Bridal showers are a fun, joyous occasion to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of the bride-to-be. Yet, before you can start the party planning, you need to ensure the invitations are just right. One of the most critical components of a bridal shower invitation is deciding what name to put on it—but what’s the right answer? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
The Basics of Bridal Shower Invitations
Before we dive into the naming conventions, let’s make sure you have the basics down. Each bridal shower invitation should communicate the essential information that guests need to know to attend. This typically includes:
- The bride’s name
- The date and time of the shower
- The location of the shower
- The RSVP date and contact information
- The theme of the shower (optional)
Once you have this information gathered, it’s time to focus on the name.
Whose Name Should You Use?
The bride’s name should always be the star of the invitation. After all, this celebration is for her, and she is the reason for gathering. But what name should you use?
In general, the bride’s first and last name should be included on the invitation. If you are close to the bride and know her future last name, you can include that as well. However, it’s not always expected or necessary.
Middle names are not necessary for bridal shower invitations unless you prefer more formal invitation wording. That said, if the bride has a unique middle name or goes by a specific nickname that you know guests will recognize, including it can add nice personalization to the invite.
What About the Groom?
The groom’s name is optional for bridal shower invitations. Including it is slightly more formal than we often see on today’s bridal shower invitations, but it’s not uncommon. The choice to include it or not depends on the bride’s preferences and how formal you want to make the invitation.
If the bridal shower is a couples’ shower or Jack and Jill party, then you’ll include the groom’s name on the invite. If the shower is an intimate gathering of the bride’s friends and family, then it’s generally acceptable to leave the groom’s name off.
When in Doubt, Ask the Bride
If you’re not sure what name to use on the bridal shower invitation, don’t be afraid to ask the bride. She will be happy to provide her preference, and this will ensure that the invitation is as personalized and special as possible.
Conclusion
The bride’s name should always be the focal point of a bridal shower invitation. Use her first and last name and consider including her middle name or nickname if it adds a personal touch. Including the groom’s name is up to the bride’s preference and formality of the shower. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask the bride what she prefers. With these tips in mind, you’ll be all set to create the perfect bridal shower invitation that will make the bride-to-be feel celebrated in the best way possible!
FAQ
Whose name goes first on a wedding shower invitation?
When it comes to wedding shower invitations, one of the most commonly asked questions is whose name goes first. Traditionally, the name of the bride always precedes the groom’s name. This rule is based on the idea that the wedding is primarily a celebration of the bride and her new life with her spouse. Therefore, it is appropriate for her name to come first on any invitations or announcements related to the wedding.
If the bride’s parents are hosting the wedding shower, the formal invitation will typically refer to the bride by her first and middle names, followed by the groom’s full name and title. For example, the invitation may read “Emily Rose Smith and John Michael Doe request the pleasure of your company at a wedding shower in honor of their daughter, Elizabeth Anne Smith, and her fiancé, William Thomas Jones.” Note that the groom’s first and middle names are typically included as well, although his last name is often omitted.
If the couple is hosting the wedding shower themselves, their titles are optional. However, it is still traditional for the bride’s name to come first on the invitation. In this case, the invitation might read “Elizabeth Anne Smith and William Thomas Jones request the pleasure of your company at their wedding shower.”
It’s worth noting that many modern couples choose not to follow these traditional rules when it comes to wedding invitations and announcements. Some couples may choose to include both names in alphabetical order, while others may prefer to list the groom’s name first as a way of challenging gender norms and expectations. the decision of whose name comes first on a wedding shower invitation is up to the couple themselves and what feels most appropriate for their specific situation.
