Traditional wedding showers have outdated, stale rules that don’t really apply to modern showers. But with all the changes, how can one be certain their wedding shower etiquette is up to speed? This series of articles will outline the essentials of proper wedding shower etiquette for the:

Topic 1: INVITATIONS & GUESTLIST

Host/Hostess(es):

Typically, it is the maid or matron of honor’s responsibility to throw the wedding shower. However, sometimes it is hosted by another member of the wedding party. If you are the maid/matron of honor and no one else is already planning on throwing a shower, you probably need to step up!

If you are having a bridal shower for females only, it is typical to invite the bridesmaids, the bride’s close girlfriends, and any female relatives that are close to the bride and/or groom. If you are having a couple’s shower, you should invite the entire wedding party, close friends and family. (Even those who probably will not be able to attend should get an invitation.) Most of the time, children are not invited to the shower but can be. If it is a concern, address it on the invitation by letting guests know whether or not children are welcome.

On your invitations, be sure to list the following information:

• Bride’s (and Groom’s if it is a couple’s shower) Full Name(s)
• Date of the shower
• Time of the shower
• Location of the shower (Include directions if it is hard to find.)
• RSVP information (name, phone number, and date to RSVP by)

Optional information:

• If it is a surprise shower, be sure to say so on the invitations. You wouldn’t want a guest to spoil the surprise!
• Registry information
• Host’s or Hostess’s Name(s)

Invitations should be sent out at least 4 weeks before the shower, and the RSVP date should be between 1-2 weeks before the shower.

Guests:

If you have been invited to a wedding shower, make sure that you RSVP by the date on the invitations whether or not you are going but ESPECIALLY if you are going. The host/hostess will only plan for enough favors, food, etc. for those who say they will attend.

If this is a surprise shower, remember to keep it a secret, even if you aren’t going!

Bride and/or Groom:

When it comes to planning the wedding shower, the bride and groom are pretty much responsibility-free. The only thing they need to help with is the guestlist. Make sure your host/hostess knows who you want invited (and maybe more importantly who you DON’T want invited)! You will also need to provide the contact information for those you want to invite.

If we left something out or if you have more questions about wedding shower etiquette for invitations and guestlist, ASK OUR ULTIMATE BRIDE!

And they are having a sale… buy 3 shirts, get the 4th free. Also, free shipping for orders over $50.

They have original and hip designs that any bride-to-be would love!

Our top 5 designs:
- Just Hitched (complete w/ cowgirl boots)
- Bridezilla ROAR!
- Homegirl of the Bride
- Groom- Under New Management
- Team Bride

BM= bridesmaid or best man
MOH= maid/matron of honor
GM= groomsmen
FH= future husband
FW= future wife
FG= flower girl
RB= ring bearer
MOB= mother of the bride
MOG= mother of the groom
FOB= father of the bride
FOG= father of the groom

Any others?

For the maid of honor, we suggest the “Personalized Candy Striped Tote Bag!” It is adorable, personalized, and can be used for years to come.
Secret bride-to-be benefit:
Your MOH can use it on your big day to carry things you need her to bring.

For your bridesmaids, we suggest the “Personalized Heart Mirror Compact!” It’s cute and pink, you can personalize it with 2 lines of text, and it has a regular and magnifying mirror.
Secret bride-to-be benefit:
Your bridesmaids will have access to a mirror at all times so they will be sure to look good on your wedding day!

For the best man, we suggest the “Personalized High Polish Pocket Watch!” It’s classy and can be personalized with up to 3 lines of text!
Secret bride-to-be benefit:
Your best man can make sure the groom and his groomsmen are on time for the wedding!

For your groomsmen, we suggest the “Personalized 25 oz. Sports Mug!” It’s everyone’s favorite groomsmen gift, and it’s personalized!
Secret bride-to-be benefit:
Your groomsmen will make sure the reception is a party to remember once you get these mugs filled up!