Who Gets Invited to the Wedding Shower?

You've picked a wedding shower date, thoughtfully chosen a theme, added dozens of pins to your Pinterest board, and now it's time to solidify the guest list and send invitations. Wondering just who to invite to the shower? In general, this is totally up to you and what you're comfortable with. But the short answer is:

1. The wedding party
2. Close family members
3. Close friends

There's more to it than that, though. Ahead, find our best tips for figuring out who should be invited to a wedding shower.

Don't Invite Anyone Who Isn't Invited to the Wedding

This may seem obvious, but inviting people who aren't invited to the wedding is inappropriate. It will likely offend them, and like you're pandering for gifts. The only exception is an office shower, where coworkers want to impart good wishes to the betrothed.

Keep It Intimate

When it comes to inviting friends, it may be hard to narrow down your list, but the shower really is for your nearest and dearest. Of course, invite your wedding party and close family and friends. Do not feel obligated to invite significant others or friends of your relatives unless you truly have a close relationship with them. A shower should be a healthy mix of family and friends who know you best. After all, how else will they be able to win all those fun shower games?

The Host Ultimately Decides the Number of Guests

Ultimately, it's up to the host to decide how many guests they feel comfortable having in attendance. Once a shower date is set, the host and bride should discuss the number of guests that can fit. Once a shower date is set, the host and the bride should sit down to discuss the number of guests they feel comfortable having. If the betrothed's list exceeds that number, consider having more than one shower (perhaps one for friends and one for family). But the host should not be asked to go over the guest count.

It's Fine to Have Multiple Bridal Showers

Sometimes, more than one person wants to throw you a shower—and generally speaking, that's totally okay. But be sure to make each guest list unique based on the hosts. For a shower hosted by bridesmaids, the guest list can include your friends, while the shower hosted by relatives can include extended family and your parents‘ close friends. If your in-laws are hosting a shower, tip the balance toward their side and keep your list to immediate family.