The Perfect Timing For Wedding Shower Invites

Wedding shower invitations should be sent out between four and eight weeks before the event, with six weeks being the widely accepted sweet spot. This gives guests enough time to book their calendars and find a gift, while still allowing the host time to prepare for the final headcount. It's also a good idea to set an RSVP deadline of at least two to three weeks before the event. If there are many out-of-town guests on the list, it's considered good etiquette to send out invitations at least two months in advance, giving them ample time to organise travel and accommodations.

Timing: Send invites 4-8 weeks before the event, with an RSVP deadline 2-3 weeks before

When it comes to wedding shower invitations, timing is crucial. Sending out invitations too early could result in guests forgetting about the event, while sending them out too late could lead to scheduling conflicts. So, when is the best time to send out wedding shower invitations?

The general consensus is that invitations should be sent out anywhere between four and eight weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to plan and prepare, especially if they need to book travel and accommodation. It is also important to consider the number of out-of-town guests on the list. The more guests coming from out of town, the more notice you should give. For this reason, some sources recommend sending invitations out six to eight weeks in advance.

To ensure a timely response from guests, it is advisable to set an RSVP deadline. This should be at least two to three weeks before the event. This allows the host to have a final headcount and make any necessary preparations, while also giving guests enough time to choose a gift.

It is worth noting that these timelines apply regardless of whether you are sending paper or electronic invitations. However, if you are opting for paper invitations, it is important to start the process early to allow for design, printing, and delivery time.

Etiquette: Include the host's name, date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP info

When it comes to wedding shower invitation etiquette, timing is everything. It is considered good etiquette to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to plan and prepare, while also giving the host time to prepare for the final headcount.

Now, let's dive into the essential components of the invitation:

Host's Name

Including the host's name is a thoughtful touch that allows guests to know whom to thank after the festivities. It also adds a personal touch to the invitation. If multiple people are hosting, list all their names or mention the bridesmaids if they are all involved.

Date, Time, and Location

The date, time, and location are crucial details that should be prominently featured on the invitation. Ensure the date is crystal clear by spelling out the month rather than using numerals. For example, write out "November 6" instead of "11-06". Including the full address of the venue is also essential to prevent guests from getting lost or arriving at the wrong location.

Dress Code

Informing guests about the dress code is important, especially if you have a specific theme or level of formality in mind. This can be included on the invitation itself or on a separate details card. Phrases like "black tie", "cocktail attire", or "dress casual" are all acceptable.

RSVP Info

Don't forget to include an RSVP date, along with the name and contact information of the person guests should reach out to. This is crucial for managing food and drink quantities and final headcounts. The RSVP deadline should be set at least two to three weeks before the event.

Remember, the key to successful wedding shower invitation etiquette is providing clear and concise information, allowing your guests to plan accordingly and ensuring a memorable celebration for the honouree.

Guests: Invite the bride's nearest and dearest, and anyone who should be at the wedding

When it comes to wedding shower guest lists, it's important to remember that these events are usually smaller and more intimate than the wedding itself. The guest list typically includes the bride's closest friends and family members, such as her bridesmaids, mother, sisters, and future in-laws. However, it's not uncommon to include close male friends or relatives if the bride wishes. Inviting people with whom the bride has a meaningful connection is what matters most.

As a general rule, it is considered inappropriate to invite someone to the bridal shower if they are not also invited to the wedding. This is because it may come across as gift-grabbing and could offend the person in question. Therefore, it's essential to cross-reference the wedding guest list with the potential bridal shower guest list.

The size of the guest list will also depend on the preferences of the bride and the practical considerations of the venue and budget. While there is no set number, bridal showers tend to be more personal and smaller in scale than weddings. A well-rounded guest list might include representatives from different social circles of the bride's life, such as family, childhood and college friends, and coworkers. Creating a seating chart can also help ensure that all guests are happy and comfortable during the bridal shower.

When it comes to sending out invitations, the ideal timeframe is between four and eight weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to plan and the host time to prepare. It's also a good idea to send out save the dates to out-of-town guests or during busy holiday seasons.

Travel: Give out-of-town guests more notice so they can organise travel

When it comes to wedding shower invitations, the general consensus is that they should be sent out between four and eight weeks before the event, with six weeks being the "sweet spot". This gives guests enough time to prepare and the host time to finalise numbers.

However, if you have out-of-town guests, it is advisable to give them more notice so they can organise travel. For bridal showers, it is recommended to send invitations six to eight weeks in advance, but for those travelling, it is beneficial to give them a heads-up as early as possible. This is especially true if your event falls during a busy travel time, such as holidays. A simple save the date message via email or text can be a good way to give early notice.

For destination weddings, it is common courtesy to send save-the-dates nine to twelve months ahead of time, and invitations three to four months in advance. This is because guests will need to book travel and accommodation, and the earlier they book, the more they can save. It is also beneficial to provide guests with travel details, such as flight information and accommodation options, at the time of the save-the-date.

If you are inviting international guests to your wedding, it is considerate to give them a heads-up via email or phone call when sending out invitations. This will allow them to start making travel arrangements. It is also a good idea to follow up with anyone you haven't heard from to ensure they have enough time to book their travel.

Overall, when it comes to wedding shower invitations, it is important to give out-of-town guests as much notice as possible to allow them to organise their travel plans and be part of your celebration.

Gifts: Include wedding registry info on the invite to make gift-buying easier

When it comes to wedding shower invitations, the general consensus is that they should be sent out between four and eight weeks before the event, with six weeks being the "sweet spot". This gives guests enough time to prepare and buy a gift, while also allowing the host time to plan.

The purpose of a wedding shower is often to "shower" the couple with gifts, so including registry information on the invitation is not only acceptable but also helpful to guests. This can be done in two ways:

• Direct guests to the couple's wedding website, where registry details can be found.
• List the names of the stores where the couple is registered.

• "Join us for a Bridal Shower in honor of [Name] / Saturday, October 13, 2017 / From 11:00 am - 2:00 pm / 200 Mission Street, San Francisco / Hosted by Sarah Douglas / RSVP to Sarah at 542-555-0014 by October 1st / Michelle is registered at Bridal Boutique."
• "[Name] is registered at Macy's and Target."
• "Registry at Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel."

If the couple has a cash fund or gift card request on their registry, it is best to simply provide the registry details and allow guests to choose their gifts. Asking for money or gift cards outright on the invitation is generally not considered appropriate.

Completing your wedding registry about two months before the shower date is recommended. This gives guests plenty of time to plan and shop, increasing the likelihood of receiving the gifts you want.

Frequently asked questions