A bridal shower is a pre-wedding celebration where the bride’s loved ones gather to honour her and celebrate her upcoming marriage. It’s a chance for guests to “shower” the bride-to-be with presents that will help her and her future husband set up their home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to hosting a memorable and enjoyable bridal shower.
Summary
A bridal shower is a pre-wedding celebration where the bride’s loved ones gather to honor her and shower her with gifts. Traditionally hosted by the maid of honor, bridal party, or close family, it can include immediate family, close friends, and female relatives of the groom. The bride may be involved in planning, especially to share preferences. Showers are typically held 5-2 weeks before the wedding, with costs covered by the host. The event can have a theme, a suitable menu, fun activities or games, and small favors for guests. Invitations should be sent about a month in advance.
Who Is Responsible For Hosting?
Traditionally, the maid of honour, the rest of the bridal party, a close family friend, or the in-laws host the bridal shower. While it used to be frowned upon for the bride’s immediate family, such as her mother, to host the event, this is no longer the case. The mother of the bride might prefer a more subordinate role if she’s already busy with wedding preparations. It depends on who wants to host and where they live.
Who Gets To Attend?
The golden rule is that everyone invited to the bridal shower should also be invited to the wedding. The guest list can be shaped by the host’s budget and the bride’s preferences. For an intimate, ladies-only shower, invite immediate family, close friends, and female relatives of the future husband. For a coed or mixed-gender shower, include the couple’s preferred guests. Multiple bridal showers are common to accommodate guests from different regions.
Does The Bride Need To Be Involved In The Preparations?
Unless the bride expressly requests a surprise, she likely has preferences for the event. While the host decides the specifics, it’s helpful to discuss the event’s vibe, setting, and other details with her. Whether she cares about a theme or has other strong feelings, you won’t know unless you ask.
Should The Bride Bring A Thank-You Gift For The Host?
While a handwritten note is sufficient, many brides give their attendants something more tangible, like a bouquet of flowers, chocolates, or a meal out.
Who Should Foot The Bill?
If two friends host the shower, they should cover the costs themselves, unlike a bachelorette party where guests often chip in. Consider a light tea, wine and appetisers, cake and prosecco, or a self-catered event at home if a full meal is too costly.
When Is The Ideal Time To Have It?
Bridal showers are traditionally held between five and two weeks before the wedding. This timeframe helps the bride and her party relax and get in the wedding spirit. Too early, and it might feel premature; too late, and it might add unnecessary stress. Give guests ample time to RSVP, travel, and find gifts, while the host needs time to plan and organise.
Fun And Informative Bridal Shower Ideas
Engage The Bride In The Preparations
Modern customs allow the bride to be involved as much or as little as she likes in the planning. Let her know the shower date so she can be pleasantly surprised by personalised touches. This involvement ensures the guest list includes only those she wants, and she can share her preferences for activities.
Choose A Suitable Location And Theme
After settling on a date, choose a venue that the bride will enjoy. Bridal showers can be held at the host’s home, a friend’s house, parks, hotels, spas, or wineries. A theme can streamline planning and create a cohesive event. Consider themes like Victorian-era tea parties, vintage, glam, or coed showers with sports and wine tasting.
Formulate A Menu
The menu should reflect the theme, time of day, and the bride’s preferences. Showers often feature lunch or brunch items. Consider a potluck brunch or lunch, or arrange catering. Light fare such as appetisers, finger foods, and meat and cheese platters are ideal. Don’t forget the mimosas!
Invitations
Send invitations about a month in advance. They can be handwritten, professionally printed, or DIY. Ensure the invitations include all necessary details, such as time, location, and any special requests or themes.
Activities And Games
Activities are great for keeping guests entertained and helping them get to know each other. Opt for tasteful games like bridal shower bingo, Purse Raid, or Memory Lane. Modern alternatives include spa treatments, cooking demonstrations, yoga classes, or painting parties.
Favours
Thank guests with small favours like bath salts, nail polish, jars of preserves, candles, or potted plants. Favours can reflect the party’s theme and be a stylish way to conclude the event.
Conclusion
A bridal shower is a meaningful pre-wedding celebration that allows the bride-to-be to bask in the love and support of her closest friends and family. By understanding and respecting the bride’s preferences, engaging in thoughtful planning, and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, you can ensure a memorable and joyous event.
Hosting a bridal shower is not just about celebrating the bride; it’s about creating an experience that she will cherish. It’s an opportunity for her to relax and enjoy the company of her loved ones before her wedding day. By following these guidelines and focusing on creating a warm, engaging, and personal event, you can ensure that the bridal shower is a standout success, filled with joy, laughter, and beautiful memories.
FAQs About Bridal Shower
Why Is It Called A Bridal Shower?
According to this history behind bridal showers, ladies in the Victorian days would gather to wish the bride well. They would then spoil her by bringing small gifts, notes, and home goods. These gifts were put in an open parasol and they would then “shower” them over her.
Who Is Supposed To Go A Bridal Shower?
Traditionally, the guest list consists of the bride-to-be’s closest female friends and relatives. It’s also considered proper etiquette for close relatives of the bride-to-be’s spouse to attend the shower. This could include their mom, sisters, grandmother or another family member they’re super close with.
How Much Do You Spend On Bridal Shower Gift?
Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100. However, the amount you want to spend is up to you. It’s important to consider that there are no set rules for gift-giving when it comes to bridal shower gifts, and items can certainly range in price.
Is A Bridal Shower Necessary?
Bridal showers aren’t required, so if you’re not interested, here’s how to spread the word. Not every to-be-wed wants a bridal shower, and that’s totally their call. While saying “no” to having a bridal shower should be simple in theory, declining a friend or family member’s offer to throw you one can be tricky.
What Are Some Fun Things To Do At A Bridal Shower?
- Bride and Groom Photo Challenge. Guests will love this fun wedding shower game that features favorite photos of the bride and groom!
- Bingo Gift Game. Download and print blank bingo cards for each guest.
- Wedding Ring Toss.
- Romantic Movie Quotes.
- Love Songs.
- Ball and Chain Game.
- Bride and Groom Trivia.
- Married or Not Married.
