Bridal Shower Etiquette: When To Send Out Your Invites

Bridal shower invitation etiquette can be tricky, especially when it comes to timing. The general rule of thumb is to send bridal shower invitations six to eight weeks before the event to give guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements if necessary. This means that bridal shower invitations often go out before wedding invitations, which are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding.

However, it is considered bad etiquette to send out bridal shower invitations before announcing the wedding date, as this may come across as presumptuous or gift-grabby. To avoid this, some people choose to send out save-the-dates first, so that guests know they will be invited to the wedding. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that everyone invited to the bridal shower is also invited to the wedding.

Timing: Send bridal shower invites 4-8 weeks before the event, after the wedding invites

When it comes to bridal shower invitation timing, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to give guests enough notice, especially if they are travelling from out of town. Secondly, it's generally considered good etiquette to send bridal shower invitations after the wedding invitations have been sent out.

So, with that in mind, how far in advance should you send bridal shower invites? Well, it depends on a few factors. If most guests will be local, it's generally recommended to send invitations four to six weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to RSVP, plan their attendance, and purchase gifts. However, if you have a lot of out-of-town guests, it's a good idea to send invitations six to eight weeks in advance. This allows them sufficient time to make travel and accommodation arrangements, which is especially important if your event falls during a busy travel season.

It's worth noting that some sources suggest sending bridal shower invitations six to eight weeks before the event regardless of guest location. This extended timeline can be helpful if your event has a specific dress code or theme, as it gives guests more time to prepare. It's also a good idea if you want to avoid a flurry of questions from guests seeking additional information.

To ensure your bridal shower runs smoothly, it's essential to give guests clear and timely information. Sending invitations with ample notice is a key part of this, but it's also important to provide key details about the event itself. This includes the date, time, location, host's name, and RSVP instructions.

Guest List: Only invite those also invited to the wedding

When it comes to bridal shower guest lists, there's one hard and fast rule: only invite those who are also invited to the wedding. This is considered proper etiquette as bridal showers are typically gift-giving occasions, and it would be inappropriate to invite someone to a gift-giving event if they are not also invited to the wedding.

There are, however, a couple of exceptions to this rule. The first is an office bridal shower. It is not usually possible to invite all colleagues to a wedding, but they may still wish to celebrate with the bride-to-be. In this case, it is not considered a breach of etiquette to invite colleagues to a bridal shower without inviting them to the wedding. The second exception is when a couple is having a destination wedding with a limited guest list. In this case, a bridal shower may be held for those who are not invited to the wedding.

It is also important to note that it is not necessary to invite all wedding guests to the bridal shower. Bridal showers are typically smaller, more intimate affairs for the bride's nearest and dearest. If the couple is having multiple bridal showers, it is considered good etiquette not to invite the same people to each shower. This gives guests more freedom with their social calendar and less pressure to bring a gift to each event.

When deciding on the guest list, it is essential to consult the bride and ensure that she is comfortable with the list. The final say on the guest list should come from the bride and the host of the bridal shower.

Host: The host sends invites, usually the maid of honour

The host of the bridal shower is responsible for sending out the invitations. This is usually the maid of honour, but it can also be a bridesmaid, the bride's mother, sister, or a close friend. If the host decides to delegate this task, they should ask a trusted member of the bridal party or family to send out the invites.

The host should ask the couple to approve the guest list before sending the invitations. It is considered good etiquette to ensure that everyone invited to the bridal shower is also invited to the wedding.

Bridal shower invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements if necessary. If there are many out-of-town guests on the list, it is recommended to send the invitations out even earlier, at least two months in advance.

The invitations should include the date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP information. It is also a good idea to include the name of the guest of honour, the host's name, and the event type ("bridal shower", "wedding shower", or "couple's shower").

> "Please join us to celebrate the bride-to-be, Katherine Jones

> Saturday, March 19, 2022

> at 2:00 in the afternoon

> 330 W 22nd St, Norfolk, VA 23517

> Hosted by Juliette Wills, Maid of Honor

> Please RSVP to Juliette by March 1, 2022, at 453-878-0789

> For registry details, visit the couple's wedding website:

> [add wedding website URL here]"

RSVP: Include clear RSVP details and deadline

When it comes to bridal shower invitations, it's important to include clear RSVP details and a deadline to ensure you can plan effectively. Here are some tips to consider:

Providing Clear RSVP Details:

• Include Contact Information: Provide the host's name, phone number, and/or email address on the invitation. This makes it easy for guests to reach out and confirm their attendance.
• Request RSVPs by a Specific Date: Set a deadline for guests to respond, typically two to three weeks before the event. This gives you enough time to finalise the headcount and make any necessary arrangements.
• Consider a "Regrets Only" Approach: Instead of asking all guests to respond, you can request that only those who are unable to attend reach out. This can simplify the response management process and reduce the number of incoming messages.

