Wedding planning is currently in full mode, and one popular question I keep hearing is “Who should you invite to a bridal shower?”

Planning a bridal shower is an exciting and fun event that is part of the wedding planning process.

Typically organized by the women in the bride’s side of the family, bridal showers are one of the few pre-wedding events where the guest of honour can unwind and just enjoy the love showered by those who cherish her. 

It’s important to understand that organizing a bridal shower can come with its own challenges!

Particularly regarding who to invite to a bridal shower and how many to invite.

If you have been tasked with organizing a bridal shower, you will need help deciding who should be invited.

To ensure this special day is memorable for the bride, it’s important to carefully consider who to invite to a bridal shower.

We will guide you in navigating the guest list and creating a day filled with love, laughter, and fun for the bride-to-be. 

We will be looking at answering the following questions: 

• Should I Invite Every Woman Who’s Coming to the Wedding?

• Do you invite the groom’s aunts to a bridal shower?

• Who shouldn’t be invited to the Bridal Shower?

Understanding the Purpose of a Bridal Shower

Before diving into who should be invited to the bridal shower, it’s essential to understand the purpose of this event.

Traditionally known, a bridal shower is a pre-wedding event where friends and family gather to honour the bride-to-be and “shower” her with love, support, and gifts.

It’s a time to celebrate her upcoming marriage and to create lasting memories with her closest people.

Most people are choosing to skip the bridal shower altogether as they find them irrelevant, but I still believe it’s a beautiful event to get together with your closest pals, to mingle, eat some snacks, get to know each other more and celebrate the upcoming wedding.

Who should you invite to your bridal shower

The Core Guest List: 

• Close Family Members

When considering who you should invite to your bridal shower, close family members should top the list.

This includes the bride’s immediate family, such as her mother, sisters, and grandmothers.

If the bride has a close relationship with her future in-laws, it’s also a lovely gesture to include them, ensuring everyone feels involved in the occasion.

• Bridal Party

The bridal party plays a significant role in the bride’s life leading up to the wedding day.

These individuals are often the bride’s closest friends and confidants.

Therefore, they should definitely be included when deciding who to invite to a bridal shower.

This group typically consists of the maid of honour, bridesmaids, and sometimes even junior bridesmaids, something blue crew and flower girls.

• Close Friends

In addition to the bridal party, it’s important to include close friends who may not be part of the bridal party but hold a special place in the bride’s heart.

When thinking about who should be invited to a bridal shower, consider the friends who have been there through thick and thin, offering unwavering support and friendship to the bride or the couple.

Additional Bridal Shower Guests to Consider: 

• Extended Family

If the bride has a close-knit extended family, she may wish to include aunts, cousins, and other relatives in the celebration.

This can be particularly meaningful if the bride shares a special bond with these family members.

However, the decision should ultimately depend on the bride’s preferences and the size of the venue.

• Future In-Laws’ Family

Including a few family members of the future in-laws can be a thoughtful gesture, especially if they have played a significant role in the couple’s relationship or have known the bride for a long time.

Let’s say the groom’s sister, cousin, or aunt, whom he is close to. 

When determining who to invite to a bridal shower, consider the dynamics between the families and whether this inclusion will add to the celebration.

• Colleagues

For some brides, colleagues hold a significant place in their lives, and they may want to include them in the bridal shower festivities.

This is more common in small work environments where close relationships have formed.

However, it’s crucial to gauge the bride’s level of comfort and her desire to blend personal and professional circles.

In some cases, just having colleagues invited to the wedding is enough. 

Who should not be invited to a bridal shower? 

Typically, when the question of who should be invited to the bridal shower comes up, it’s because brides want to invite those who could not be invited to the wedding. 

Honestly, please do not do this. 

Here is who should be left out: 

• Acquaintances

While it might be tempting to invite everyone you know, it’s essential to keep the guest list intimate and focused on the people who matter most to the bride.

Acquaintances or distant friends who don’t share a close bond with the bride or the couple should generally be excluded when deciding who should be invited to a bridal shower.

• Uninvited Wedding Guests

A rule of thumb is that anyone invited to the bridal shower should also be on the wedding guest list.

Inviting someone to a pre-wedding event but not to the wedding itself can lead to awkwardness and hurt feelings.

Ensure consistency between the shower and wedding guest lists to avoid any potential issues.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Bridal Shower Guest List

How Many People Should You Invite to a Bridal Shower?

Determining the number of guests to invite to a bridal shower can be a delicate task, balancing the bride’s preferences, venue capacity, and the overall atmosphere you want to create.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding on the number of people to invite.

1. Bride’s Preferences

The most important consideration is the bride’s wishes.

Some brides may prefer an intimate gathering with only their closest family and friends, while others might enjoy a larger celebration.

Always consult the bride to ensure the guest list reflects her vision for the day.

2. Venue Size

The size of the venue will naturally dictate the maximum number of guests you can accommodate.

When planning the bridal shower, choose a venue that comfortably fits your anticipated guest count.

The space should allow for easy movement, mingling, and activities without feeling cramped.

3. Budget Considerations

The budget for the bridal shower will also impact the number of guests you can invite.

More guests typically mean higher costs for food, drinks, favours, and decorations.

Consider what is feasible within your budget while still providing a memorable experience for the bride.

Check out this post to find out who hosts and pays for a bridal shower! 

4. Type of Celebration

The type of bridal shower you plan to host can influence the guest count.

A casual brunch or tea party might lend itself to a smaller, more intimate gathering, whereas a larger, themed event could accommodate more guests.

Tailor the guest list to the style of the event you envision.

Suggested Guest Count Ranges for Bridal Shower: 

The goal is to celebrate the bride in a way that feels special and meaningful to her, surrounded by the people she loves the most.

By considering these factors and tailoring the guest list accordingly, you’ll create a bridal shower that is both enjoyable and memorable for her.

Now You Know “Who to Invite to a Bridal Shower”! 

Deciding who should be invited to a bridal shower involves thoughtful consideration and consultation with the bride.

So get them involved if you are hosting.

By focusing on close family, the bridal party, and dear friends, you can create an intimate and meaningful shower.

Remember to respect the bride’s wishes, keep the guest list manageable, and ensure that the day is filled with love and fun.

With our guide in mind, you’re sure to plan a bridal shower that the bride will treasure forever!

Grab our bridal shower planner to help keep things organized.