Baltrum

How do I invite everyone to a last minute bridal shower?

My sister-in-law decided to get married LAST MINUTE! The wedding is June 2nd, 2007!! (I know!) Well, I'm in charge of the bridal shower because I'm the fmaily party-giver. (I really put alot into them and they always turn out nice) The problem is, the shower is may 26th! It's the only date that seemed to work for the wedding party. I would have sent the invitations out earlier, but she just sent out wedding invitations two days ago and I didn't want my invites to get there first! We can hand-deliver most of them, but for the family that lives awhile away, they wouldn't get them until this weekend. That gives them a week to plan on comming. I am pretty big on etiquette, so I am (to say the least) very unhappy about the situation. How do I handle this shower properly given the circumstances? Thought it wouldn't be right if the first notice they had that there was even a wedding was a shower invite where they typically bring a gift.

Public Comments

1. Try the telephone, or "E-vite."
2. Pick up the phone! Just remember at this late date with graduation and other weddings, you might not get much of a turnout.
3. I think you should just go ahead and send them out and maybe you could put a note inside explaining the short notice, or call those out of towner and explain.
4. Why wouldn't you want to have your invitations arrive first? (Bridal showers are before weddings, so that makes sense to me.) You should go with what you said - hand-deliver and mail out invitations. You can always phone call the people who will get them in the mail so they know ahead of time it is coming.
5. I would call the guest and invite them.. They will have goten the invitations but now so they know about the wedding. You could also send out e-cards invitaions and call as well so they know that there is a card for them about the bridal shower.. I really feel for ya.. You are put in a bad position , Just make the most of it ..Recute some of the ppl in the birdal party to help you pull it off....
6. I would just sit down with the phone for an hour or two and call as many of the people as possible - briefly explain the reason for the haste. You could also e-mail. I think in this situation you have to bend the etiquette rules a bit. remember, the function of etiquette is to make people feel comfortable, it's not a list of rules to adhere to for their own sake. Hopefully the bride will be able to get a turn-out given the short notice, and realize that many people may not be able to attend at this busy time of the year. It's nice of you to be so helpful, hopefully the marriage will last.
7. Most shower guests will be local, most likely. So AFTER the wedding invitations are sent, which has been done, send an e-vite or personally call the guests to invite them to the bridal shower. You can call out of town guest on Monday. Most people will accept and appreciate an 'apology' for it being last minute and understand your frustration. However, you should be prepared for people having other plans. Have fun and remember that is will all work out in the end. Make the most the situation. Do you drink? ;) Good luck!