Bridal Shower ·

When to Send Bridal Shower Invites: Timing, Etiquette & Pro Tips

by Bethany Wysolmerski

Planning a bridal shower is an exciting part of the pre-wedding festivities, but one of the most common questions hosts ask is: When should I send out the bridal shower invitations? Getting the timing right ensures guests have plenty of notice to RSVP, travel, and prepare a thoughtful gift for the bride-to-be.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the bridal shower invitation timeline, including save the dates, mailing etiquette, how far in advance to send invites, and what to include in your invitations. Whether you're the maid of honor, a family member, or the bride herself planning the event, this timeline will help keep things stress-free and on track.

Ideal Timeline for Sending Bridal Shower Invitations
Should You Send a Save the Date for a Bridal Shower?
What to Include in a Bridal Shower Invitation
Timeline Tips for Virtual Bridal Showers
What If It's a Destination Bridal Shower?
Printing & Mailing Tips
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Invitations
FAQs About Bridal Shower Invitation Timing

Ideal Timeline for Sending Bridal Shower Invitations

As a general rule of thumb, bridal shower invitations should be mailed 6 to 8 weeks before the event. This gives guests ample time to plan, RSVP, and purchase a gift from the registry.

If you're hosting a more casual, local shower, 4 to 6 weeks may be sufficient, especially if most guests live nearby. But if the shower will require travel or falls during a busy season (like summer wedding season or the holidays), opt for the full 8 weeks of notice.

Suggested Bridal Shower Planning Timeline:

Timing	Task
3–4 months before	Book the venue and confirm the guest list with the bride
2–3 months before	Design and order bridal shower invitations
6–8 weeks before	Mail out invitations
3–4 weeks before	Collect RSVPs and finalize food/games/favors
1 week before	Confirm final headcount and organize bridal shower decor

💡 Pro Tip: If you're ordering custom bridal shower invitations, allow extra time for design, printing, and shipping. Browse beautiful bridal shower invitation designs to get started early and ensure your invites arrive with plenty of time to mail.

Should You Send a Save the Date for a Bridal Shower?

While not required, save the dates for bridal showers are growing in popularity, especially for out-of-town guests or when the event falls during busy seasons.

Send save the dates 3–4 months before the shower if:

You're inviting guests who live far away and need time to arrange travel
The shower is during a holiday weekend or popular wedding month (May through October)
You're hosting a destination bridal shower
You want to give guests extra time to plan and budget for travel, lodging, and gifts
The bride has a large guest list with potential scheduling conflicts

Save the dates can be digital or printed and don't need to include full details: just the basics like date, city, and a note that the formal invite is coming soon. This gives your guests a heads-up to block off their calendars without the pressure of an immediate RSVP.

What to Include in a Bridal Shower Invitation

Now that you know when to send the invites, make sure you're including the right info. A well-written bridal shower invite should clearly answer the who, what, where, when, and RSVP details.

Essential Information to Include:

🎉 Who the shower is honoring (Full name of the bride)
📍 Date, time, and location (plus a map link if it's a digital invite)
📋 RSVP deadline and contact info (email or phone number)
🎁 Registry info or note that it's a display/gift card shower
👗 Dress code or theme (e.g., garden party, brunch, tropical, etc.)
🎭 Special instructions (games, bring a recipe card, advice for the bride, etc.)
🍽️ Meal information (brunch, lunch, cocktails, or light appetizers)

Optional but Nice to Include:

Parking information or transportation details
Accommodation suggestions for out-of-town guests
A note about any group activities or games planned
Dietary restriction information if meals are being served

✨ Want to elevate your party? Coordinate the invite design with matching bridal shower napkins, custom cups, and can cooler favors. Creating a cohesive look from the invitation through to the party decor makes the celebration feel polished and intentional.

Coordinated bridal shower table setting with custom napkins, personalized cups, and matching party favors showing elegant coordinated decor

Timeline Tips for Virtual Bridal Showers

If you're hosting a virtual bridal shower, the invitation timeline stays the same: 6 to 8 weeks is ideal. But you'll also want to include login info, tech tips, and how to send gifts or cards in advance.

What to Include in Virtual Shower Invitations:

🖥️ Platform details: Include a Zoom link or platform info, plus a time zone reminder and clear RSVP instructions. Send a calendar invite along with the invitation so guests can easily add it to their schedules.

📦 Shipping address: Provide the bride's mailing address so guests can ship gifts ahead of time. This allows the bride to open them live on camera during the event, which is one of the highlights of any shower.

💻 Tech support info: Include a contact person for technical difficulties and send a test link a few days before the event so guests can troubleshoot any issues in advance.

🎮 Virtual activity details: Let guests know if you'll be playing games that require preparation, like having them submit photos or stories beforehand.

Pro tip: Consider sending physical elements to accompany your virtual shower, like a small box of treats or a champagne toast kit that guests receive before the event. This adds a tangible, special touch to the virtual experience.

What If It's a Destination Bridal Shower?

For showers requiring travel (like a weekend getaway or spa retreat), send bridal shower invitations at least 10 weeks in advance. Give guests extra time to book travel and accommodations.

