Bridal Shower Etiquette-- Bridal Shower Etiquette --
It’s all in the Timing The shower should take place four to six weeks prior to the wedding. In many cases, the shower takes place very close to the wedding to accommodate a bride travelling home for the wedding, or out of town guests. Making a Great Guest List Typically, the Maid of Honor is the person who plans and organizes the shower. Most etiquette experts agree that only close friends and family should be invited to the shower. Some brides opt to have a large shower, inviting every female on the list, but the recent trend is agreed to be fairly distasteful, as it looks more like gift grab than anything else. Keep it intimate! The guest list should include the wedding party, the mothers of the bride and groom, sisters and close female family members of the bride and groom, and female friends of the bride. People who are not invited to the wedding should not be invited to the shower. -- Bridal Shower Etiquette -- Delegate, Delegate, Delegate! Members of the bridal party and both the bride and grooms matter should feel like they have a special role, so give them each a special responsibility, such as keeping track of gifts, arranging the flowers, etc. While it’s tempting for many brides to try to plan it themselves, remember that a bride should never throw her own shower. Also, remember that whomever is hosting the event are responsible for paying for the meal – never ask a guest to pay for her own meal. Stationery Situations The bridal shower invitation should include the bride’s name, the date of the shower, the beginning and end time, the address, and name and phone number of the hostess, the theme, registry information, and RSVP date. It is fine for guests to RSVP by email or by phone. If necessary, a map should also be included. it is considered appropriate to provide guests with registry information either at the shower or in the shower invitation (never in the wedding invitation). A bride should always send thank you notes within two weeks after the shower. Modern Manners Today it is perfectly acceptable to throw a couples shower for the bride and groom. This is often more casual than a traditional bridal shower. If a guest lives too far away to attend the shower, she should still be sent an invitation to show she was thought of; and in the event that she is able to make the trip, she’s invited. During the Shower… A toast or speech should be made by the hostess at some point during the shower to welcome guests and honor the bride-to-be. Light refreshments and food should be served, perhaps along with a special cake. Gifts should be opened during the shower, with the Maid of Honor or bridesmaid keeping careful note of each gift. Guests should be sent home with a small favor. Throwing a bridal shower is a lovely gesture, and following proper etiquette will only allow you to be confident in your decisions and actions. Have fun planning! -- Bridal Shower Etiquette --
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Bridal showers might not follow the same strict rules they once did, but there is still a certain etiquette to them. And, brushing up on these tried and true rules never hurt anyone!
