Should I invite the Wedding Planner to the Bridal Shower?

My sister is getting married this summer and we're having her bridal shower next month. As Maid of Honor, I'm not sure if I should invite her wedding planner to the shower as a guest. Anyone have etiquitte insight on this?
Should I invite the Wedding Planner to the Bridal Shower?
My instinct is no, but I don't know anything about what's normally done in that situation. She's a professional who probably doesn't want to spend her time at parties for her clients, with all of their friends she has probably never met.
Reply:No, unless you want her there in a professional party planning capacity.
Reply:No, she is not a friend of the bride, she was hired.
Reply:Well if you guys are friends yes!
Reply:I agree with the first 2 answers. If she is an actual friend of the bride then yes. If not, no.
Reply:Unless I am a friend of the Bride I have no expectation of being invited to the Bridal Shower unless it is a planning capacity to ensure it runs smoothly.





I believe the shower is a time for the Bride's close friends a family to celebrate the impending event and get gossipy, tipsy and let loose and have some fun, it's very hard to do that with a stranger there!





You are not obligated to invite the planner to the shower unless the Bride requests it.





Have fun planning!
Reply:Yes, if she's friend of the fam or if she's really helpful and friendly. IDK because I'd def invite mine...but she's my aunt! lol
Reply:Unless he/she is a close friend of the bride or has formed a very close friendlike bond with her throughout the planning process, my instinct would be no. Mostly because of the fact that a shower is an event that requires that the guest purchase a gift. It seems a little strange to ask the wedding planner to buy the bride a gift, which is basically what you would be doing by inviting him/her. If the planner were to assist with planning the shower as an extra service, then naturally he/she would be in attendance. It might be better, otherwise, to keep the relationship as professional as possible to avoid any awkwardness or ill feelings.
Reply:Definitely not. She is an employee, not a friend. (Unless she was a friend even when she wasn't your wedding planner.) You wouldn't invited your caterer, florist or baker. So don't invite the wedding consultant.
Reply:In terms of etiquette, who knows, but if the wedding planner is interested and friendly, the worst thing that could happen is [s]he could say [s]he's unavailable.
Reply:Unless it's a surprise party you could always ask your sister. If the wedding planner is a good friend then your sister might want her there. That's really what it comes down to... what your sister would like. :) Good luck!