Congratulations! You’re in charge of planning a bridal shower, and now it’s time to tackle one of the most important tasks – creating the guest list. Who should you invite? Let’s look at the traditions and etiquette surrounding bridal shower invitations. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s get started!
Bridal Shower Invitation and Guest List Etiquette
Traditionally, the bridal shower guest list includes three main groups – the wedding party, close family members, and close friends. However, it’s important to remember that the guest list is ultimately up to the bride and the host and can vary depending on personal preferences and circumstances.
Don’t Invite Anyone Who’s Not Invited to the Wedding
This may seem like common sense, but it’s worth emphasizing, only invite people to the bridal shower if they are also invited to the wedding. Inviting someone solely to the bridal shower might give off the wrong impression and appear gift-focused. One exception to this rule is an office shower, where coworkers may want to express their well wishes without attending the wedding. In that case, it should be hosted separately from the personal shower.
Keep it Intimate
Remember, the bridal shower is an intimate gathering for the bride’s nearest and dearest. Sure, Aunt Cathy might want to bring her cat Mr. Whiskers as her plus one, but unless he’s wearing a tiny tuxedo and knows how to dance the cha-cha, it’s probably best to keep the guest list limited. Strive for a mix of family and friends who know the bride best; they’ll be the ones cheering the loudest during those fun shower games!
The Number of Guests
Together with the bride, the host should consider the venue’s size constraints and the overall budget. If the bride’s guest list exceeds the determined number, you could consider hosting multiple showers, such as one for friends and another for family. Sometimes, more than one person wants to throw a bridal shower for the bride-to-be, and that’s perfectly okay. In such cases, ensure each host has a unique guest list based on their relationship with the bride.
Building the Bridal Shower Guest List
Cross-reference the bridal shower guest list with the wedding and reception guest list. Connect with the bride-to-be to discuss who will be invited to the wedding and use that as a starting point for crafting the bridal shower guest list. This will help you keep the guests straight.