Bridal Shower Idea

What Is Supposed To Happen At A Bridal Shower?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Your best friend is getting married, and you can't contain your joy at being included in the bride's inner circle. Your position and obligations leading up to the big day are increasing along with your enthusiasm. If you really want to show your favourite bride-to-be how much you care, throwing a great party is the way to go. You should review proper bridal shower protocol today. If you want to know what's going on in the world of wedding showers, both new and old, our etiquette guide can help you out. Let Boutique Events Group Wedding Venue help you create the most magical day of your life. 

    What Exactly Is A Bridal Shower?

    The bride-to-be is traditionally honoured with a pre-wedding party known as a bridal shower. Guests at a bridal shower traditionally "shower" the bride with presents. Remember that there are no hard and fast regulations to follow when organising the event. The best wedding shower themes are those that reflect the individuality of the bride-to-be. Many bride-to-bes are still opting for the tried-and-true bridal shower format, even though there are plenty of modern twists to choose from. In this case, the event is a midday celebration for women exclusively, in honour of the future bride.

    Who Is In Charge Of The Bridal Shower?

    The bridal shower is becoming an event that anybody can host. However, the maid of honour, bridesmaids, or the bride's or groom's mother typically host the event. It is also usual for coworkers to throw bridal showers for one another. Brides often have multiple showers to commemorate the occasion.

    Check out our post on Choosing the Right Bridal Shoes.

    A bridal shower is traditionally hosted by the maid of honour, with assistance from the bridesmaids. This is because having a close relative or friend of the bride host the shower is considered rude. The old perception was that the family was trying to solicit presents. However, there's no need to stress out over this social gaffe any longer. No matter who throws the party, the bride-to-be can count on receiving a present or two.

    Before the presents are unwrapped and the celebration comes to life, it's crucial to establish an open channel of communication amongst those involved in the organising. It also includes the future bride. In this approach, everyone may proceed with the planning with the same understanding.

    Who Finances The Wedding Shower?

    The typical custom is for the shower's host to cover all expenses. Avoid asking visitors to chip in for the shower's expenses; it's considered rude. If you're hosting the bridal shower but are concerned about the expenditures involved, you might ask other members of the bridal party to chip in.

    If that isn't a possibility, then relax. The cost of throwing a shower need not break the bank. Instead of throwing an expensive bridal tea party, plan a gathering that is all about the bride-to-be. No need to worry about going into debt to provide a bridal shower the bride will remember forever.

    Where Should The Bridal Shower Be Held?

    The shower can be hosted there if the bride still resides nearby. Where exactly does she call home? Even if most of the guests live nearby, it may be more convenient for the bride to go to her shower rather than asking everyone on the guest list to take a plane. It's up to the host's discretion and the cost of the shower to determine the precise location. It could be held in someone's house or backyard, a nearby restaurant, or a more specialised location if the shower has a theme, like a cooking school or a wine tasting establishment.

    Check out Boutique events group Wedding Venue for your ultimate wedding reception.

    A bridal shower can be held just about anywhere, though the most common settings are the host's house, a restaurant, a banquet hall, or a beautiful outdoor setting. Bridal showers at other venues often centre on a certain activity. The typical events include everything from a wine tasting party to a cookery demonstration. There are a few things to keep in mind regardless of where you decide to have the wedding shower.

    The Bridal Shower: What Does It Involve? Why Do People Host Wedding Showers?

    Generally speaking, this is how it goes: There will be a meal, drinks, games, and the bride can open her gifts in the presence of her guests. You might throw a spa day or a calligraphy session, or you can stick to traditional games like gift bingo or making wedding costumes out of rolls of toilet paper. Dislike the idea of revealing one's presents to others in a public setting? Raise your voice! You and your fiance can't wait to open the presents until you get home. Your fiancé may surprise you by showing up at the end of the shower, armed with flowers. It's a thoughtful gesture to involve him in the festivities and to offer his assistance in transporting the gifts.