You may also want to send a formal save the date 4 months out, then the full invitation at the 8–10 week mark. This two-step approach ensures guests can plan ahead while still receiving all the details they need closer to the event.

Additional Considerations for Destination Showers:

Include hotel block information and booking deadlines
Provide transportation options from airports or train stations
Share a weekend itinerary if the shower is part of a larger celebration
Be upfront about any costs guests should expect
Suggest carpooling options or group transportation arrangements

Destination showers often call for special touches. Consider creating custom welcome signs and coordinated party favors that guests can take home as mementos from the weekend. Check out our curated bridal shower decor collection for inspiration.

Printing & Mailing Tips

When you're ordering printed invitations, give yourself extra time for:

📦 Printing & shipping (typically 5–10 business days, depending on customization level)
✉️ Mailing to guests (aim for 5–7 days in transit; longer for international guests)
💌 Handwriting addresses or designing envelope labels (this takes longer than you think)
🎨 Proofing and revisions (always order a proof before printing the full batch)

We recommend ordering your invitations 3 months before the shower date to stay ahead of the curve. And don't forget to order extras for keepsakes, last-minute guests, or flat-lay photos. Most hosts order 10 to 15 percent more than their guest count.

Invitation Wording Timeline:

The wording on your invitation should match your timeline. If you're sending invites 6 to 8 weeks out, include a clear RSVP deadline that's about 2 to 3 weeks before the event. This gives you time to provide a final headcount to your caterer or venue while still allowing guests a comfortable window to respond.

Elegant bridal shower invitation stationery flat lay with custom printed details and mailing materials showing organized party planning

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Invitations

Even the most organized hosts can stumble when it comes to invitation timing. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Sending Invites Too Late

Rushing the invitation process creates stress for everyone. Guests may have already committed to other plans, or they might feel pressured to respond quickly. If you find yourself running behind schedule, consider digital invitations to save time on printing and mailing.

Forgetting to Coordinate with the Bride

Always confirm the guest list with the bride before sending invitations. You don't want to accidentally invite someone who isn't on the wedding guest list, or leave out an important friend or family member. This conversation should happen well before you order invitations.

Not Following Up on RSVPs

If guests haven't responded by your RSVP deadline, don't assume they're not coming. A friendly phone call or text reminder often prompts a response. Many people simply forget to send their RSVP, so a gentle nudge is perfectly appropriate.

Overlooking Digital Options

In our connected world, digital invitations are not only acceptable but often preferred, especially for casual showers or last-minute planning. They're environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and make it easy to track RSVPs in real time.

FAQs About When to Send Bridal Shower Invites

How far in advance should bridal shower invitations be sent?

The sweet spot is 6 to 8 weeks before the event, giving guests time to plan, RSVP, and shop the registry. For destination showers or events during busy seasons, extend this to 10 weeks.

Is it rude to send a bridal shower invite 3 weeks before?

While not ideal, it's not necessarily rude; just risky. Guests may be unavailable or feel rushed. If you're short on time, use digital invites and follow up by phone or text to ensure guests receive them promptly.

Do bridal shower invites go out before or after wedding invites?

Bridal shower invites typically go out before wedding invitations. Wedding invites are sent 8 to 10 weeks before the big day; bridal showers usually happen 2 to 3 months before the wedding, so the timing naturally works out with shower invites going first.

Can I send bridal shower invitations by email?

Absolutely. Digital invites are acceptable, especially for casual showers or short timelines. Just be sure to still collect RSVPs and send reminders. Many online platforms make it easy to track responses and send updates.

Should I include registry info on the invite?

Yes, it's completely appropriate to list where the bride is registered. You can also include a note like "Her registry can be found at..." or direct guests to a wedding website. Guests appreciate having this information readily available.

What if some guests haven't RSVPed by the deadline?

Follow up with a friendly text or phone call about a week after the RSVP deadline. Life gets busy, and sometimes guests simply forget. A gentle reminder helps you finalize headcount and catering needs without any awkwardness.

Can I include multiple registry links on the invitation?

Yes, if the bride is registered at multiple stores, it's helpful to include all registry information. You can list them directly on the invite or direct guests to a wedding website where all registries are compiled in one place.

Should bridal shower invitations match the wedding theme?

While it's not required, coordinating the bridal shower aesthetic with the wedding theme creates a cohesive pre-wedding experience. If the wedding has a garden theme, for example, floral bridal shower invitations tie everything together beautifully. That said, the shower can have its own distinct style, especially if it's hosted by someone other than the couple. Consider pairing your invitations with matching party decor like custom napkins, frosted cups, and welcome signs to create a polished, coordinated look.

Celebratory bridal shower party decor with coordinated custom napkins, cups, and party favors creating welcoming atmosphere

Conclusion

Getting the timing right for your bridal shower invitations sets the tone for a well-organized, stress-free celebration. By mailing invites 6 to 8 weeks in advance and including all the essential details, you'll ensure your guests feel informed, excited, and ready to celebrate the bride-to-be in style.