What is the proper etiquette for inviting people to bridal showers? Do you only invite a person once?

My daughter is estimating around 3 bridal showers. Can she ask the same person to more than one.
What is the proper etiquette for inviting people to bridal showers? Do you only invite a person once?
I actually had two showers - my husband's family is HUGE (I'm talking 15 aunts %26amp; at least 40 FIRST cousins alone - before a single friend or second cousing was invited). By the time my MIL had her guest list in place for the shower, there were almost 100 people present, so we decided that to keep the shower from getting too long, my aunt threw one for my family (which is much smaller) and friends, and then I had one w/my in-laws' family.





The only people that were invited to both were my bridesmaids, and I told them not to get me anything, since they were doing enough by being in the wedding. (They didn't listen, but at least it was only a gift at one shower!).





The intent of a shower is to "shower" the bride-to-be with gifts to start her new home with - it replaces the idea of a dowry - so when you invite someone to a shower, it's pretty much implied that they're to bring a gift for the bride.





How you choose to invite someone to multiple showers is, of course, up to you. I would be hesitant to send a formal invitiation to someone multiple times, so they don't get the impression that you're trying to milk them for gifts. Perhaps mention to that person (I'm assuming this will be a relative or a very close family friend, of course!) that you just mailed out the invitations, and while you'd love to have them come, you were hesitant to send them an invitation, because you didn't want them to think you were expecting another gift. Apologize, because you don't want them to feel like an afterthought - because they weren't, and tell them you erred on the side of caution and invite them for lunch.





Otherwise, if you're not comfortable with that, it's MORE than appropriate to just invite them to one shower and be done with it.
Reply:Why can't you just invite everyone to one party? I don't get the segregating of the sides of the family... invite whoever you want to whatever you want if you're going to have to have 3.
Reply:This is a first for me....I have never heard of this before...but, if it were me, I would invite my best friends to all but tell them that a gift would not be necessary, just come for the party to have fun. Only one gift for the shower you choose, the other two showers are just for fun.
Reply:There should be no proper etiquette three bridal showers! It sounds ridiculous and excessive to me. She should start by getting ready for her 3 divorces now!
Reply:I am assuming there is a reason for three bridal showers (ie. work associates, close friends, family). Send the invitations out at the same time and make sure you have distinct categories. If someone crosses categories ask them personally which one works better for them.





I would avoid asking anyone to more than one, it can cause a whole new set of problems.
Reply:Only invite people who will be invited to the wedding.


If you invite someone to more than one shower, do not expect multiple gifts.
Reply:I didn't. The only one that came to both of my bridal showers (One for my side of the family and one for my husband's side) was my mom and bridal party. My mom bought several things and saved some for the 2nd party.
Reply:She can invite a close friend or two to multiple showers, however she should not expect a gift for each and she should acknowledge what was given when she opens the new ones.
Reply:I really don't understand the need for 3 showers, but anyway, I wouldn't invite the same people to more than one shower. She could ask her bridesmaids to attend, but make it clear that one gift is more than enough, and they are being invited to attend for fun.
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