A bridal shower invitation names the bride, makes clear it's a shower (so guests know to bring a gift), and gives the date, time, location, who's hosting, and how to RSVP. Add the two details showers specifically call for that a wedding invitation leaves off: the registry, and any theme — 'garden brunch,' 'stock the kitchen,' 'stock the bar.'
The word 'shower' is doing real work here: it tells guests to bring a gift and signals a relaxed, celebratory gathering rather than the wedding itself. Lead with the bride's name — 'a bridal shower honouring Eleanor Whitfield' — so there's no confusion about who's being celebrated, especially when guests are juggling several events in one wedding season.
Showers are hosted by someone — a friend, a sister, the wedding party — and crediting them ('hosted with love by Claire and Anne') tells guests who to thank and who to reply to. Point the RSVP at the host, not the bride, and give a reply-by date; the host needs an accurate count for seating, food, and favors, and the bride shouldn't be fielding logistics for her own party.
Unlike a wedding invitation, where registry details are considered gift-grabby, a shower invitation is exactly the right place to note where the couple is registered — guests expect it and it makes their lives easier. If there's a theme, spell it out plainly ('kitchen shower,' 'recipes and wine,' 'her favourite bloom') so guests can shop and dress to match rather than guessing at the vibe.
Copy-ready examples
ClassicPlease join us for a bridal shower honouring
Eleanor Whitfield
Sunday, the eleventh of May at eleven o'clock
Brunch at the Rose Garden Café
Hosted by Claire and Anne
RSVP to Claire by May 1 · Registered at Bloom & Co.
PlayfulEleanor's getting married — let's shower her first!
Brunch, bubbles, and gifts for the bride-to-be
Sunday, May 11 · 11 AM
The Rose Garden Café
RSVP to Claire · She's registered at Bloom & Co.
ElegantYou are warmly invited to a bridal shower
in honour of Eleanor Whitfield
Sunday, the eleventh of May · eleven o'clock
The Rose Garden Café
Hosted with love by Claire and Anne
Kindly reply by the first of May · Registered at Bloom & Co.
Questions
Yes — a shower is the one invitation where registry details are welcome and expected, since the whole point is gifts for the couple. Add a discreet line ('registered at Bloom & Co.') at the bottom. Save this for the shower; it stays off the wedding invitation itself.
Traditionally a friend or a member of the wedding party rather than the bride's immediate family, though that rule has relaxed and today anyone close to her may host. Whoever it is, put their name on the invitation and route the RSVP to them, not the bride.
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