Setting an RSVP Deadline:

• Consider the Host's Preparation Time: The RSVP deadline should allow the host sufficient time to prepare for the final headcount. For example, if the host needs to book a restaurant space, they may need the final count earlier.
• Account for Guest Response Time: Typically, guests appreciate having at least two weeks to respond to an invitation. However, for out-of-town guests, it is considerate to provide six to eight weeks' notice to allow them to make travel arrangements.
• Factor in Catering Needs: If catering is involved, the caterer will likely require a headcount a few days in advance. Set the RSVP deadline accordingly to give yourself time to chase any non-respondents.

Examples of RSVP Deadlines:

• For a bridal shower held at a restaurant, an RSVP deadline of about two weeks before the event may be appropriate, as restaurants often require only a few days' notice for headcount.
• If the bridal shower involves catering or renting a space, a longer lead time may be needed. In this case, setting the RSVP deadline at least three weeks before the event is recommended.
• If the bridal shower has a large guest list or requires significant planning, consider setting the RSVP deadline even earlier, such as four weeks in advance.

Theme: Include the theme, if any, to help guests prepare

When it comes to bridal shower themes, the options are endless. It's important to select a theme that reflects the guest of honour's style, preferences and personality, while also appealing to the larger crowd. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Brunch

A brunch-themed bridal shower is a great option, regardless of the time of year. If the weather permits, set up a beautiful outdoor space with tables, self-serve drink and food stations, and ask guests to wear colourful patterns or florals. For cooler months, rent out a private space at the bride's favourite brunch spot, and ask everyone to wear pearls. Don't forget the mimosas!

Tropical Brunch

Take your guests on a trip to the tropics with a tropical brunch-themed bridal shower. Use Susan Moyal's "Tropical Brunch" invitations as inspiration, and don't forget to include lots of colourful florals and greenery in your decor.

We Do Brews & BBQ

This theme is perfect for a couple's shower, especially if the groom-to-be is a self-proclaimed grill master. Invite guests to wear comfortable clothes and bring their favourite six-pack of beer instead of a gift. Red and white checkered tablecloths are a must for this theme, along with ribs, potato salad, rolls and corn on the cob.

Beach

Whether your feet are in the sand or you're bringing the beach to your guests, a beach-themed bridal shower is perfect for seaside lovers. Go for the nautical theme with navy blue hues, stripes, anchors and sailor hats, or keep it informal with linen attire and a beach-themed picnic full of pastels and seashells.

Tea Party

An elegant afternoon tea party is a perfect way to celebrate the bride-to-be, especially if she's refined and loves all things royal. Ask attendees to wear dresses or hats, and don't forget to include some boozy teas on the menu!

Garden

A garden-themed bridal shower is a beautiful and sophisticated way to celebrate. Lean on Mother Nature to provide much of the beauty, and incorporate additional greens and roses into the decor. Use garden-coloured decor for place settings, menu signs and game cards. Serve cocktails with edible flowers, and include ice cubes frozen with flower petals for non-alcoholic beverages. Send guests home with mini-potted plants as favours.

Build-Your-Own Bouquet Bar

This interactive theme is perfect for the bride who loves flowers. Set up a bouquet bar with different types of flowers in galvanized pails or clear-glass vases, and invite guests to make their own bouquets. You can even hire a local florist to teach a Flower Arranging 101 class.

Rest & Relaxation Day (Spa or Salon Visit)

Create a relaxing and indulgent spa atmosphere for the bride-to-be and guests with a spa-themed bridal shower. Set up stations for manicures, pedicures, facials and massages, and provide luxurious robes, slippers and scented candles. Serve healthy spa-inspired snacks and refreshing infused water, along with lots of bubbly.

Paris

A très chic Parisian theme is perfect for an elegant celebration. Experiment with a black, white and pink colour palette, with gold accents and miniature French flags spiked into hors d'oeuvres. Of course, champagne is a must for this theme, and don't forget the Eiffel Tower glass charms!

Travel

Celebrating a couple who loves to travel? Pay tribute to their favourite travel spots with a travel-themed bridal shower. Use vintage luggage, old travel books and funky cameras as table centrepieces, and feature photos of the couple's travels throughout the venue. Use maps, globes and travel guides in your decor, and give guests luggage tags as favours.

Frequently asked questions