Bridal Shower Etiquette: Timing Of Invites For Wedding And Shower Events

There are many considerations to make when planning a wedding, and one of them is the timing of the bridal shower and wedding invitations. While some people may worry about committing a social faux pas, others may be concerned about giving guests enough notice. In general, bridal shower invitations are sent out four to eight weeks before the event, and wedding invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. However, opinions vary, and some people believe it is acceptable to send out bridal shower invitations before wedding invitations, especially if save-the-dates have already been sent out. Ultimately, the host of the bridal shower, usually the maid of honour, should decide when to send out the invitations, taking into account the number of out-of-town guests and any cultural or social norms that may apply.

It's not improper etiquette to send bridal shower invites before wedding invites

There are many considerations to make when planning a wedding, and the order of your stationery is one of them. While some worry that sending bridal shower invites before wedding invites is improper etiquette, this is not the case. Here are some reasons why:

Social Circles and Timing

It's worth noting that social circles and traditions may vary, and in some, it is considered presumptuous to send out a bridal shower invite before a wedding invite. However, in many cases, bridal showers are held one to three months before the wedding. This means that the invitations would also need to be sent out before the wedding invites to give guests enough notice.

Save-the-Dates

Sending out save-the-dates can help curb any potential etiquette issues, as guests will already be aware of the wedding. In this case, sending out bridal shower invites before wedding invites is not improper. It is essential to ensure that everyone invited to the bridal shower is also invited to the wedding.

Guest Attendance and Planning

Bridal showers are usually attended by the bride's closest friends and family, and it is standard practice to send out invitations four to eight weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to organise their schedules and purchase gifts. Sending out bridal shower invites first can also help with planning, as it allows the host to get an idea of the guest count and finalise the details.

Out-of-Town Guests

If your guest list includes out-of-towners, it is considered good etiquette to send bridal shower invites earlier. Sending them at least two months in advance gives guests enough time to organise travel and accommodations. This is especially important if your bridal shower is taking place a few months before the wedding, as it ensures that those travelling from out of town can plan their trips accordingly.

Overall Planning and Timing

When planning a wedding, there are many moving parts, and it is essential to give yourself enough time to organise everything. Sending out bridal shower invites first can help you space out your tasks and ensure that you are not overwhelmed with invitations and RSVPs all at once. It also gives your guests time to plan and attend both events without feeling rushed.

Invites should be sent 4-8 weeks before the bridal shower

It is generally considered good etiquette to send out bridal shower invitations before wedding invitations. This is because bridal showers are often held 1 to 3 months before the wedding, allowing the bride's nearest and dearest to gather and celebrate in advance of the big day.

Invites should be sent out 4 to 8 weeks before the bridal shower, with an RSVP deadline of at least 2 to 3 weeks before the event. This timeframe is considered sufficient for guests to organise their schedules, purchase gifts, and make travel arrangements if necessary. It also allows the host enough time to prepare for the final headcount.

If the bridal shower involves many out-of-town guests, it is advisable to send invitations 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This gives these guests ample time to make transportation and accommodation arrangements.

It is important to note that everyone invited to the bridal shower should also be invited to the wedding. Proper bridal shower invitation etiquette also includes providing essential details such as the date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP information.

Additionally, sending out Save-the-Dates can help curb any potential issues, as guests will be aware of the wedding date in advance.

Bridal showers are usually hosted by an older woman in the bride's life

Bridal shower invitations should be sent out four to eight weeks before the event, with six weeks being the widely accepted sweet spot. This gives guests enough time to prepare and the host time to finalise numbers. If there are many out-of-town guests, invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks in advance to allow guests to make travel arrangements.

It is considered good etiquette to send bridal shower invitations after wedding invitations. However, this is not always practical, especially if the bridal shower is held months before the wedding. In such cases, it is common to send out save-the-dates or bridal shower invitations before the wedding invitations.

The maid of honour should send the invites, or delegate to someone else

The maid of honour is expected to play a role in assisting with the planning and festivities of the bridal shower. It is common for the bridal shower to be hosted by one of the older women in the bride's life, such as the bride's mother or future mother-in-law. However, the maid of honour often takes on the responsibility of sending out the bridal shower invitations.

The maid of honour should discuss the details of the shower with the bride's friends and family early in the wedding planning process. If the maid of honour decides to delegate the task, they should assign a trusted member of the bridal party or family to mail the invites. This ensures that the task is completed by someone who is close to the bride and involved in the wedding planning process.

The bridal shower invitations should be sent out as early as possible, with a general timeframe of four to eight weeks before the event. This timeframe gives guests enough notice and allows the host time to prepare for the final headcount. If there are many out-of-town guests, it is considerate to provide even more advanced notice of six to eight weeks. This gives them sufficient time to make travel and accommodation arrangements.

The bridal shower invitations can be purchased from a stationery store or an online retailer. They can also be sent out as virtual or email invitations, which is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. The invitations should include essential details such as the date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP information.

It is important to note that the bridal shower is an intimate celebration, and everyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding. This ensures that the bridal shower remains a meaningful gathering of the bride's nearest and dearest.

Include the date, time, location, dress code and RSVP information

When it comes to sending out bridal shower invitations, it's important to include all the necessary details to ensure guests can plan their attendance. Here are some instructive guidelines on what to include when drafting your bridal shower invitations:

Date, Time, and Location:

The first essential elements to include are the date, time, and location of the bridal shower. Be sure to provide a clear and specific date, including the day of the week and the date in month-day-year format. Indicate the time by stating the hour and minute, and if possible, include an approximate end time so that guests can plan their schedules accordingly. For the location, mention the street address and, if necessary, any specific landmarks or directions that might aid your guests in finding the venue easily.

Dress Code:

Another important aspect to cover in your invitations is the dress code. Be as explicit as possible about the expected attire. Consider the theme of the bridal shower, if there is one, and any specific cultural or traditional elements that may influence the dress code. This information helps guests feel confident about what to wear and ensures a cohesive look during the event.

RSVP Information:

Lastly, don't forget to include RSVP information. This is crucial for managing guest attendance and planning other logistics. Provide clear instructions on how to respond, such as a phone number, email address, or mailing address, and set an RSVP deadline at least two to three weeks before the event. This deadline gives you time to finalise the headcount and make any necessary adjustments.

"You are cordially invited to celebrate [Bride's name] at her bridal shower!

Date: Saturday, [Date]

Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: [Address and venue name]

Dress Code: Garden Party Attire

Please RSVP by [Date] to [Host's name] at [Email address] or [Phone number]"

By including these key details, you provide your guests with the information they need to confidently attend and celebrate the bride-to-be.

Frequently asked questions