Bridal Shower Etiquette: Who Gets An Invite?

Bridal shower invitation etiquette can be tricky, especially when it comes to personalised invites. The bridal party, close friends, and female family members are traditionally invited to a bridal shower. Bridesmaids, aunts, grandmothers, cousins, and siblings on both sides of the family are included in the bridal shower guest list. It is also considered proper etiquette for close relatives of the bride's spouse to attend. The host, traditionally the maid of honour or a bridesmaid, is responsible for sending out invitations. The bride typically receives an invite, but this is not always the case, especially if the bridal shower is a surprise.

Should bridesmaids send invites to the bride?

When it comes to sending invites to the bride, opinions vary. Some bridesmaids choose to send an invitation to the bride, as it is a nice gesture and a great keepsake for the bride to remember the day. It can also be a practical way to ensure the bride has all the details of the event, such as time and location, especially if it is not a surprise shower.

On the other hand, some bridesmaids may opt not to send an invitation to the bride, as it is assumed that she will be in attendance and already knows the details of the event. In some cases, the bridesmaids may offer the bride an extra invitation as a memento after the fact, or ask the bride if she would like one to be saved for her.

Ultimately, the decision to send an invitation to the bride is a matter of personal preference for the bridesmaids. While it is not necessary to send an invitation, as the bride will likely already know the event details, it can be a thoughtful gesture and a way to include the bride in the excitement of receiving an invite.

To ensure the bride has all the information she needs, it is essential to communicate the event details clearly, regardless of whether a physical invitation is sent. This will help the bride feel included and allow her to plan accordingly, especially if there are any travel arrangements or accommodations needed.

When to send bridal shower invites

Planning a bridal shower can be a lot of work, especially if it's your first time. One of the most important elements of a successful bridal shower is ensuring that everyone the bride wants to be there can attend. To make this happen, it's crucial to send out invitations with plenty of notice.

As a general rule of thumb, bridal shower invitations should be sent out at least six to eight weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to organise their schedules, make travel arrangements if necessary, and purchase gifts. If you're planning a bridal shower with many out-of-town guests, you might want to send the invitations out a little earlier—around two months in advance—to give them extra time to plan their trip.

If you have a date in mind but haven't finalised the other details, you can send out "save the dates" to give guests a heads-up. That way, they can mark their calendars while waiting for the official invitation.

When sending out bridal shower invitations, be sure to include an RSVP deadline so you can plan accordingly for the venue, refreshments, and other details.

It's also a good idea to check with the bride about her guest list before sending out the invitations. The bridal shower guest list typically includes the bride's closest female friends, relatives, and bridesmaids, but it's ultimately up to the host and the bride to decide who to invite.

Who sends bridal shower invites?

Bridal shower invitation etiquette can be tricky, and it's important to know who to send them to and when. The party host is responsible for sending out the bridal shower invitations. This is usually the maid of honour or a bridesmaid, but it can also be a close relative or friend of the bride. It's also important to note that the couple should approve the guest list before sending the invitations.

Bridal shower invitations should be mailed about four to six weeks in advance. If there are out-of-town guests, it's good etiquette to send the invitations at least two months in advance to give them enough time to organise travel and accommodations. In most cases, the host is also responsible for selecting and paying for the invitations, unless there is a different agreement in place.

While it's not necessary to send an invitation to the bride, some people choose to do so as a keepsake. It can be a nice touch, especially if it's not a surprise shower. The same goes for the bridesmaids, who are usually involved in the planning process and already know the details of the event. However, if they are not involved in the planning, it may be a good idea to send them a formal invitation.

In terms of timing, bridal shower invitations are typically sent out before the wedding invitations. This is because the bridal shower is often held two to three months before the wedding. It's important to remember that everyone who is invited to the bridal shower should also be invited to the wedding.

What to include in the invite

The bridal shower invitation should be a playful yet informative announcement. Here's what to include in the invite:

Highlight the Guest of Honour

Begin the invite with a simple greeting, followed by the name of the bride. For a formal bridal shower, the invitation could start with "Please join us for a bridal shower honouring [insert bride's name here]." If it's a casual event, a fun opening line like "Before the Miss becomes a Mrs, let's shower her with love and good wishes" is a lovely touch.

Pick a Theme

If you've chosen a theme for the bridal shower, be sure to include it in the invitation. Whether it's a tropical-themed party or a tea party, letting guests know the theme will help them prepare, from dressing for the occasion to buying gifts.

Include the Date, Time, and Location

It's essential to state when and where the bridal shower will take place. Include the full date, day, month, and year, as well as the start time. Adding the end time is optional but beneficial for guests' planning. The invitation should also include the full address of the venue, along with any relevant information such as the restaurant name or host's house number. Don't forget to include brief directions and parking details, especially for out-of-town guests or those unfamiliar with the location.

Indicate the Host

Don't forget to include the name of the host or hosts of the bridal shower. This is important so that guests know who is throwing the party and who to contact for any queries.

Provide RSVP Instructions

Add RSVP details to the invitation, including the host's name, phone number, and/or email address, with a deadline for responses. The deadline should be about two weeks before the event, giving the host enough time to finalise catering and other details.

Include Additional Wedding Details

Lastly, include the couple's wedding website URL, along with a brief message such as "Please visit [insert names here] wedding website for gift and wedding registry information." Guests can then use this link to access the couple's registry and purchase shower gifts accordingly.

Should invites be mailed or digital?

When it comes to sending out bridal shower invitations, you have two main options: mailing physical invitations or sending digital invitations. So, which one should you choose? Here are some things to consider:

Mailed Invitations

The traditional way of sending invitations is by mail, and it is still a popular choice for bridal showers. Mailing invitations can add a personal touch and create a sense of excitement for the recipients. It also means that your guests will have a physical reminder of the event, which can be helpful for them to remember the date and time. If you choose to mail your invitations, be sure to give your guests enough notice, especially if they will need to travel. Sending the invitations four to six weeks in advance is generally considered good etiquette, and you may want to allow a little extra time for out-of-town guests.

Digital Invitations

In today's digital age, many people opt for digital invitations, which can be sent via email or online platforms. This option can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than mailing physical invitations. Digital invitations are also easier to track, as you can see exactly who has opened and responded to the invitation. This can be helpful when it comes to managing RSVPs and finalising guest numbers. However, keep in mind that not all guests may be comfortable with digital invitations, especially if they are older or less tech-savvy.

Combining Both Approaches

You don't have to choose just one option. Combining both mailed and digital invitations can be a great way to go. For example, you could mail physical invitations to those guests who prefer a more traditional approach, while also sending digital invitations to those who are more tech-savvy. This way, you can ensure that all your guests feel included and considered.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to mail or send digital invitations is up to the couple and the host, depending on their timeline and budget. Both options have their own advantages and can be effective ways of spreading the news about the upcoming bridal shower.

Frequently asked questions