do bridal shower invites go out before wedding invites


Bridal shower invitations are typically sent out before wedding invitations. This allows guests to attend the shower, which is usually held a few weeks or months prior to the wedding, giving them time to prepare for the main event. Standard etiquette suggests sending shower invites 4-6 weeks before the shower, while wedding invites go out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. However, exact timing can vary based on the event's date and location.





who do you invite to a bridal shower from the grooms side


When deciding who to invite to a bridal shower from the groom's side, it's common to include immediate family members such as the groom's parents, siblings, and grandparents. Close relatives like aunts, uncles, or cousins who have a strong relationship with the couple may also be considered. In some cases, the groom's close friends who are acquainted with the bride can be invited to make the event more inclusive, though traditionally, bridal showers focus more on the bride's circle. The key is to prioritize those who will make the bride feel supported and celebrated.





when to rsvp for bridal shower


Typically, you should RSVP for a bridal shower by the date specified on the invitation, which is often 1 to 2 weeks before the event. This allows the host to finalize details like guest lists, food, and seating. If no deadline is provided, respond as soon as possible, ideally within a week of receiving the invitation, to be courteous and help with planning. Always confirm your attendance or regrets through the method indicated, such as email, phone, or an online platform.





when to send wedding invitations


Wedding invitations are typically sent 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date to give guests enough time to RSVP and make arrangements. For destination weddings or events during holidays, send them 2 to 3 months in advance to accommodate travel plans. Always factor in the RSVP deadline, which should be about 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding, to finalize guest lists and vendor details. If save-the-date cards are used, send those 6 to 8 months ahead for out-of-town guests.





who to invite to bridal shower vs bachelorette party


For a bridal shower, invite a broader group including the bride's family (such as parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins), close female friends, bridesmaids, and sometimes co-workers or the groom's family members, as it's a more formal and inclusive celebration focused on gifting and well-wishes.

For a bachelorette party, keep the guest list smaller and more exclusive, typically including only the bride's closest friends, bridesmaids, and perhaps a few others who share a fun, relaxed dynamic with her, while often excluding family members to allow for potentially more casual, adult-oriented activities like partying or trips.





bridal shower games


Bridal shower games are fun activities designed to entertain guests and celebrate the bride. Here are some popular ones:

- Bridal Bingo: Players create bingo cards with wedding-related words or items, then mark them off as they're mentioned during the event or read from a list.

- Toilet Paper Wedding Dress: Divide guests into teams to design a wedding dress using only toilet paper, with one person modeling it for judging.

- Guess the Bride's Age: Show childhood photos of the bride, and guests guess her age in each picture, with prizes for the closest answers.

- What's in Your Purse: The host calls out items, and guests check their purses; the one with the most items wins.

- Two Truths and a Lie: The bride shares three statements about herself (two true, one false), and guests guess the lie.

- Wedding Pictionary: Players draw wedding-themed words or phrases while others guess, using paper and pens.

- Bridal Jeopardy: Create a Jeopardy-style game board with categories like "Honeymoon Destinations" or "Wedding Traditions," and guests answer questions.

- The Newlywed Game: If the groom attends, have the couple answer questions about each other; otherwise, guests predict the bride's answers.

- Pin the Veil on the Bride: A twist on pin the tail on the donkey, where blindfolded guests pin a veil or accessory on a bride poster.

- Love Story Timeline: Guests help create a timeline of the couple's relationship by sharing memories or milestones.





how many to invite to bridal shower


The number of guests to invite to a bridal shower depends on several factors, including the bride's preferences, venue size, budget, and the event's intimacy. Here's a breakdown:

- **Typical range**: Most bridal showers have 10 to 50 guests. Smaller ones (10-20) focus on close family and friends, while larger ones (up to 50) might include extended relatives or coworkers.

- **Key considerations**:
- **Venue capacity**: Choose a space that comfortably fits your planned number; for example, a home might limit you to 15-25, while a hall could accommodate more.
- **Budget**: Factor in costs for food, decorations, games, and favors—smaller groups are often more affordable.
- **Bride's comfort**: Prioritize her wishes; some prefer intimate gatherings, while others enjoy bigger celebrations.
- **Etiquette**: Only invite people who are also on the wedding guest list to avoid awkwardness or obligations.
- **Guest list composition**: Include the bride's closest friends, family, and perhaps the wedding party. Aim for a mix that feels personal and manageable.

Ultimately, there's no strict rule—tailor it to make the event enjoyable for the bride. If needed, consult her for input on the list.





bridal shower themes


Popular bridal shower themes include garden parties with floral decorations and outdoor games, spa days featuring relaxing activities like massages and facials, beach vibes with tropical drinks and seashell decor, rustic barn settings with hay bales and country music, wine tasting events focused on different varietals and pairings, kitchen essentials where guests bring cooking gadgets, travel-inspired themes highlighting the couple's dream destinations with passport props, boho chic with dreamcatchers and bohemian attire, movie night setups with popcorn and film screenings, and personalized options based on the bride's hobbies like book clubs or art sessions. Other creative ideas are pajama parties for a cozy feel, glamorous Hollywood red carpet events, or seasonal themes like fall harvest with pumpkins and apple cider.