A bridal shower is a fun gathering where the bride’s loved ones come together to celebrate before her wedding. Guests have the opportunity to give gifts that will assist the couple in starting their new home.
Originating from the days of dowries, bridal showers began as a way to support couples when families refused to provide dowries. Friends would come together to help them set up their home.
Today, bridal showers are a time for sharing stories, enjoying food and drinks, and honoring the bride. However, it’s important to ensure that the bride actually wants a shower before planning one. Some brides may feel uncomfortable with the attention or asking for more gifts.
In summary, a bridal shower is a joyful event where friends and family gather to celebrate the bride-to-be and offer gifts to help establish the couple’s new home.
Bridal Showers vs. Wedding Showers and Bachelorette Parties
A bridal shower and a wedding shower have slight differences. The bridal shower is centered around showering the bride with gifts and marital advice, while the wedding shower is an occasion to shower the couple with gifts and tips for married life. On the other hand, a bachelorette party is a separate event held before the wedding, where the bride’s friends celebrate the end of her single life in a fun way.
Where to Have the Bridal Shower？
A bridal shower can be hosted at various locations. While it traditionally takes place at the host’s home, it can be held anywhere. Popular options include favorite restaurants, parks, or banquet halls. Depending on the guest list size and the bride’s preferences, you can also consider venues such as paint-your-own-pottery studios, salons, spas, or galleries. The choice of location adds to the unique atmosphere of the bridal shower.
When to Have the Bridal Shower？
If you have many out-of-town guests attending the bridal shower, it might be convenient to schedule it closer to the wedding date. However, if that’s not the case, holding the shower four to eight weeks before the wedding is a good timeframe. This allows for anticipation without adding unnecessary stress for the bride or the couple.
As for the timing of the day, there are no strict rules. Bridal showers commonly take place during the afternoon or early evening, often as a luncheon or dinner party. Brunch bridal showers are also popular and can be a delightful option. The choice of timing depends on the preferences of the host and the bride-to-be.
Who Throws the Bridal Shower?
Traditionally, the maid of honor takes on the role of hosting the bridal shower. However, in recent years, it has become acceptable for other family members to host the shower as well. Unless it’s meant to be a surprise, it’s a good idea to involve the bride in the planning process to ensure her preferences are considered.
It’s important to discuss the registry with the bride if she hasn’t created one already. The couple may have a specific theme in mind for the shower, such as a lingerie shower, a kitchen item shower, or an around-the-clock shower where guests are assigned a specific time of day to choose a gift.
Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?
For a casual and informal shower, the host typically covers all the costs. However, for a more elaborate shower, the host may talk to the other bridesmaids at the beginning of the planning process to discuss sharing or splitting the costs. Apart from financial assistance, the host can also ask the bridesmaids for help with planning, setting up, and decorating the event.
In certain cases, it may be appropriate to have all guests contribute to the costs of the shower. For instance, an invitation to a restaurant bridal shower might mention that attendees will be responsible for their own meals (which cost around $10), followed by cake and champagne in the garden. Alternatively, for a spa-themed shower, the invitation could state that guests should book their own treatments directly with the spa and contribute $25 instead of bringing a traditional gift.
njoyable bridal shower game options available, such as bridal trivia.
Whom to Invite？
When creating the guest list for the bridal shower, it’s crucial to ensure that only those invited to the wedding are included. Obtain a copy of the guest list from the bride, or if the shower is a surprise, consult a family member or the fiancé for assistance.
Remember to invite close relatives from both the bride’s and groom’s sides, as well as the bride’s wedding party and close friends. Co-ed bridal showers, known as “Jack and Jill” showers, have become increasingly popular. Before deciding on a co-ed shower, it’s advisable to discuss it with the groom-to-be.
How to Plan a Bridal Shower？
Determine the Cost Establish a budget for the shower, taking into account expenses such as invitations, decorations, venue rental, food, beverages, cake, and small gifts or game prizes for guests.
Choose the Date Ideally, schedule the bridal shower four to eight weeks before the wedding. Striking the right balance is important, so it’s neither too close nor too far from the wedding day. A safe timeframe is typically around six weeks before the nuptials.
Select a Location Aside from hosting the shower at someone’s home or a restaurant, consider alternative venues such as hotels, public or private gardens, beach pavilions, breweries, or wineries. Check for availability and explore different options that suit your preferences.
Invite Guests Send out invitations with enough advance notice for guests to plan their attendance. The number of guests that can be invited will depend on your budget and the chosen venue. Send save-the-date notices about six weeks before the shower and formal invitations (via mail or digitally) around four weeks prior to the event.
Choose Food and Themes There are countless food and theme ideas for bridal showers. You can opt for a traditional tea-themed shower or get creative by incorporating the bride’s or couple’s interests. Plan a menu or consult the venue if they provide catering services.
