When it comes to wedding etiquette, the topic of who to invite to pre-wedding events like bachelorette parties can be quite contentious. The general rule of thumb is that anyone invited to a pre-wedding event, such as an engagement party, bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette party, or rehearsal dinner, should also be invited to the wedding. Here’s why: pre-wedding celebrations are seen as a prelude to the main event. Inviting someone to a pre-wedding event but not to the wedding itself can be likened to sending a “save the date” to someone who isn’t actually invited, which is considered a faux pas.
Summary
When planning pre-wedding events like bachelorette parties, it’s important to invite only those who are also invited to the wedding. Inviting someone to a pre-wedding event but not to the wedding is considered a faux pas. The bachelorette party guest list should include the bride’s closest friends and family, regardless of whether they are bridesmaids. Bachelor party invitations follow similar guidelines, ensuring all guests are also wedding invitees. For practical reasons, you might invite people to pre-wedding events who aren’t attending the wedding, but clear communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Inviting Non-Wedding Guests To The Bridal Shower Or Bachelorette Party
A bachelorette party is typically less formal than the wedding itself. It’s usually a fun gathering of the bridal party and close friends. However, it remains a significant pre-wedding celebration. Imagine being invited to your best friend’s bachelorette party, asked to chip in financially, and then not being invited to the wedding. This would be quite hurtful and unacceptable. Therefore, everyone who attends your bachelorette party should also receive a wedding invitation. If they are not invited to the wedding, they shouldn’t be invited to the bachelorette party either.
Who Should You Invite to the Bachelorette Party?
The guest list for a bachelorette party usually includes the bride’s closest friends and family members. While traditionally this might have only included female friends, modern bachelorette parties can also include male friends and relatives.
- Who decides the guest list? The maid of honour typically takes charge of organising the party, but the bride should have the final say on the guest list.
- Is the bachelorette party just for bridesmaids? No, anyone the bride wants to celebrate with can be invited, including close friends who are not part of the bridal party.
- What about budget-conscious friends? Always invite them, even if they might not be able to attend. They should still be included in any email chains or plans, as circumstances can change.
Bachelor Party Invitations
Planning a bachelor party involves several considerations, especially regarding the guest list. It’s generally expected that everyone invited to the bachelor party should also be invited to the wedding. Here are some guidelines:
- Who should create the invitations? The best man typically handles the invitations, ensuring that all groomsmen, close friends, and family members are included. The groom should also be consulted about any additional guests he wishes to invite.
- Should you invite old friends not invited to the wedding? No, it’s best to only invite those who will also attend the wedding. Inviting someone to the bachelor party but not the wedding is considered rude.
Finalising the Guest List
When finalising the guest list for the bachelorette party, consider the nature of the celebration and the relationships involved. Here are some general guidelines:
- Parents or grandparents of the bride: It might be best to avoid inviting them to maintain a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
- Friends not invited to the wedding: Avoid inviting them to prevent any awkwardness.
- Coworkers: Only invite them if they are close friends of the bride.
Inviting Non-Wedding Guests to Pre-Wedding Events
If your wedding guest list is tight, you might consider inviting some people only to the bridal shower or bachelorette party. This approach can help you include more people in the celebrations without overextending your wedding capacity. Here are some phrases you might use on invitations:
- For a large bridal shower and a small wedding: “It’s an intimate ceremony, but we’d love to celebrate with you at the bridal shower!”
- For a destination wedding with a local shower: “Join us in celebrating the bride before she heads off to her wedding!”
- For clear delineation: “If you can’t attend the wedding, please join us at the bridal shower.”
This way, those who can’t make it to the wedding still feel included in the celebrations. Always double-check your guest list to avoid any misunderstandings.
Handling Sensitive Situations
There are always sensitive situations to consider when planning pre-wedding events. Here are some scenarios and how to handle them:
Inviting Close Friends Who Aren’t Bridesmaids:
It’s perfectly acceptable to invite close friends to the bachelorette party even if they aren’t part of the bridal party. This allows the bride to celebrate with all her important friends.
Family Dynamics:
Family dynamics can be complex. If the bride has a close relationship with her future mother-in-law or sister-in-law, she might want to include them in the bachelorette party. However, if the relationship is strained, it might be best to avoid potential conflict by not inviting them.
Excluding Friends for Practical Reasons:
If the bride has friends who live far away or have financial constraints, she can still invite them but make it clear that there is no obligation to attend. This way, they feel included but not pressured.
Conclusion
Anyone invited to a pre-wedding event should also be invited to the wedding to avoid hurt feelings and maintain proper etiquette. This ensures that all guests feel valued and included in the celebrations leading up to the big day. Always communicate clearly and considerately when planning your guest lists for these events to ensure a harmonious and joyous occasion for everyone involved.
By understanding the nuances of wedding etiquette and thoughtfully planning your pre-wedding events, you can create memorable and enjoyable experiences for all your guests. Whether you’re hosting a large bridal shower or an intimate bachelorette party, the key is to ensure that everyone feels included and appreciated.
FAQs About Bachelorette Party
Whose duty is it to arrange for bachelorette party mementoes?
Fun (and occasionally ridiculous) decorations are a great way to make the bride’s bachelorette party one to remember. That’s why the maid of honour and the other guests normally foot the bill for these kinds of trinkets.
Should the bride foot the bill for the hen party?
It is customary to cover the bride’s expenses on her wedding night. There’s a bit more ambiguity surrounding weekend getaways. No one should expect the bride to foot the bill for her guests’ travel and lodging. The cost of wedding party favours and other gifts for guests should be divided evenly.
Whose responsibility is it to pay for the bridesmaids’ salon services?
However, everyone has different tastes, so if you’re strapped for cash, you can always ask if they mind doing their own hair and makeup, or if they’d rather have a professional do it and pay for it themselves. Just be aware that if you’re not footing the bill, they may be more adamant about getting their way when it comes to the hairstyle.
What should the bride bring to her bachelorette party?
Fun and wacky sunglasses, printed tees, and miniature bottles of liquor are just a few examples. When the bachelorette party is a more elaborate affair, like a trip, the bride may choose to offer a more substantial present. Even if the presents will be more useful, they shouldn’t cost too much.
When celebrating a bachelorette, do you exchange gifts?
It is customary, although not necessary, to present the bride with a gift on the occasion of her bachelorette party. This is not the wedding present, so feel free to get her something meaningful and/or humorous. In keeping with the celebratory mood, attendees typically give and receive humorous party store presents.
