There are many different kinds of bridal showers, from formal luncheons and teas to casual themed events like kitchen and garden showers. As with any other sort of invitation, the wording should describe the specific kind of shower involved and its formality should reflect the expected tone of the party. In other words, you don't usually request the honor of someone's presence at a shindig, and you don't ask people to come on down for a bridal luncheon. Common sense, really.

Traditionally, the bridesmaids host at least one shower for the bride, although other friends and relatives may host additional showers. It would be helpful if all of the different people who will be giving bridal showers could get together at some point to avoid overlapping of dates and themes.

One additional thing to keep in mind is that it is widely seen as socially inappropriate for the immediate relatives of the bride to host a bridal shower for her. And it's almost never okay for the bride to give herself a shower. Seriously.

The honor of your presence

is requested at a

Surprise Bridal Shower

for

Britney Cooper

on Sunday, the eighth of December

Two thousand and thirteen

at two o'clock in the afternoon

The English Room

at the Pfister Hotel

424 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We would be pleased

to have you join us at a

Kitchen Bridal Shower

honoring

Britney Cooper

fiancée of Evan Langdon

on Sunday, the eighth of December

at two o'clock in the afternoon

at the home of Chelsea Rogers

5678 Dawson Drive

Point Place, Wisconsin

Chelsea Rogers, Maria Tate, and Lisa Lee

The bridesmaids of

Britney Cooper

invite you to a

Bridal Tea

in her honor

on Sunday, December 8, 2013

at the Rogers' residence

5678 Dawson Drive

Point Place, Wisconsin