When it comes to bridal shower etiquette, it is important to know who to invite and when and where to hold the celebration. Traditionally, bridal shower etiquette suggests that the bridesmaids are responsible for throwing a bridal shower. Close family members are not supposed to handle the celebration, but some brides simply do not have anyone else who is willing to host the party. In this scenario, anyone can give a bridal shower, but close family should generally step back if there are other people would wish to organize the bridal shower.

Bridal shower etiquette suggests that the bridal shower should be held 30-60 days prior to the ceremony. However, there is no rule that says a shower cannot be held earlier, with the most important deciding factor being whether or not the bride can attend.

As for where to send the invitations, bridal show etiquette confirms that both the mother of the bride and groom are to be invited, along with sisters of the bride and groom, friends, relatives, etc. Even relatives who live too far away to travel in for the bridal shower should be acknowledged with an invitation. Anyone who is not invited to the wedding should not be invited to the bridal shower. Bridal shower etiquette recommends that the hostess and bride work together on the invitation list, which should be planned according to the hostess’s budget.

When it comes to addressing the invitations, each one should be personally addressed to the invitee. Even if several invitations go to the same household, each one should be addressed separately as opposed to one single invitation being sent for everyone. Bridal shower etiquette suggests that invitations should be mailed at least one month in advance and should include directions to the shower and a telephone number incase further directions are needed.

When it comes to location, bridal shower etiquette does not single out any one specific place to hold the shower. Ideally, however, bridal showers that are held at a restaurant must be fully paid for by the hostess. If this is beyond the budget, plan another location as bridal shower etiquette does suggest that guests should never be asked to pay for their own meal.

When the bridal shower has concluded and all of the guests have gone home, it’s time to begin working on the Thank You notes. Bridal shower etiquette suggests that all Thank You cards should be mailed within one week of the shower.