Who Gets Invited to the Bridal Shower?

You've picked a bridal shower date, put a deposit down on a party venue, and thoughtfully selected a day-of theme. Your next task? Solidifying the guest list and sending out invitations. But as with all wedding-related events, choosing who to invite to this celebration can be a bit difficult, especially if you're unsure of the etiquette rules surrounding this pre-wedding bash. Luckily, we're here to help!

According to wedding planner Cameron Forbes, "Bridal showers are intimate, celebratory gatherings, and the guest list typically reflects that sense of closeness. Traditionally, the guest list includes the bride's close female friends and family members, like her bridesmaids, mother, sisters, and future in-laws," she shares. "However, in 2024, bridal showers can also include close male friends or relatives if the bride wishes. Inviting people who are genuinely close to the bride and have a meaningful connection with her is what's most important."

Of course, there are some nuances to consider here, which is why we asked Forbes to share everything she knows about bridal shower guest lists. Ahead, find our best tips for figuring out who should be invited to this celebratory affair, including the etiquette rules you'll want to know as the host of this event.

Everything to Know When Creating a Bridal Shower Guest List

Putting together a bridal shower guest list can be a bit intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Here's what you need to know to ensure a smooth and stress-free process for this pre-wedding gathering.

The Bride Ultimately Decides the Number of Guests

It's up to the host (traditionally the maid of honor and/or bridal party) to consult with the bride-to-be about how many guests she feels comfortable having in attendance. "Ask the bride for a list of must-have guests. This ensures that her closest friends and family are included," shares Forbes. During this conversation, be sure to also discuss venue constraints and any budget limitations that may impact the guest count.

Don't Invite Anyone to the Bridal Shower If They're Not 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. As such, find time to connect with the bride-to-be and discuss who's on the final wedding guest list. From there, you can begin crafting a list of names to invite to the bridal shower.

Keep It Intimate

"Bridal showers are typically more personal and smaller in scale than weddings, so it’s okay to keep the guest list tight," says Forbes. This means you shouldn't feel obligated to invite significant others or friends of relatives unless the bride-to-be truly has a close relationship with them. After all, how else will they be able to win all those fun shower games?

However, even with an intimate guest list, it's important that you create a well-rounded list that "represents the bride’s different social circles, such as family members, childhood and college friends, and coworkers," shares Forbes. "Creating a seating chart will also help guarantee that all guests are happy on the day of the bridal shower."

Send Out Invitations Within an Appropriate Timeframe

"Timing is crucial for bridal shower invitations," explains Forbes. "Ideally, they should be sent out about six to eight weeks before the event. This gives guests ample time to RSVP and make any necessary travel, schedule, or childcare arrangements. Sending them too early might lead to guests forgetting the date, and sending them too late could result in low attendance due to conflicts."

Be Sure to Include All Relevant Information on the Invite

"A well-crafted bridal shower invitation should include several key pieces of information: the bride's name, the date and time of the shower, the venue address, RSVP details, and any registry information," notes Forbes. "Additionally, including a theme (if there is one) and any special instructions, such as a dress code, can be very helpful for guests."