The Bridal Shower Invitation Etiquette You Need to Know

Bridal shower invitation wording—and the etiquette that goes along with it—can be tricky, especially when it comes to personalized invites and providing the proper information. The invitation is an essential way to spread the news about the upcoming bridal shower party. It’s similar to a wedding invitation, since it provides important details about the event, but the bridal shower invitation can take on a more playful style. 

Not sure where to start when it comes to proper bridal shower etiquette and wedding invitation wording? Don't fret. If you’ve been enlisted to host this fun event for the bride-to-be, we're here to help. Below, we're outlining all of the basic bridal shower invitation etiquette you need to know, along with bridal shower invitation wording examples that will give you some ideas about where to begin.

Bridal Shower Invitation FAQs

Who is invited to a bridal shower?

Traditionally, the bridal shower is a party for the bride, her bridal party, close friends, and female family members. The bridal shower guest list should include bridesmaids, aunts, grandmothers, cousins, and siblings on both sides—that means you'll also need to invite her future in-laws, such as the mother of the groom/partner (if applicable), grandmother of the groom/partner (if applicable), and sister-in-law. The most important thing to remember is that you should never invite anyone to the bridal shower who isn't also invited to the wedding, so be sure to run the final guest list past the bride before mailing the invitations. The same general rules apply for same-sex and couples' wedding showers. 

When should bridal shower invitations be mailed? 

The invitations should be sent out at least six to eight weeks before the actual event, with the RSVP deadline about two weeks before the party.

Who sends bridal shower invitations? 

Bridal shower invitations are sent out by the party host(s), which is traditionally the maid of honor and/or a bridesmaid. Close relatives and friends of the bride can also offer to host the shower or assist someone in the wedding party with shower planning.  

Bridal Shower Invitation Wording Etiquette

Make sure your guests save the date by including these important details on the bridal shower invitations. 

Highlight the guest of honor. 

The number-one bridal shower invitation wording rule you should know is making sure to highlight the guest of honor right off the bat. Begin your invite with a simple greeting, followed by the name of the bride (or the couple, if you’re throwing a couples’ shower). For a formal bridal shower, the invitation should begin with something like, "Please join us for a bridal shower honoring [insert bride’s name here]." If you’re hosting something casual or low-key, we suggest beginning the invitation with a fun opening such as, "Before the Miss becomes a Mrs., Let's shower her with love and good wishes." Then include "Honoring [insert bride’s name here]" below. 

Pick a bridal shower invitation theme. 

Once you’ve announced who the bridal shower is honoring, you should then specify the bridal shower theme, if any. Whether it's a tropical-themed bash, tea party, or a bubbly brunch, including the shower theme on the invitation will help guests prepare for the event, from dressing appropriately to purchasing gifts (for example, cocktail supplies for a "stock the bar" bridal shower). This will also prevent guests from bombarding you with unnecessary questions about the party—we hope!

Include the date and time. 

Along with the short greeting, you'll then need to state when the bridal shower is taking place. We suggest listing the full date, including the day, month, and year, as well as the exact time the party will start. Including the end time is optional, but adding it will give guests clarity around how much of their day to allot for the party and can prevent people from showing up too late. When choosing the date and time of the party, remember that the bridal shower is typically held about two or three months prior to the wedding date. The party can range from a morning brunch or late afternoon luncheon, to a swanky dinner party—just make sure to confirm the timing with the bride-to-be based on what works best for her (the party shouldn't be a surprise!). 

List the party location and address. 

Below the date and time, include the full address (street address, state, and zip code) of the party, along with any relevant information, such as restaurant name or host's house. Brief directions and/or parking details can also be helpful as needed, especially for anyone coming from out-of-town and guests who have not visited the party location before. 

Indicate who is hosting the event.

Don't forget to include your name or the name of whoever is hosting the bridal shower. The bridal shower invitation wording for this could be something like, "Hosted by [insert host’s name here]," or simply adding the host's name next to the address or RSVP information. It’s necessary to have the host's name on the bridal shower invites so guests know who is throwing the party (and who to contact for questions), especially if you're inviting guests you haven't met before. 

Provide RSVP instructions. 

At the bottom of the party invitations, add the RSVP details so guests clearly know who to contact. The RSVP information should include the name of the host, a phone number and/or email address, and the RSVP deadline. The deadline should be about two weeks before the actual shower, which will leave enough time for the host(s) to finalize details like catering, party favors, bridal shower games, and other supplies. This typically can read, "Please RSVP to [insert name and contact information] by May 30, 2022."

Include additional wedding details.

Lastly, your wedding shower invitations should include the couple's wedding website. Add the URL along with a brief line that reads, "Please visit [insert names here] wedding website for gift and wedding registry information." Guests can then use this link to find out where the couple are registered and purchase shower gifts accordingly.

Bridal Shower Invitation Wording Examples 

Use these sample invitation templates to get the ball rolling when it's time to start writing your own.  

Formal bridal shower invitation example:

Please join us to celebrate the bride-to-be, Katherine Jones

Saturday, March 19, 2022

at 2:00 in the afternoon

Mermaid Winery

330 W 22nd St, Norfolk, VA 23517

Hosted by Juliette Wills, Maid of Honor

Please RSVP to Juliette by March 1, 2022 at 453-878-0789

For registry details, visit the couple’s wedding website:

[add wedding website URL here]

Casual bridal shower invitation example: 

The time is right to celebrate Emma’s upcoming wedding date!

Around-the-Clock Bridal Shower

Sunday, September 18, 2022 

1:00 p.m–4:00 p.m.

757 Penny Lane, Oxford, MS 38655

Hosted by Jessie Brenner

Please RSVP to Jessie by September 1 at 617-567-9132

Visit Emma & Dave's wedding website for registry details:

[add wedding website URL here]

Themed bridal shower invitation example: 

Let’s Honor Margaret Anderson with a Brunch & Bubbly Bridal Shower

Saturday, December, 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

At the home of Libby Ryan

507 Main St, Dallas, TX 75051

Come dressed in your best party hat! 

Please RSVP to Libby by December 3 at 345-987-1678

For wedding registry info:

[add wedding website URL here]

Couple's wedding shower invitation example: 

Please join us for a wedding shower celebrating the happy couple, Benjamin & Ian 

Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.

Woodberry Kitchen 

2010 Clipper Park Rd Suite 126, Baltimore, MD 21211

Dinner will be served 

RSVP to Karen by July 2 at 443-062-8565

View their wedding registry at: 

[add wedding website URL here]