt for a phone call or a mailed invite.