Wedding Shower Invite Timing: When To Send Them Out

Wedding shower invites are typically sent out between four and eight weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to prepare and the host time to finalise the headcount. If there are many out-of-town guests, it's best to give them more notice – around six to eight weeks should be enough time for them to make travel and accommodation arrangements. It's also important to request an RSVP deadline at least two to three weeks before the event.

Timing: 4-8 weeks before the event, with 6 weeks being the sweet spot

Wedding shower invites should be sent out between four to eight weeks before the event, with six weeks being the ideal time. This gives your guests enough time to prepare and plan their attendance, especially if they need to book time off work or make travel arrangements. It also gives them time to buy a gift for the happy couple.

If you send out invites four weeks in advance, your guests will have just about enough time to prepare, but you may find that some people are unable to attend due to prior engagements. Sending invites out eight weeks in advance gives your guests plenty of time to get organised, but any longer than this and they may forget about the event or lose the invite.

Six weeks is the sweet spot, and you should set the RSVP deadline for two to three weeks before the event. This gives you enough time to prepare for the final headcount and make any necessary adjustments to your plans.

If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, it's a good idea to give them even more notice. You may want to send a save the date message in advance of the official invite, so they can make sure they're available and start making travel plans.

RSVP deadline: 2-3 weeks before the event

When it comes to wedding shower invites, timing is everything. Sending out invites with an RSVP deadline of 2-3 weeks before the event is considered the sweet spot, giving your guests ample time to prepare. Here are some tips to ensure your invites are sent out at the right time:

Mail Invites 4-8 Weeks Before the Event

It is recommended to send out wedding shower invitations anywhere between four and eight weeks before the event. This timeframe ensures that your guests have enough time to prepare, especially if they need to book time off work, arrange childcare, or purchase gifts.

Consider Travel Plans

If you have guests coming from out of town, it is considerate to give them a little more notice. Six to eight weeks is generally considered sufficient for long-distance guests to make travel and accommodation arrangements. This also allows them to plan their schedules and budgets accordingly.

Be Mindful of Busy Seasons

Take into account the time of year when sending out your invites. During busy seasons or holidays, it is a good idea to send out a "save the date" notice to your guests. This can be done via email or text message and ensures that your guests have marked their calendars, especially if they tend to have fixed plans during those periods.

Finalize Catering and Other Details

Having an RSVP deadline of 2-3 weeks before the event gives you, as the host, enough time to finalize the details. This includes confirming numbers with caterers, florists, and other vendors. It also allows you to make any necessary adjustments to your plans based on the number of guests attending.

Keep Track of RSVPs

Designate a specific person, such as the maid of honour, to keep track of RSVPs. This ensures that you have an organized system for keeping track of guest responses. It is also helpful to set up a shared spreadsheet or document where guests can indicate what they plan to bring, especially if there is a theme or potluck-style meal.

Be Mindful of Cultural and Religious Holidays

When planning your wedding shower, be mindful of any cultural or religious holidays that may overlap with your chosen date. You want to ensure that your guests, especially those from different cultural backgrounds, are able to attend without conflicting with their holiday celebrations.

In conclusion, by sending out your wedding shower invites with an RSVP deadline of 2-3 weeks before the event, you strike a balance between giving your guests enough notice and allowing yourself sufficient time to finalize the details for a memorable celebration.

Who to invite: the bride's nearest and dearest, including bridesmaids, close female friends and relatives

When it comes to bridal showers, the guest list is usually made up of the bride's nearest and dearest, including bridesmaids, close female friends, and relatives. This is an opportunity for the bride's closest friends and family to gather and celebrate her future marriage. While the event is traditionally female-only, co-ed wedding showers are becoming more common, and close male friends or relatives may be invited if the bride wishes.

The bridal shower guest list typically includes the bride's bridesmaids or attendants, closest female friends, and family members such as her mother, sisters, and future in-laws. It is also customary for close relatives of the bride's spouse-to-be to attend, such as their mother, sisters, or other close family members. If the bride's future mother-in-law is hosting the shower, more in-laws may be in attendance.

The host of the bridal shower, usually the maid of honour or another member of the bridal party, will often consult with the bride to create the guest list. The bride may provide a list of "must-have" guests to ensure her closest friends and family are included. It is important to note that everyone invited to the bridal shower should also be invited to the wedding.

The size of the bridal shower can vary, ranging from intimate gatherings of less than 10 people to larger events with 30 to 40 guests. The number of invitees will depend on the venue and the host's preferences. It is generally recommended to keep the guest list tight as bridal showers are typically more personal and smaller in scale than weddings.

When creating the guest list, it is essential to consider the travel arrangements of out-of-town guests. Sending invitations early gives them enough time to make transportation and accommodation arrangements. It is also a good idea to include all relevant information on the invitation, such as the date, time, location, dress code, and any special instructions.

What to include: date, time, location, dress code, RSVP info, and wedding registry details

When it comes to the specifics of your event, there are several key details that you should include in your wedding shower invitations. Here's a breakdown of what to cover:

Date and Time:

Provide the date and time of the event, including an approximate end time. This will help guests plan their schedules and ensure they can attend for the full duration.

Location:

Clearly state the location of the wedding shower, including the exact street address. This will allow guests to plan their transportation accordingly.

Dress Code:

It is important to be as specific as possible about the attire. Let guests know if there is a particular dress code they should adhere to, such as cocktail attire or casual attire. This will help them feel prepared and confident about what to wear.

RSVP Info:

Include the name of the host and their contact information for RSVPs. Guests can then easily confirm their attendance or regrets. It is also a good idea to set an RSVP deadline at least two to three weeks before the event.

Wedding Registry Details:

Many wedding showers involve gift-giving. Including a link to the couple's wedding registry or a list of stores where they are registered can be helpful for guests who wish to purchase gifts.

By including these details in your invitations, you will provide guests with the information they need to confidently attend and celebrate the upcoming nuptials.

Sending method: by mail or digitally

The method of sending out wedding shower invites is entirely up to the couple and the host. Some couples opt for digital invitations, while others prefer to send them by mail. The decision often depends on the timeline and budget.

If you choose to send your invitations by mail, it is important to start the process early, especially if you have a complex invitation design in mind. This will ensure that you have enough time to design, print, and send the invitations without feeling rushed. On the other hand, if you decide to send digital invitations, you may have more flexibility with the timeline, as they can be designed and sent out quickly.

It is also worth considering the preferences of your guests. Older guests may prefer a mailed invitation, while younger guests might be more comfortable with a digital invitation. Additionally, if you have guests who are not tech-savvy, a mailed invitation might be the best option to ensure they receive the invitation without any issues.

Another factor to consider is the formality of the event. Mailed invitations tend to be more formal, while digital invitations can be more casual. If you are planning a formal wedding shower, mailed invitations might be the better choice. However, if you are planning a more casual gathering, digital invitations could be a good option.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to send invitations by mail or digitally depends on various factors, including timeline, budget, guest preferences, and formality of the event. Both options are completely acceptable, and you should choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions