The Art Of Wedding Shower Invitations

A bridal shower is a time-honoured tradition that celebrates the bride-to-be in the company of her closest friends and family. As the host, one of the first steps to kickstart the fun is to send out invitations. These invitations should be sent out four to eight weeks before the bridal shower and should include the date, time, location, host's name, and RSVP information. The guest of honour's name should also be included, and if it's a co-ed shower, the bride's partner's name should be added too. The bridal shower invitation can be creative and playful, with themes ranging from lingerie and fiesta to country and Disney. The invitation's wording and design should align with the chosen theme, and it's a good idea to consult with the bride to ensure her preferences are considered.

Bridal shower invitation wording ideas

The bridal shower is a time-honoured tradition that celebrates the bride-to-be in the company of her closest friends and family. The host is responsible for setting the tone for this joyous occasion, and one of the first steps is to send out invitations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Traditional Bridal Shower Invitation Wording:

• "Please join us for a bridal shower honouring [name of bride]."
• "Help us shower [name of bride] with love."
• "Come celebrate [name of bride] before she ties the knot."
• " [Name of host] is delighted to announce the bridal shower of [name of bride]."
• "Join us for a bridal shower in celebration of [name of bride] and her upcoming marriage."

Modern Bridal Shower Invitation Wording:

• "A toast to the soon-to-be Mrs."
• "Let's help this Miss become a Mrs."
• "Pop! Fizz! Clink! Twirl! Help us celebrate our favourite girl!"
• " [Name of bride] is getting married! Let's throw her a shower she'll never forget."

Funny Bridal Shower Invitation Wording:

• "Guess what? Our girl finally got a ring (it took her long enough!). Come help us celebrate."
• "Free booze and food! Come celebrate [name of bride] with us."
• "Apparently [name of bride] is finally a fiancée? Come see for yourself at her bridal shower."

Themed Bridal Shower Invitation Wording:

• "You're cordially invited to [name of bride]'s bridal shower tea party. Wear your finest attire to toast to the bride."
• "Boots, brunch, and bubbly. Let's have a shower [name of bride] is sure to remember."
• "Join us for an intimate lingerie shower to celebrate [name of bride] before becoming a Mrs."

Surprise Bridal Shower Invitation Wording:

• "Shhh! It's a secret! Please join us in showering [name of bride] with love!"
• "You are cordially invited to a surprise bridal shower for [name of bride]! Keep our secret safe!"

Couples' Bridal Shower Invitation Wording:

• " [Partner's name] and [partner's name] invite you to their shower to celebrate their upcoming marriage."
• "Please join [name of host] in celebrating the love of [name of partner] and [name of partner]!"

Remember, it is considered proper etiquette to send out invitations four to six weeks in advance of the bridal shower. It is also recommended to mail paper invitations, especially if the guest list includes older family members or friends. Be sure to include all the essential details such as the date, time, location, host's name, and registry information. With these ideas and tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting the perfect bridal shower invitation!

Timing of sending bridal shower invitations

The timing of sending bridal shower invitations is an important aspect of planning this pre-wedding event. Here are some guidelines and tips to ensure you give your guests enough notice:

It is generally recommended to send bridal shower invitations four to six weeks before the event. This timeframe allows guests enough time to RSVP and make necessary arrangements, especially if they are travelling from out of town. However, some sources suggest that six to eight weeks is more appropriate, especially if you have a lot of out-of-town guests. This extended timeframe is also recommended by event planners, who suggest that eight weeks gives guests enough time to coordinate their travel plans.

When to Send 'Save the Dates'

If you are planning a bridal shower with a large number of out-of-town guests, it is a good idea to send out a ''save the date'' notice. This can be done as simply as sending an e-vite or a text message with the date of the event. This is particularly useful if your event falls during a busy time of year when guests may already have plans, such as holidays.

When to Ask for RSVPs

It is recommended to ask for RSVPs about two to two and a half weeks before the bridal shower. This will give you enough time to finalise catering numbers and other details with vendors. For a non-catered event, one week's notice is usually sufficient.

When to Start the Process

If you are planning to send paper invitations, it is important to start the process early. Designing, printing, and sending the invitations can take longer than you think, especially if you are considering a complex invitation design.

In conclusion, giving your guests enough notice is an important aspect of hosting a successful bridal shower. By following these timing guidelines, you can ensure that your guests have the opportunity to plan and attend this special celebration.

Who to invite to a bridal shower

A bridal shower is an intimate, celebratory gathering, and the guest list should reflect that sense of closeness. The guest list typically includes the bride's closest female friends and family members, like her bridesmaids, mother, sisters, and future in-laws. However, bridal showers can also include close male friends or relatives if the bride wishes. It is important to invite people who are genuinely close to the bride and have a meaningful connection with her.

