Like the wedding itself, a bridal shower demands for certain do’s and don’ts. The organizer must know the proper etiquette for bridal showers so as not to create an ill-mannered bridal shower not only for the bride but for the guests as well. Bridal shower etiquette puts “boundaries” to the things that may cause some impoliteness towards the people concerned, as well as the participants of the bridal shower. It also sets a guideline for the organizer of the shower.

The most common etiquette for bridal showers include who to and who not to invite, where, when, how, and so forth. Most often, the bride and the hostess may find it challenging to adhere to these “rules”, which is why it’s important for the both of them to have an answer to certain important questions on the etiquette for bridal showers.

Who CAN Host A Bridal Shower?

Traditionally speaking, the etiquette for bridal showers on this query says that the bride’s close family, like the mom and the sister, are NOT supposed to host a bridal shower. BUT for a lot of brides these days, there’s just nobody else more than willing to do it.

Hence, anyone who wishes to throw a bridal shower for a best friend, sister, or relative CAN, but always keeping in mind that if there are many people in your daughter’s or sister’s circle who wants to host a bridal shower, then you may want to take the backseat. On the other hand, the maid of honor or bridesmaids usually throw a bridal shower.

When Is The Proper Time For A Bridal Shower?

Ideally, bridal showers should be held one to two months before the date of the wedding. However, there’s nothing wrong with the bridal shower being done more in advance, as long as the bride will be able to attend.

Who Must Be Invited?

Bridal showers have certain “musts” for presence. The groom’s and bride’s mothers must always be invited to bridal showers, along with the bride herself of course. If there are stepmothers on both sides, then they should be invited too.

The bride and groom’s sister/s must also be invited, but they have the option to choose to attend only one. Uninvited people to wedding must not be invited to the shower as well –this will be insulting for them. Other than the “must attendees”, the hostess and the bride should coordinate with the guest list –the number of guests must stay within the budget of the hostess, and the bride should be respectful of that.

Where Should It Be Held?

There is actually no rule for this. Whatever the hostess thinks is the right venue for the shower, and considering that all her guests and the bride will like it; then it should be fine. The only thing that is a “don’t” with this, is that guests should never pay for their meal –so if a hostess can’t afford a restaurant venue, no matter how the bride desires it, don’t!

What About The Invitations?

The same etiquette as that of wedding invitations apply: one invitation should be given per guest if living in the same household; hand-addressed invitations; use formal names for the guests with the proper title –Mr. Ms. Mrs.; send the invitations at least one month ahead of time; include RSVP number in the invitation; and you may also include registry information of the bride.

Should I Have Bridal Shower Games?

Games are not generally required, but they are very good icebreakers especially for a crowd who doesn’t know each other that well. They’re also great inclusions for fun and excitement. If games will not be included, allow for proper introduction of the guests on the start of the bridal shower.

What About Thank You Notes?

It is very much required for the bride-to-be to write thank you notes to all the people she received a gift from. If a group of people contribute for one gift; send them each a thank you note. Never forget to send the hostess a “thank you” for hosting the shower. Send the “thank you notes” must be sent within a few weeks after the shower.

The right etiquette for bridal showers serves as an important guideline for the things that a hostess must look out for. After all, bridal showers are meant to be an enjoyable and wonderful occasion, doing the “appropriate” things for the bride and the guests will make it perfect.