    You'll be the centre of attention at your bridal shower, when all the ladies in your life will assemble to celebrate your upcoming nuptials, eat, and shower you with gifts. This is one celebration for which you will not be responsible, but it is still helpful to be aware of what to anticipate.

    Hosts With The Most

    Your bridesmaids or a particularly close relative or friend typically throws the shower. The best man and bridesmaids usually chip in for the whole cost, but the bride and groom's moms also typically make financial contributions or offer to cover specific expenses, such as alcohol, food, or party favours.

    Perfect Timing

    Traditional bridal showers are held between two months and three weeks before the wedding, on a Saturday or Sunday. Your hosts can choose whenever they'd like, but you can expect a three- to four-hour meal of brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea.

    Who's Invited?

    The bridal shower guest list should consist only of persons who will be invited to the wedding, and typically ranges from 20 to 40 people. The names of the hostesses, the bride's name (some hostesses also include a "fiancé of..." line, as a courtesy to his family), the date, time, and location of the party, whether it is a surprise, any special themes or instructions, a contact name and phone number for RSVPs, and gift registry information should all be included on the invitation.

    Party Locations

    Typically, a traditional shower will be held at the house of a close family member or friend, or in a reserved dining room at a restaurant. For example, some parties have guests meet in a pottery shop to paint ceramics, at a design studio to learn the art of flower arranging, or at a jewellery store to produce their own accessories. Day spas and nail salons also attract many customers.

    Girls Only?

    True or false? The bride is no longer the only recipient of a shower. These days, a "Jack and Jill" shower is a common way to celebrate the union of two people of different genders. It may be anything from a cocktail party to a BBQ to cocktails at a local watering hole. Having second thoughts about skipping the ladies-only get-together? Don't worry about it. Although it's fine to have one of everything, you shouldn't invite the same people twice. This will prevent your guests from feeling like they need to bring you two gifts.

    Let's Celebrate!

    At the beginning of the shower, you will provide food and drinks to your guests and mingle with them. Present opening is the party's primary event, and it typically occurs while guests are enjoying dessert and coffee. You'll open gifts in front of everyone while being escorted to your seat by your bridesmaids (or other reliable volunteers). When opening gifts, have one bridesmaid sit with you and make a record of the names of the people who gave them to you; this will come in handy when you go to send thank-you notes. If you'd like to have some fun, but it's not required, you can get some ideas from The Bridesmaid Guide (Here is another hint: "Wedding Night Preview" is a timeless classic that never fails to make people laugh.)

    Conclusion

    Bridal showers are parties thrown in honour of brides before their weddings. The celebration is usually hosted by the maid of honour, bridesmaids, or the bride's or groom's mother. The bride is often the recipient of many showers. The typical locations for bridal showers are the home of the host, a restaurant, a banquet facility, or a beautiful outdoor location. No matter where the wedding shower is held, there are a few things to remember.

    A bridal shower is typically conducted on a Saturday or Sunday, roughly two months to three weeks before the wedding. While the best man and bridesmaids traditionally split the bill in full, the mothers of both the bride and groom also typically make donations or volunteer to cover some costs. Celebrating the union of two people of different sexes with a "Jack and Jill" shower is a frequent tradition. It's not uncommon for groups of friends to get together at a pottery class to paint ceramics or a floral design studio to learn how to arrange flowers for a party. A single instance of something is good, but repeat invitees are not.

