Bachelorette Party vs. Bridal Shower

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of celebrations—two of the most common being the bachelorette party and the bridal shower. But what’s the real difference between these two events? Which one should come first? And who actually gets an invite?

If you’re feeling a little lost, don’t worry! This guide will clear things up and help you plan both events seamlessly.

Bachelorette Party vs. Bridal Shower: The Key Differences

While both events celebrate the bride, they have very different vibes and guest lists. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	Bridal Shower	Bachelorette
Purpose	A gathering to celebrate and "shower" the bride with gifts	A fun, often wild, getaway or night out to celebrate the bride's final days before marriage
Vibe	Classy, elegant, & gift focused	Party-centered, fun, sometimes rowdy
Who Hosts?	The Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids or Family Members	The Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids
Who's Invited?	Female friends and family of all ages	The bride's closest friends, typically just the wedding party
Gifts?	Yes - guests bring gifts for the bride	No formal gifts - though fun party favors are common
When?	A few months to a few weeks before the wedding	Usually a month or so before the wedding

Which Comes First? Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party?

Typically, the bridal shower happens first, followed by the bachelorette party. Here’s why:

Tradition & Formality – The bridal shower is a more structured event with gifts and often involves older family members, so it makes sense to do it first.
Timing & Energy Levels – A bachelorette party is more relaxed (or wild, depending on the bride’s style), making it a great way to let loose closer to the wedding.
Gift Logistics – The bridal shower gifts help set up the couple’s new home, while the bachelorette party is more about experiences and bonding.

That said, every bride is different! Some prefer to combine both events into one or do them back-to-back if guests are traveling.

Who Gets an Invite?

Bridal Shower Guest List	Bachelorette Guest List
Bridal showers typically include: Close female family members (mother, sisters, aunts, grandmother, cousins) Bridesmaids and close friends Sometimes co-workers or family friends 💡 Pro Tip: If someone is invited to the bridal shower, they should be invited to the wedding. It’s seen as poor etiquette to invite people to the shower but not the big day.	Bachelorette parties are more intimate and exclusive, usually including: The bride Maid of honor and bridesmaids Close friends outside the bridal party Typically, mothers and older family members don’t attend unless the bride wants a more relaxed party. 💡 Fun Idea: Give your squad personalized tote bags filled with party essentials for a stylish and practical touch!

Bridal Shower Guest List

Bachelorette Guest List

Bridal showers typically include:

Close female family members (mother, sisters, aunts, grandmother, cousins)
Bridesmaids and close friends
Sometimes co-workers or family friends

💡 Pro Tip: If someone is invited to the bridal shower, they should be invited to the wedding. It’s seen as poor etiquette to invite people to the shower but not the big day.

Bachelorette parties are more intimate and exclusive, usually including:

The bride
Maid of honor and bridesmaids
Close friends outside the bridal party

Typically, mothers and older family members don’t attend unless the bride wants a more relaxed party.

💡 Fun Idea: Give your squad personalized tote bags filled with party essentials for a stylish and practical touch!

Can You Have a Co-Ed Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party?

Absolutely! Modern weddings break the rules, and many couples are hosting:

Jack & Jill Showers – A co-ed bridal shower where both partners are celebrated.
Joint Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties – A combined event for both the bride and groom’s friends.

If you’re doing a co-ed event, consider adding fun group activities like wine tastings, escape rooms, or a weekend getaway!

Planning Both? Here’s a Timeline That Works

3-4 Months Before the Wedding – Bridal Shower
1-2 Months Before the Wedding – Bachelorette Party

This gives the bride time to enjoy each event without stress while still keeping the excitement alive leading up to the big day!

Make It Extra Special!

Planning a bridal shower or bachelorette party? Here are some fun, personalized touches to make the event even more memorable:

💍 Personalized Bridal Shower Gifts – Elegant keepsakes like custom tote bags or robes for the bride and her squad.
🎉 Bachelorette Party Must-Haves – Matching beach towels, drink tumblers, or party favors for a stylish celebration.
📸 Photo-Worthy Decor – Custom signs, banners, and party accessories for the perfect Instagram moments!

➡️ Shop our collection of bridal shower decor and bachelorette gifts here!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting, attending, or planning a bridal shower or bachelorette party, the key is to focus on what the bride truly wants. Each celebration is a chance to create lasting memories with the people who matter most!

Which event are you most excited for—the elegant bridal shower or the fun bachelorette party? Let us know in the comments!

Bachelorette Party vs. Bridal Shower: What’s the Difference? Which Comes First and Who Do You Invite?