• The bride ultimately decides the number of guests: It is up to the host (traditionally the maid of honour and/or bridal party) to consult with the bride about how many guests she feels comfortable having. Be sure to discuss venue constraints and any budget limitations that may impact the guest count.
• Don't invite anyone to the bridal shower if they're not invited to the wedding: This may seem obvious, but inviting people to the bridal shower if they are not invited to the wedding is inappropriate and may offend them.
• The bridal shower guest list should represent the bride's different social circles: This includes family members, childhood and college friends, and coworkers. Creating a seating chart can also help guarantee that all guests are happy on the day of the bridal shower.
• Send out invitations within an appropriate timeframe: Bridal shower invitations should typically be sent out four to eight weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements.
• Be sure to include all relevant information on the invitation: A well-crafted bridal shower invitation should include the bride's name, the date and time of the shower, the venue address, RSVP details, and any registry information. Additionally, including a theme (if any) and any special instructions, such as a dress code, can be helpful for guests.

Bridal shower themes

Bridal showers are a time-honoured tradition that celebrates the bride-to-be surrounded by her closest friends and family. Selecting a theme for the bridal shower adds a delightful and cohesive touch to the celebration. Here are some ideas for bridal shower themes:

Lingerie Bridal Shower

A playful and intimate way to celebrate the bride. Decorate the space with lace, satin, and pink tones for a romantic ambiance. Consider incorporating fluffy pillows and scented candles. Invitation designs can feature elegant lace patterns, delicate undergarments, or stylish illustrations of lingerie.

Fiesta-Themed Bridal Shower

Embrace the lively colours, patterns, and flavours of a Mexican fiesta. Decorate with colourful banners and vibrant floral arrangements. Incorporate a taco bar, margaritas, and lively music for an authentic experience. Invitation themes can include bold and festive patterns, sombreros, and playful illustrations of maracas and piñatas. Use a bright colour palette with hues like red, yellow, turquoise, and orange.

Bookworm Bridal Shower

For the bride who loves to read, pick one of her favourite novels to inspire the entire theme of the party, or use various books from her favourite genres or authors. Incorporate library-inspired decor, like catalogue cards, famous literary love quotes, and paper flower centerpieces. Ask guests to bring books as gifts or hand out "mystery books" wrapped in plain brown paper as party favours.

Travel-themed Bridal Shower

If the bride loves to travel, offer a peek into her next destination. Get creative with travel-themed games and ask guests to guess her honeymoon location. If the couple has registered with a honeymoon registry, highlight their desire for experiences over traditional gifts.

Garden Party Bridal Shower

Surprise a flower-obsessed bride-to-be with a garden party, filling the event space with fresh or faux flowers. Serve flower-infused refreshments and send guests home with mini bouquets or potted plants.

Breakfast at Tiffany's Bridal Shower

Upgrade the traditional mimosa brunch with an Audrey Hepburn-approved twist. Decorate with Tiffany blue and New York City-inspired accents. Serve croissants, coffee, and bubbly drinks. Invite guests to wear little black dresses and supply strands of pearls.

RSVP and gift wording ideas

When it comes to wedding shower invitation wording, there are a few essential details to include, as well as some creative ways to make the invitation your own. Here are some ideas for RSVP and gift wording:

RSVP Wording Ideas:

• RSVP to [your name] at [your phone number] by [date].
• Reply by [date] to [your name] at [your email address].
• Kindly RSVP to [your name], phone: [phone number] or email: [email address] by [date].
• Please RSVP by [date] to [name and/or phone number].
• Kindly RSVP by [date] to [email address].
• RSVPs are appreciated by [date].
• Please let us know if you can make it by [date].

Gift Wording Ideas:

• If you wish, please bring a gift.
• Your presence at the shower is enough, but if you wish to bring a gift, the couple is registered at [store name(s)].
• If you are unable to attend the shower, a gift card to our favourite store would be greatly appreciated.
• In lieu of a physical gift, we would be grateful for a donation to the honeymoon fund.

Other Wording Ideas:

• "Pop the bubbly / [guest of honour]'s getting a hubby!"
• "Free beer (and a wedding shower)!"
• "Let's prepare [guest of honour] for their happily ever after / With gifts, booze and plenty of laughter."
• "Love is brewing."
• "Let's par-tea!"
• "Before the bride throws the bouquet / Let's enjoy a cup of tea on this very special day."
• "While the bride is still a Miss / Let's sip some tea and share her bliss."
• "This honeysuckle has found their bee/ Let's celebrate with a shower and a shot of whiskey!"
• "Strap on your boots and layer on the bling / Let's have a shower to remember before the ring!"
• "She finally roped in Mr Right / It's time to shower her with gifts and a wild night!"
• "Bride-fest, with special guest, [guest of honour]."
• "Your ticket to the show(er) of the year."
• "It's a star-studded lineup! / [Guest of honour #1] & [guest of honour #2]'s Couple's Shower."
• "Be our guest."
• "Don't be late for this very important date."
• "Once upon a time there was a bridal shower / to celebrate [guest of honour]'s happily ever after."
• "All you need is love... and mimosas."
• "First comes love... then comes brunch!"
• "Before this Miss becomes a Mrs. / Let's gather for brunch and give her best wishes!"
• "Tropic like it's hot."
• "Sandy toes and salty kisses / Join us as we celebrate the future Mrs."
• "Two less fish in the sea!"
• "Last sail before the veil! / Please join us for a bridal shower in honour of [guest of honour]."

Frequently asked questions