    Content Summary

    1. You're overjoyed to be invited to the wedding of your best friend and couldn't help but share in the bride's happiness.
    2. While your excitement for the big day grows, so do your responsibilities in the build up to it.
    3. Throwing a fantastic celebration is a surefire way to win over the heart of the bride-to-be you're closest to.
    4. Today is a good day to go over bridal shower etiquette.
    5. Our etiquette guide will fill you in on the latest and greatest in the world of wedding showers, as well as the traditions that have stood the test of time.
    6. Let the professionals at the Boutique Events Group Wedding Venue assist you in making this day unforgettable.
    7. A bridal shower is a pre-wedding celebration held in honour of the bride.
    8. The bride is "showered" with gifts by her guests at the bridal shower.
    9. Keep in mind that there are no steadfast rules that must be followed in order to pull off the event successfully.
    10. The most memorable bridal showers are ones with themes that are uniquely suited to the bride-to-be.
    11. The event is a lunchtime party for ladies only, held in honour of the bride-to-be.
    12. There is a growing trend towards everyone being able to throw a bridal shower.
    13. However, the celebration is generally hosted by the maid of honour, bridesmaids, or the bride's or groom's mother.
    14. It's also common practise for coworkers to celebrate each other's nuptials with showers.
    15. The bride is often the recipient of many showers.
    16. The maid of honour typically throws a bridal shower with help from the other bridesmaids.
    17. The reason for this is that it is considered impolite for a close friend or relative of the bride to host the shower.
    18. It is expected that the host of the shower will foot the bill for everything.
    19. It is impolite to expect guests to contribute to the cost of the shower.
    20. When planning a wedding shower, it's common to ask other members of the bridal party to help cover costs.
    21. A baby shower doesn't have to break the bank.
    22. Spend less money on a bridal tea party and more time planning a party that celebrates the bride-to-be.
    23. If the bride still lives in the area, it's a great place to hold the shower.
    24. The specific location of the shower is up to the host's discretion and the budget for the event.
    25. The activities at bridal showers held elsewhere tend to revolve on a particular theme.
    26. No matter where the wedding shower is held, there are a few things to remember.
    27. Your fiance might show up unexpectedly with flowers at the end of the shower.
    28. Inviting him to join in on the celebration and asking for his help in delivering presents is a sweet gesture.
    29. At the bridal shower, the women in your life will gather to toast your forthcoming nuptials with food and gifts, with you as the centre of attention.
    30. Though you should not worry with the planning or execution of this particular party, it is to your advantage to be informed of what to expect.
    31. These Hosts Have It All Usually, your bridesmaids or a particularly close relative or friend would host the shower.
    32. Traditionally, the best man and bridesmaids pay for everything themselves, but the mothers of the bride and groom also contribute to the cost or volunteer to foot some of the bill for things like food, drinks, and party favours.
    33. The average number of guests for a bridal shower is between 20 and 40, and the invitees should only include those who are also on the wedding guest list.
    34. The invitation should include the names of the hostess(es), the bride's name (some hostesses also include a "fiancé of..." line, as a courtesy to his family), the date, time, and location of the party, whether it is a surprise, any special themes or instructions, a contact name and phone number for RSVPs, and gift registry information.
    35. Scenes of the Festivities
    36. Traditional showers are hosted by intimate friends or family members, or in a designated restaurant room.
    37. These days, it's not just the bride who gets showered with gifts at a bridal shower.
    38. These days, it's typical to have a "Jack and Jill" shower to honour the union of two persons of opposite genders.
    39. They could be at a cocktail party, a barbeque, or a bar.
    40. Thinking twice about missing the girls' night out?
    41. To avoid inviting the same people more than once, it's good to have one of everything.
    42. You won't have to worry about your guests feeling obligated to buy you a second gift if you do this.
    43. You will serve your guests refreshments and mingle with them at the start of the shower.
    44. While everyone is eating dessert and drinking coffee, the party's main event—opening presents—takes place.
    45. While being taken to your seat by your bridesmaids, you will publicly unwrap the presents everyone has given you (or other reliable volunteers).
    46. If you want to save time writing thank-you letters, have one bridesmaid sit with you while you unwrap gifts and write down the names of the people who presented them to you.

    FAQs About Bridal Shower

    A bridal shower is a party held in honour of the bride-to-be before the wedding. This party takes place before the wedding. The traditional ceremony known as a bridal shower is to provide the bride-to-be with several presents, hence the name "shower." When it comes to the event's organisation, it is essential to be aware that there are no hard and fast rules to follow.

