Bridal Shower Invitees

I love when brides ask me questions. It automatically gives me a blog topic! In reference to her bridal shower, one bride recently asked, "What’s your take on inviting relatives from out of town?  Do you think it appears like you’re searching for more gifts assuming they cannot come, or would they feel left out if they didn’t receive an invite?"

This could be tough. Proper etiquette is to invite every female to the shower who will be invited to the wedding, however, there can be a few exceptions:

• How far away do they actually live? Is it across the country or right over the state line? Those that live closer may make the trip for the day while those further away may not.
• How close in relationship are they to you? Is it your cousin that you spent all your time with until she moved away or your great-aunt Bertha that you never see anyway? If the out-of-staters are close family and friends, I would send them an invitation.
• Are they the "and guest" being invited to the wedding (as in one of your groomsmen's new girlfriend)? If so, it is OK not to invite them. They will probably feel out of place anyway.

Just remember its NEVER acceptable to invite someone to the shower that will not be invited to the wedding. This WILL look like you are only searching for more gifts and will be in poor taste for sure.