Who Do You Invite to a Bridal Shower?

by Bethany Wysolmerski

Bridal Shower Guest List 101

Wondering who you invite to a bridal shower? Whether you're the host or the bride, figuring out the guest list can feel surprisingly tricky. After all, it's a personal event with etiquette rules and emotional dynamics. Should you invite all female wedding guests? What about coworkers or family friends?

This guide will help you build the perfect list—without stress or confusion.

Table of Contents

Traditional Bridal Shower Guest List Etiquette

Traditionally, the bridal shower guest list includes close female family members and friends of the bride. Think moms, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and bridesmaids. But modern showers often go beyond that—and that’s okay!

Here’s the classic group of who gets invited to a bridal shower:

  • Mother of the bride and groom
  • Grandmothers
  • Sisters and future sisters-in-law
  • Bridesmaids and maid/matron of honor
  • Close friends and besties

Modern Showers = More Flexibility

Today, the rules are more relaxed. Some showers are co-ed, some are family-only, and some include anyone meaningful to the bride. It all depends on your vibe and who’s hosting.

If you're asking, “who do you invite to your bridal shower?”—the real answer is: anyone you want to celebrate with, as long as they’re invited to the wedding.

How to Include Family, Friends & Groups

Let’s break it down by category:

Immediate Family

Parents, siblings, and close relatives are nearly always invited. Even if someone can’t attend the wedding (for distance or health reasons), it’s thoughtful to include them here.

Bridal Party

This one’s a given. Your bridesmaids have been by your side—don’t skip them at the shower!

Friends from Different Life Stages

College friends, childhood besties, and even your yoga crew can all be invited if they’re part of your story. Just remember to balance guest count and the bride’s comfort level.

Plus-Ones?

Bridal showers typically don’t include guest plus-ones unless it's a co-ed shower. Always clarify expectations in the invitation.

Only Invite Those Also Invited to the Wedding

This is the golden rule: don’t invite someone to the bridal shower if they’re not also invited to the wedding.

Why? A shower involves gift-giving, and it’s considered rude to ask someone to buy a gift if they’re not invited to the main celebration. There are rare exceptions—like office showers or neighborhood groups—but for personal showers, stick with the guest list overlap.

What About Inviting Coworkers?

If you’re close with coworkers and they’re on the wedding guest list, absolutely invite them. But don’t feel obligated to invite the whole office.

Pro tip: If coworkers are throwing you a workplace shower, that’s different—and doesn’t require all of them to also attend the wedding.

What If Guests Are Invited to Multiple Showers?

It’s common for a bride to have more than one bridal shower: one hosted by family, another by friends, and maybe even a work-related one. If a guest is invited to multiple showers, they’re only expected to bring one gift.

Guests should feel welcome, not overwhelmed. Be mindful about overlap, especially for anyone traveling or attending multiple wedding events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you invite all female wedding guests to the shower?

No—only those closest to the bride. You don’t have to invite every female guest to the shower, especially if your wedding is large.

Can you invite someone to the shower but not the wedding?

Generally no, unless it’s a workplace or group-specific shower (and made clear to the guests). Stick to inviting wedding guests.

Should moms or grandmothers be invited?

Yes, absolutely. Even if the shower is more modern or informal, they should still be included out of respect and tradition.

How many people should you invite to a bridal shower?

Most showers have 15–40 guests. Keep it intimate—this is more about meaningful time with the bride than a large party.

Can I invite someone to the shower if they declined the wedding invite?

If they declined due to travel or logistics but remain close to the bride, yes. Just make it clear there’s no pressure to attend.

Make the Bridal Shower Unforgettable with Rubi and Lib

Once your guest list is set, it’s time to plan a celebration that reflects your bride’s personality and style. At Rubi and Lib, we make it easy with personalized bridal shower decor that feels meaningful and memorable.

At Rubi and Lib, we specialize in helping you celebrate life’s most memorable moments with personalized wedding and party decor designed to reflect your unique style. From custom cocktail napkins and frosted plastic cups to bar signs and party favors, our curated collections are created to elevate your celebration and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party, baby shower, or birthday bash, our products add a thoughtful, stylish touch that turns an ordinary gathering into an unforgettable event. Many of our designs feature custom illustrations—including pet portraits—so your decor feels as one-of-a-kind as your story.

As a women-owned small business, we’re passionate about making the ordering process seamless and enjoyable. Every item is crafted with care and attention to detail, and most of our products are made in the USA. We believe celebrations should feel personal, joyful, and stress-free—that’s why we’re here to help you create meaningful moments, one custom detail at a time.

Explore our best sellers, discover customer favorites, or reach out for something truly unique. At Rubi and Lib, your celebration is our inspiration.

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