Traditionally it was just the women that got invited to bridal showers, the brides close female relatives, in-laws to be, and closest girlfriends. This invite list keeps the numbers down and keeps it intimate. With smaller numbers the bride-to-be can sit down and relax, rather than feeling like she has to meet, greet and converse with everyone.

These days’ things are changing. Depending on how well the bride gets on with the groom-to-be’s, and her own, male friends, you may want to have a ‘Jack and Jill’ party.

A ‘Jack and Jill’ party is a bridal shower where the men are invited along as well. Don’t forget this means inviting the groom’s, as well as the bride’s, brothers and father. If this happens to be the case, try and keep the bride’s brothers from telling any embarrassing stories!

It’s a good occasion to get all ages together, from the very young to the very old, as it makes them feel involved (without being offended by missing out on the bachelorette party). It’s worth noting that the bridal shower is the time when the bride is meant to get away without being humiliated (that comes later!).

The maid-of-honor should get together with the bride and write out a guest-list of people that the bride-to-be would like invited. Don’t forget the bride-to-be’s coworkers and old school friends, if she wants them to come.

Don’t go to too much expense with the invitations. Home made invitations are a nice touch, or even a quick phone call would suffice. Get them out early, so people can organize their diaries. It might be easier and cheaper to send them out with the bachelorette invitations.

Remember to include:

• Date,
• Time,
• Address,
• Plans/Theme of the night,
• If guests need to bring money, how much and what it is for,
• Anything else guests may need to bring, such as food/wine/present,
• Make it obvious on the invitation if it’s going to be a surprise shower,
• Details for RSVP.