Is It Rude To Not Go To A [Bridal Shower]

It can be rude to not attend a bridal shower, but there are exceptions.

If the bride has made it clear that she doesn’t want any presents and would prefer guests just donate money to a charity in her name instead, then not attending is acceptable.

Otherwise, if you have a good excuse for why you can’t make it, then sending a gift or card is better than not doing anything at all.

The etiquette of declining a bridal shower invitation

Declining a bridal shower invitation can be tricky. On the one hand, you don’t want to hurt the bride’s feelings. On the other hand, you don’t want to go to the bridal shower. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things you can do to let the bride down easily.

First, consider your relationship with the bride. If she’s a close friend or family member, it’s probably worth declining the invitation in person. This way, you can explain your reasons and assure her that you still wish her all the best on her big day.

If you’re not as close to the bride, declining by phone or email is probably your best bet. In this case, it’s okay to be less detailed in your explanation. A simple “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to make it” should suffice.

Finally, no matter how you decline the invitation, be sure to send a wedding gift anyway. This will show that you’re still supportive of the bride, even if you can’t attend her bridal shower.

Alternatives to attending a bridal shower if you can’t or don’t want to go

If you’ve been invited to a bridal shower and the thought of attending fills you with dread, don’t worry – you’re not alone. There are plenty of perfectly good reasons why you might not want to go, from the basic (you don’t know the bride very well) to the practical (you live out of town and it’s just too far to travel).

Fortunately, there are alternatives to attending that won’t leave you feeling guilty or send the bride into a panic. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Send a gift instead.

This is probably the simplest solution, and it will be appreciated by the bride (especially if you choose something from her registry). You can even include a note explaining why you’re unable to attend.

2. Donate in the bride’s name.

If you know that the wedding is going to be a costly affair, consider donating to help offset some of the expenses. The bride and groom will be sure to appreciate your generosity – and you won’t have to deal with small talk or awkward icebreakers.

3. Send a video of congratulations.

If you live far away or just can’t make it on the day of the shower, record a video message for the bride instead. She’ll appreciate your thoughts and well wishes, even if she doesn’t get to see you in person.

No matter what your reason for skipping the shower is, there’s no need to feel guilty about it. Just remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to decline – and there are plenty of alternatives that will let you still show your support for the happy couple.

How to politely decline a bridal shower invitation

If you receive an invitation to a bridal shower that you don’t want to attend, how do you politely decline?

One way to decline politely is to simply say that you’re sorry but you have a prior engagement. This is a perfectly reasonable excuse and it doesn’t require any further explanation. If the person inviting you is insistent, you can always say that you’ll check your schedule and get back to them. In most cases, they’ll take the hint and won’t bother you again about it.

Another way to decline politely is to say that you’d love to attend but you don’t think you can afford it. This is perfectly reasonable, especially if the shower is being held at an upscale venue or if there’s an expensive registry associated with it. Again, if the person inviting you is insistent, you can always say that you’ll check your budget and get back to them. In most cases, they’ll take the hint and won’t bother you again about it.

If all else fails, you can always say that you’re not interested in weddings or bridal showers. This is a perfectly valid reason for declining an invitation and it’s unlikely that the person inviting you will try to change your mind.

So there you have it: three polite ways to decline a bridal shower invitation. Just remember, it’s best not to lie about your reasons for declining. Be honest and direct, and chances are the person inviting you will understand.

What to say if someone asks you why you’re not going to the bridal shower

If you’re ever stuck in a conversation with someone who asks why you’re not going to the bridal shower, here are some possible responses:

– “I’m sorry, what was the date again?” ( buys you some time to come up with a better answer)

– “I’m not a fan of bridal showers.”

– “I’m trying to save money.”

– “I don’t know the bride that well.”

– “I have a fear of commitment.”

– “I heard that showers are bad luck.”

– “I’m trying to avoid all the drama.”

– ” I already bought her a present.”

The consequences of not attending a bridal shower

If you choose to skip the bridal shower, there’s a good chance that you’ll be considered a bad friend or, worse, that you don’t care about the bride at all. You may also miss out on some important updates about the wedding planning process. And if you’re unlucky, the bride might give you a hard time for not coming.

In the end, it’s up to you whether or not you want to attend the bridal shower. Just remember that it’s a special day for the bride and, in most cases, it’s better to attend than to skip out.

Additional Articles:

Is It Rude to Leave a Wedding Reception Early?

How to tactfully let someone know they are not invited to your wedding