Help with bridal shower invite wording

clcountry · April 2014

I'm designing the invitations for the bridal shower I'm throwing for my cousins. She wants a Steel Magnolias theme, and I'm trying to figure out a way to work that in to the invitations. This is what I have right now:

"Our theme is Steel Magnolias, so wear a hat that would make Ouiser proud, and come prepared to eat a Southern feast!"

But I don't like that at all because of course, I don't want to tell people how to dress. Any suggestions for working the theme in without being rude?

hyechica81 · April 2014

themes are very rude for a wedding, if i was invited to a themed wedding i would come dressed how i normaly. do not everyone has fancy hats and asking to wear one would be like telling them to purchase one.

doeydo · April 2014

You could just do regular wording and at the bottom or something put "Theme: Steel Magnolias" or something. Or you could do something like
"Please join us for a
Steel Magnolias themed
Bridal Shower
in honour of
Bride's Name
Date
Time
Address"

netskyblue2 · April 2014

hyechica81 said:

themes are very rude for a wedding, if i was invited to a themed wedding i would come dressed how i normaly. do not everyone has fancy hats and asking to wear one would be like telling them to purchase one.

It's not a themed wedding, it's a themed shower. Just clarifying.

clcountry · April 2014

Thanks, hyechica. I'm aware of that. That's why I'm asking for alternatives.

ladyamanuet · April 2014

I would make it optional - invite them to "participate" in the theme if they wish to...

"So, whether you're a Truvy or an Ousier, don't be afraid to dust off that big hat or those old pearls and put more sugar in your Southern Drawl than we will in the Iced Tea!"

Something like that

clcountry · April 2014

I like that, ladyamanuet, I may go with exactly that!

carliealissa · April 2014

I like that, and I also like the first thing you came up with- it's pretty clear to me that you are just letting people in on the theme in a fun way, not mandating that they wear a fancy hat.

crunchymamaof2 · April 2014

carliealissa said:

I like that, and I also like the first thing you came up with- it's pretty clear to me that you are just letting people in on the theme in a fun way, not mandating that they wear a fancy hat.

I disagree. The original wording makes it sound like you're supposed to wear a hat. If I got an invitation like that I'd probably decline because costumes/hats aren't my thing. I think a variation of @doeydo 's answer would be best. "Please join us as we celebrate steel magnolia style! " then list food types, games, etc that will incorporate the theme. Maybe a hat contest or something.

Inkdancer · April 2014

Now I want to have a hat party so all my friends can borrow from my collection of ridiculous hats.

AprilH81 · April 2014

crunchymamaof2 said:

carliealissa said:

I like that, and I also like the first thing you came up with- it's pretty clear to me that you are just letting people in on the theme in a fun way, not mandating that they wear a fancy hat.

I disagree. The original wording makes it sound like you're supposed to wear a hat. If I got an invitation like that I'd probably decline because costumes/hats aren't my thing. I think a variation of @doeydo 's answer would be best. "Please join us as we celebrate steel magnolia style! " then list food types, games, etc that will incorporate the theme. Maybe a hat contest or something.

I like the idea of a hat contest... That lets people in on the fact that "costumes" are welcome but that you don't need to feel bad if you don't participate.

Jen4948 · April 2014

hyechica81 said:

themes are very rude for a wedding, if i was invited to a themed wedding i would come dressed how i normaly. do not everyone has fancy hats and asking to wear one would be like telling them to purchase one.

You overgeneralize offensively here. While it's rude to tell guests how to dress, themes for weddings are not rude in and of themselves. It is perfectly okay to plan decorations, food, drinks, and entertainment around themes.

ladyamanuet · April 2014

I think it depends on the crowd as well. How well do you know everyone attending? My circle of friends would LOVE something like this - and probably take it WAY over the top and have a blast, so your original wording would bother no one. But if it is a crowd of shy folks or fuddy-duddies... then it likely won't go over well and might cause some anxiety (which I personally think is silly over a bridal shower, but I know it happens, so one must consider it). So, as I said before, I think inviting folks to participate if they wish - making sure it is clear it is their choice - is probably the best way to go.

Sounds like the shower will be super fun and cute! Hope a good percentage participate in the theme! =D

Help with bridal shower invite wording

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