Bridal showers — known in Australia and the UK as ‘kitchen teas' — are the wedding-week event most likely to be hosted by someone other than the bride. That single fact changes the wording: the invitation should celebrate the bride while sounding unmistakably like the host. Below are samples for every style of shower, plus the etiquette around registries, themes and the inevitable ‘kitchen tea or bridal shower?' question.
How a bridal shower invitation differs from the wedding
Wedding invitations are couple-led and formal. Bridal showers are host-led and warm. The voice usually belongs to the maid of honour, a parent, or a close friend, and the wording should sound like a personal note — ‘we'd love you to join us in celebrating Charlotte' — rather than a third-person formal request.
Wording samples
She said yes — now let's shower her. Join us for high tea in honour of Olivia. Sunday 6 April, 2pm to 4.30pm. The Conservatory, Royal Botanic Gardens. A gift registry is linked below for those who'd like to. RSVP by 30 March. Hosted by Emma and Hannah.
Best for: Traditional sit-down kitchen teas with a clear afternoon window.
Stock the bar for the bride-to-be. Drop in for drinks and bring a bottle for Charlotte's new bar cart. Saturday 22 June, from 5pm. 9 Linden Street. RSVP by 15 June.
Best for: Casual evening showers built around a single shared gift theme.
Brunch, bubbles, bride-to-be. Join us to celebrate Maya before the big day. Sunday 11 August, 10.30am. Fig & Salt, Carlton. RSVP by 4 August.
Best for: Modern, no-fuss showers hosted at a favourite local restaurant.
Recipes for a new home. Join us as we shower Ava ahead of her wedding — and bring a favourite recipe to add to her kitchen. Sunday 9 February, 2pm to 4pm. 14 Sycamore Street. RSVP by 2 February.
Best for: Sentimental kitchen teas where guests contribute something handwritten instead of a gift.
A cheeky little shower for Charlotte. Close friends only — bring something for the honeymoon suitcase. Saturday 18 May, from 6pm. 21 Robinson Road. RSVP via the link.
Best for: Intimate evening showers for the bridal party only.
Modern vs traditional kitchen tea wording
Traditional
- Third-person formal request from the host
- Strict adult-only, women-only guest list
- Game-heavy afternoon program
- Separate registry insert card
Modern (Availi default)
- First-person warmth signed by the hosts
- Co-ed and family-inclusive guest lists are increasingly common
- One or two relaxed activities (advice cards, recipe swaps)
- Linked registry beneath the invitation
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting the end time — showers usually run on a two-hour window.
- Burying the host's name in the body of the invitation. Signature line at the bottom is the standard.
- Listing registry items on the invitation itself. Always link, never list.
- Picking a theme without telling guests what to wear.
- Sending too late. Four to six weeks ahead is the sweet spot.