Bridal Shower Invites: Match Or Clash With Wedding Theme?

Bridal showers are one of the most important events leading up to a wedding. The bridal shower invitations should be sent out four to six weeks in advance, and it is considered proper etiquette to invite only those who will be invited to the wedding as well. The invitations can be sent by mail or email, with the latter being more environmentally friendly and suitable for casual or virtual events. Basic Invite, Greenvelope, and Paperless Post are some websites that offer customizable bridal shower invitations. While it is not necessary for bridal shower invites to match wedding invites, couples may opt for a similar theme or style to maintain consistency.

Digital vs. physical invites

When it comes to bridal shower invites, there are two routes you can take: digital or physical. Both have their pros and cons, and it's up to the couple and the host to decide which option suits their preferences, timeline, and budget. Here's a detailed look at the digital vs. physical invites debate:

Digital Invites

Digital bridal shower invitations are a modern and convenient option. They are typically sent via email or online platforms and offer several advantages. Firstly, they are efficient, ensuring that your guests receive the invitation almost immediately. This is especially useful if you're working with a tight deadline. Additionally, digital invites are environmentally friendly, making them a perfect choice for couples planning an eco-friendly wedding. They also eliminate the need for postage, which can help reduce costs.

However, one consideration with digital invites is the potential for them to end up in spam folders, especially for less tech-savvy guests such as grandparents. You may need to follow up with a phone call to ensure they receive the invitation. Digital invites may also not be as suitable if you're looking for a physical keepsake for guests to hold onto.

Physical Invites

Physical invitations, on the other hand, are a more traditional and tangible option. They are often mailed to guests and offer a nice surprise for recipients. Physical invitations can also double as keepsakes for the couple and their loved ones to cherish long after the event. If you opt for recycled paper, they can also be an eco-friendly choice.

The downside of physical invites is the potential delay in delivery, especially for guests who live far away. They may also be more costly, depending on the paper and printing options chosen. However, many online stationery websites offer affordable paper invitations, so cost may not be a significant concern.

Making the Choice

When deciding between digital and physical invites, consider factors such as timing, budget, and the couple's preference for a modern or traditional approach. Both options have their merits, and it ultimately comes down to what works best for the bridal shower in question. Remember to include all the essential information, such as the date, time, venue address, RSVP details, and any special instructions for guests.

Who to invite to the bridal shower

When it comes to bridal shower invites, it's essential to remember that they don't have to match the wedding invites in terms of design or style. Bridal showers are more intimate and celebratory, and the guest list usually reflects the bride's closest friends and family. Here is a detailed guide on who to invite to the bridal shower:

The Bride's Inner Circle

The guest list traditionally includes the bride's closest female friends and family members, such as her bridesmaids, mother, sisters, future in-laws, aunts, and cousins. These are the people who are expected to attend and celebrate with the bride-to-be at the bridal shower.

Close Male Friends or Relatives

While traditionally, bridal showers have been ladies-only events, modern bridal showers can include close male friends or relatives if the bride wishes. It's becoming more common for bridal showers to be co-ed or joint celebrations with both the bride and groom's loved ones in attendance.

Out-of-Town Guests

It is considered good etiquette to invite out-of-town guests to the bridal shower, giving them ample notice. Sending invitations at least two months in advance allows them to make travel and accommodation arrangements. However, it is not necessary to invite all female guests from out of town, especially if the bride does not have a close relationship with them.

The Groom's Close Family

If the groom's mother or other close female relatives are involved in organising the bridal shower, they may request to invite the groom's sisters, aunts, and other close female family members. It is customary to include them and create a well-rounded guest list that represents the bride's and groom's different social circles.

Coworkers

Coworkers can be included in the bridal shower guest list if they are also invited to the wedding and considered close friends. However, it is not obligatory to invite coworkers, especially if the bride does not have a meaningful connection with them outside of work.

Size of the Guest List

The size of the guest list depends on the bride's preference and the venue's capacity. A standard bridal shower usually has a maximum of 20 guests, but it can range from intimate gatherings of less than 10 people to larger events with 30 or more attendees. The host should consult with the bride-to-be about her comfort level and the number of guests she wishes to invite.

When to send invites

When to send bridal shower invites:

Timing is key when it comes to sending out bridal shower invites. As a general rule, invitations should be mailed out around four to six weeks in advance. This gives guests enough notice to plan their attendance, especially if they have busy schedules or time conflicts. Sending invites in advance also allows guests to organise travel and accommodation if they are coming from out of town.

If your guest list includes out-of-towners, it is good etiquette to give them a little extra time. Sending invitations at least two months in advance is considered polite and thoughtful. This gives those travelling a chance to make the necessary arrangements without added stress or pressure. It also allows them time to decide on gifts and what to wear.

If you have a date in mind but are still finalising other details, you may want to send out 'save the dates' so that guests can mark their calendars. This is especially useful if you are yet to lock down a venue or have a large number of guests travelling from far away.

As for when to host the bridal shower, it is recommended that it takes place anywhere from two weeks to two months before the wedding. This ensures the event doesn't interfere with the couple's wedding planning and other pre-wedding events.

Who sends invites

The host of the bridal shower is responsible for sending out the invitations. This is usually the maid of honour, the mother of the bride, or the bride's closest friends. It is a good idea to consult the bride on the style and design of the invitation to ensure it aligns with her preferences and the wedding theme. The bride may have a specific colour scheme or theme in mind that she would like to be reflected in the invitations.

The host should also ask the couple to approve the guest list before sending the invites. It is safe to assume that the couple will want to be involved in the planning unless they specifically say they want it to be a surprise.

If you are part of a group hosting the bridal shower, you can delegate tasks to different members. For example, one person could be in charge of collecting addresses and getting guest list approval, while another could be in charge of choosing and sending the invitations.

What to include in the invites

When it comes to bridal shower invites, there are a few key details that you should include. Here's a breakdown of what to incorporate into the invites to ensure you're following proper etiquette and providing guests with all the necessary information:

Guest of Honour's Name:

Be sure to include the name of the guest of honour on the front of the invitation. If it's a co-ed shower, add the bride's partner's name as well. This will clarify that the event is not just for the ladies. However, if the shower is exclusively for the bride, avoid mentioning her partner to prevent any confusion.

Date, Time, and Location:

The date, time, and location are crucial details that need to be clearly stated on the invitation. Ensure you spell out the month instead of using numerals to prevent any ambiguity. Include the full address to prevent guests from ending up at the wrong venue due to GPS errors.

RSVP Details:

Don't forget to add RSVP information, including the deadline for responses, the name of the person to contact, and their phone number or email address. This will help you finalise details like catering and party favours.

Host's Name:

Include the name of the host or hosts. This is a nice touch, as it lets guests know who to thank after the event. If there are multiple hosts, you can list all their names or simply mention "Hosted by her loving bridesmaids," for example.

Registry Information:

The purpose of a bridal shower is often to shower the bride with gifts, so it's helpful to include registry details. You can either direct guests to the couple's wedding website or mention the specific stores where the couple is registered.

Theme or Dress Code:

If there is a particular theme or dress code for the bridal shower, be sure to mention it on the invitation. This will help guests prepare and know what to expect.

Additional Wedding Details:

You may also want to include the couple's wedding website on the invitation. This provides guests with a central place to find FAQs, gift ideas, and other relevant information.

Playful Wording (Optional):

While maintaining the necessary details, feel free to get creative and playful with your bridal shower invitation wording. You can use puns, rhymes, or phrases to add a touch of personality and fun to your invites.

Frequently asked questions