Who to really Invite to the Bridal Shower?

You def have to invite some people from his side. but i would try and keep it to people you are him are close with and if some people cant make it extend the invite to others as well.

We invited 35 and 23 showed up. My mom and my friend's mom hosted at my parent's house since they also have a large yard.

My guest list was my grandma (only living grandparent among my DH and I), my aunts, cousins, family friends and my friends. Some people due to distance, other commitments, etc couldn't make it since it was right before labour day weekend. A lot of my mom's side of the family lives 6+ hours away and could only make the wedding.

I also didn't want some people to be left out, so I invited almost any female invited to the wedding unless they were out of province or a spouse we did't know well. I think my total was 65-70 invited.. Hoping not that many show!

Although it is up to you - I invited all of my Aunts, First cousin's, friends, and also my DH's Aunts, First cousin's, etc.

The only people that didn't get an invite were distant relatives or his friend's girlfriends if I hadn't met them. I'm not sure how many people were there, but 45 doesn't sound that bad. I would for sure ask your friend to ask her parents (unless you are close enough to them to ask) what the max. head count would be and go from there. Wouldn't want them to feel like they shouldn't have offered the place up!

I invited 40 ... also seemed kinda crazy at first. Excepting a few not to be able to make it (those who live 5 hours away)


Having it at a restaurant in their private loft.
My mom is “hosting” I’ve planned everything though ( which I wanted to so my mom is playing along because future mother in law said I couldn’t plan / host my own shower which I get but ... still wanted to lol)
I didn’t invite all my friends or coworkers, and also trimmed kids / underaged guests. Oh and a couple of “family friends” were also trimmed from guests list. For the most part almost all adult females invited to the wedding are invited.
I’d just chat with your bridesmaid about how many they are willing to host, sounds like they have a lovely property. If she agrees - invite those extra cousins or whoever- why not? Gives you a chance to connect before the wedding if you don’t get the opportunity to talk much. But be respectful of your hosts
Also ... on the flip side don’t be pressured to invite more just because there is space.

You can do it however you want! My family and FHs family have different ways of doing bridal showers.


My family typically only invites the nearest and dearest to the bride and hosts it at the MOBs home.
My FHs family invites essentially every woman invited to the wedding. This is the way we’re doing it so no one is offended.
It’s really up to you how you want to do it.