How to Calculate the Guests for a Bridal Shower

Keep the guest list with you up until the bridal shower starts.

Deciding who you will invite to a bridal shower is a touchy process since usually you will not invite everyone that the bride invites to her wedding. Even though you must leave some people out, however, it is imperative that you have an accurate account of who will be attending so that you can make the appropriate arrangements. When sending out the invitations, there are some important things you should keep in mind to ensure that the bride is satisfied.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook
• Pen

Instructions

1. Determine the absolute maximum capacity of the venue of her bridal shower. Most brides have their showers at the home of a family member or close friend but some choose to have it elsewhere. If you decide to have it elsewhere, ask the person in charge how many people her venue can accommodate.

2. Write the names of all the guests the bride wants to invite to her bridal shower into your notebook to form one list. Make sure the wedding coordinator has a copy of this list.

3. Count the number of guests you send an invitation to and write that number at the bottom of the list.

4. Keep accurate and up to date contact information for all of the guests. Chances are that many of the quests will inquire with you about gifts the bride wants or things they should bring to the bridal shower.

5. Ask the guests who receive an invitation to the bridal shower to RSVP with you or the wedding coordinator several weeks in advance. Make sure you set a deadline date so that you will know when to make your final calculations. This will ensure that you do not have to make any last minute changes and that you have an accurate idea of how many guests plan on attending the bridal shower.

6. Cross off each guest's name in your notebook when you receive a confirmation that she will attend.

7. Count the number of names that you have not crossed out when the RSVP deadline occurs.

8. Subtract the number of names that you have not crossed out from the total number of invitations you sent out. This sum will be the number of guests you can expect to attend the bridal shower.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure there is an appropriate amount of seating for the guests.

• Make sure that all guests who receive an invitation to the bridal shower also receive an invitation to the wedding.

• Plan for more guests than you expect in case of sudden changes in some of the guests' ability to attend.

• Make sure you communicate with the bride and wedding coordinator every day to ensure your lists match.

References

• eBridal Showers: Planning the Guest List for Your Bridal Shower