How many people should be invited to the shower?

There are usually about 5-20 guests present at a shower, although you may want to invite twice that many to ensure a good attendance. One thing to consider is that guests want to have a chance to spend time with the bride, so make sure that the number of guests keeps the shower somewhat intimate.

Who should we invite to the shower?

Invite immediate female family members of both the bride & groom, as well as close friends of the bride and the wedding party. It’s best to consult with the bride when making up the guest list. Everyone invited to the shower should be invited to the wedding. This will avoid hurt feelings. But not everyone invited to the wedding should have to be invited to the shower.

Is there a “right” time to hold a shower?

The best time to hold the shower would be 1-2 months before the wedding. Since the bride is very busy in those months leading up to the wedding, be sure to set the date together with the bride.

What information needs to be on the bridal shower invitations?

The bride’s name, bridal shower date and time, the hostess’ name and phone number, address where the shower will be held (a simple map is nice too), RSVP date and phone number, theme of bridal shower, bride’s decorating colors for her new home or apartment.

When should I mail bridal shower invitations and when should I expect an RSVP?

Invitations should be mailed to out-of-town guests about 3-6 weeks before the shower and about 2-4 weeks before for local guests. The RSVP deadline should be 2 weeks before the shower. Be sure to plan for guests that RSVP late or not at all, because this happens a lot.

Where can the bridal shower be held?

Bridal showers can be held at the Maid of Honor’s home, the Bride’s parent’s home, in a restaurant, a hotel meeting room, or anywhere that has enough space for the group you are expecting. People have had them outdoors in a picnic location also.

Is there a certain agenda or special order that I should proceed with the shower once it starts?

The best thing to do is to relax, concentrate on the bride and the guests, and have fun! But if you wanted to put some order into the day, this may be helpful:

o Greet guests as they arrive. Have a place for coats and purses. Have drinks ready and light finger foods.

o Introduce guests to each other since many may not know each other. Name tags may be helpful if it is a big group.

o Play a couple of bridal shower games that you have prepared for in advance as icebreakers. Some of the guests may not know anyone but the bride.

o Allow enough time for everyone to eat and talk.

o When the eating is done, the bride can open her gifts. Have someone stationed next to the bride to write down what each gift is and who it is from. This will make it easier for the bride to write thank you notes.

o Make sure that when a guest leaves, the bride and hostess both get a chance to thank her for attending. Don’t let anyone leave “unthanked”. Also be sure that, if there are shower favors or goodie bags, that each guest receives hers before she leaves.

Although shower games are a traditional part of a bridal shower, they are not mandatory. If the bride and hostess don’t want to play games, then don’t. The main thing is to have refreshments, a welcoming atmosphere, and a time to open gifts. Sometimes the simplest bridal showers are the most enjoyable.

Visit CORE now to get free access to frequently asked questions about bridal showers