Who Gets Invited to the Bridal Shower? (2024)

You've picked a bridal shower date, put a deposit down on a party venue, and thoughtfully chosen a theme. Now it's time to solidify the guest list and send out invitations. Are you wondering just who to invite to the shower? In general, this is totally up to both the bride and the event's host and should be a reflection of what you both feel comfortable with. Traditionally, though, the bridal shower guest list consists of the following group:

  1. The wedding party
  2. Close family members
  3. Close friends

Of course, as is the case with most wedding-related events, there's some nuance to consider here. Ahead, find our best tips for figuring out who should be invited to a bridal shower and the associated guest list etiquette you'll want to pay close attention to.

Bridal Shower Invitation and Guest List Etiquette

Ultimately, it's the responsibility of the event's host to make the guest list, but most brides-to-be will want to weigh in on who is and isn't invited to her bridal shower. It's best to have a rough idea of how many guests the bride will want at her shower before choosing a venue; once you have both a venue locked down and her ideal guest list, you can get to work. When that time comes, the following etiquette points will come in handy.

Don't Invite Anyone to the Bridal Shower If They're Not Also Invited to the Wedding

This may seem obvious, but inviting people to the bridal shower if they are not invited to the wedding is inappropriate. It will likely offend them, and it looks very much so like you're pandering for gifts. The only exception is an office shower, where coworkers want to impart good wishes to the betrothed, but that would be hosted by an entirely different group of people.

Keep It Intimate

When it comes to inviting friends, it may be hard to narrow down your list, but the shower really is for your nearest and dearest. Of course, invite your wedding party and close family and friends. Do not feel obligated to invite significant others or friends of your relatives unless you truly have a close relationship with them. A shower should be a healthy mix of family and friends who know you best. After all, how else will they be able to win all those fun shower games?

The Host Ultimately Decides the Number of Guests

It's up to the host to decide how many guests they feel comfortable having in attendance. The host and the bride should sit down to discuss the number of guests they feel comfortable having, both based on size constraints and the overall budget. If the betrothed's list exceeds that number, consider having more than one shower (perhaps one for friends and one for family), but the host should not be asked to go over the guest count.

The Ultimate Guide to Bridal Showers

It's Fine to Have Multiple Bridal Showers

Sometimes, more than one person wants to throw you a shower—and generally speaking, that's totally okay. Just be sure to make each guest list unique based on the hosts. For a shower hosted by bridesmaids, the guest list can include your friends, while the shower hosted by relatives can include extended family and your parents‘ close friends. If your in-laws are hosting a shower, tip the balance toward their side and keep your list to immediate family.

How to Build Your Bridal Shower Guest List

By the time the bridal shower is being organized, the couple should also be deep in the wedding planning process, so it's best to cross-reference with the ceremony and reception guest list. Find time to connect with the bride-to-be and discuss who is and is not going to be invited to the wedding. From there, you can begin crafting the bridal shower guest list.

Once you nail down the ideal list of who you'd like to invite—including a small buffer for guests who won't be able to attend—it's time to gather addresses. Work with the bride-to-be and family members on both sides to to get mailing information for everyone who needs to receive an invitation.

The 34 Best Bridal Shower Gifts for the Bride Who Has It All

Who Gets Invited to the Bridal Shower? (2024)

FAQs

Who Gets Invited to the Bridal Shower? ›

A bridal shower is a more intimate gathering than a wedding and the guest list usually consists of the bride-to-be's closest female friends and relatives, including close relatives of the soon-to-be-bride's spouse.

Does everyone get invited to the bridal shower? ›

All that said, you're free to invite anyone to the wedding shower that you feel should be there to celebrate. At the end of the day, it's up to the host and the guest(s) of honor to make the final call about who to invite to the bridal shower.

Who is expected to give a bridal shower? ›

When it comes to the question “who hosts a bridal shower,” the most popular answer is usually the maid of honor. One of the most important maid of honor duties is leading the charge to plan the bridal shower, from choosing a venue to sending out bridal shower invitations, planning games to choosing favors.

Who is paying for the bridal shower? ›

Key Takeaway: The host is the one who usually pays for the bridal shower. However, if needed, others can help, too. The planning process can be a beautiful collaboration between the maid of honor, the bridesmaids, the bride's mother, and the groom's mother. And yes, even the bride can join in if she wants!

Who should not be invited to bridal shower? ›

The short answer is, you should not invite anyone to your shower who will not be invited to the wedding. Your shower is an intimate gathering of some of the closest women (and men if you choose) in your life, and if anyone makes the cut for your shower, they should also be close enough to you to get a wedding invite.

How many people actually attend bridal shower? ›

A bridal shower should be an event for those closest to the bride, both in relationship and location. I'm often asked how many guests should be invited to a shower, and I usually recommend keeping it to around 25 guests if possible. Everyone wants to see their gift opened and the reaction on the bride's face.

What is etiquette for a bridal shower? ›

Since showers are intended for the bride's nearest and dearest, every shower guest must already be on the wedding guest list. Because it's understood that guests should bring a present to a shower, it's not appropriate to invite people whom you don't plan to include in the wedding.

What is the difference between a wedding shower and a bridal shower? ›

The bridal shower is designed for just you and the girls while the wedding shower is a co-ed party where the bride and groom both get showered with gifts and love. If you're a bride who loves to party and celebrate, then have both a wedding shower and bridal shower!

Do you invite your mother-in-law to a bridal shower? ›

It's also pretty common today that brides have more than one shower for various reasons. Hosts of the different showers should be sure to consult each other on dates and guest lists so there isn't any overlap. It is common for Bridesmaids, mom and mother-in-laws to be invited to all showers.

Does the mother of the bride give her daughter a bridal shower? ›

Traditionally, the mother of the bride doesn't host the bridal shower (the maid of honor typically assumes the chief shower-planning role), however, your daughter will likely want you to be a part of the celebration.

Does the mother of the bride pay for the bridal shower? ›

Although once upon a time it was expected that the bride's family would foot the bridal shower bill, modern society has changed the rules. Nowadays, the person (or people) hosting the bridal shower are responsible for covering the costs associated with the shower.

How much should a bridal shower cost? ›

If you're going all out with an elaborate bridal shower, you could be talking $40 to $150 or more (gasp!) per person. Even a small, elaborate bridal shower (think 15 guests) could cost between $600 and $2,250—and that's before invitations, decorations and cake.

Who typically gets invited to a bridal shower? ›

A bridal shower is a more intimate gathering than a wedding and the guest list usually consists of the bride-to-be's closest female friends and relatives, including close relatives of the soon-to-be-bride's spouse.

What is the average size of a bridal shower? ›

Bridal Shower Guest List Size. An intimate bridal shower for 15 people is perfectly normal, as is a 50-person coed shower that feels more like a co*cktail party. A variety of factors can influence the size of the guest list, such as: the shower location.

Is it common to not have a bridal shower? ›

Bridal showers aren't required, so if you're not interested, here's how to spread the word. Not every to-be-wed wants a bridal shower, and that's totally their call. While saying "no" to having a bridal shower should be simple in theory, declining a friend or family member's offer to throw you one can be tricky.

What's the point of a bridal shower? ›

The purpose: to shower the bride with good wishes, congratulations, and gifts. It's as simple as that! During a bridal shower, guests come together to celebrate the bride and have some fun. The event usually includes activities, games, and sometimes even a theme.

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