    Bridal shower etiquette suggests that the host provides guests food and drink as the occasion celebrates nature. Popular styles of food include sweets such as cupcakes, cake, biscuits, slices, scones, fruit, and pastries, as well as savoury horderves such as sandwiches, tarts, wraps, pies, quiches, and even salads and cold soups.

    The difference is pretty simple, where the bridal shower is designed for just you and the girls, the wedding shower is a co-ed party where the bride and groom both get showered with gifts and love. If you're a bride who likes to party and celebrate, then a wedding shower and bridal shower!

    The wedding party should always be a part of that group. Help plan and pay for the bridal shower and bachelorette party. The maid (or matron) of honour is in charge of the parties, but bridesmaids are expected to have ideas, give feedback, help decorate, chip in cash, and assist with the hostess duties.

    Usually grooms don't attend showers -- can you imagine what it would be like if you had to attend the bachelor party? Traditionally, a "bridal" shower is for the bride and her close female relatives and friends (and often female relatives on the groom's side, too).

    What Happens At A Bridal Shower?

    A typical bridal shower consists of attendees socialising, feasting, playing games, and paying tribute to the bride-to-be. It is important for guests to keep in mind that the wedding is focused on the bride and her future nuptials. The following are examples of traditional bridal shower games and activities:

    The Party Will Most Likely Be Hosted By Your Bridesmaids.

    A bridal party member or members typically host the shower. The shower can be in addition to, or in place of, the one thrown by the bridal party.

    About 20-50 Guests Will Be Invited.

    You can expect a large number of guests if the location can accommodate them. It will most likely include both your friends and family, as well as your fiancé's relatives. No one who isn't on the wedding guest list should be invited to the shower, and vice versa.

    A wedding shower is typically only open to women unless it is advertised as a coed event. Although it is becoming increasingly popular for friends to host a couple's shower for both the pair (where men and women are equally welcome), it is still best to check the invitation to make sure men are welcome.

    Showers Are Usually Held 2-3 Months Before The Big Day.

    The typical time for sending out invitations is between four and six weeks prior to the event.

    You Are Allowed More Than One Shower.

    You may count on having multiple loved ones eager to organise a party in your honour.

    It's fine to throw many parties and invite different sets of people to each one, but be selective about who you invite each time. Friends shouldn't feel forced to show up at every single one of your gatherings.

    Gifts Will Be Bringed By Guests

    Make sure you are registered well in advance of your shower so that your guests will have the option to bring a present from your registry if they so choose.

    Food Will Be Provided.

    Depending on your preferences, the shower might be a brunch, lunch, or dinner. Light appetisers will most likely be offered, though this may depend on the time of day.

    And Drinks... 

    Champagne, beer, and wine are the usual alcoholic beverages offered.

    You May Wear White, But You Are Not Required To Do So.

    Traditionally, the bride-to-be wears something white to her shower. However, you are free to wear whatever you like.

    A Game Could Be Played

    Be sure to let the host know in advance if you do not want to participate in any wedding shower games. You should send handwritten messages of appreciation to the host and attendees.

    Have a companion take notes while you open things so that you don't forget who gave you what. That way, you'll be able to show your appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of your shower with heartfelt comments they can truly relate to.

    Verify that the guest count can be accommodated at the potential bridal shower location. There should be enough space for everyone, whether you're throwing a little get-together or a large cocktail party. Second, you need to ensure there's enough room for all of the games and events. Finally, keep in mind that the host is typically expected to foot the bill, so if you plan on holding the shower at a restaurant, spa, or other facility, you should budget for the associated expenses.

    Finally, we like to propose the following idea. As a rule, the bride-to-be may count on the bridesmaids pitching in on a large, group present for her wedding shower. Even though We believe in the power of group effort, if you do the majority of the shopping and don't want to foot the bill, then be sure to remind the other girls of their contributions and what they owe to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Expressed in a direct and purposeful manner. Attendance at the shower is the most meaningful token of all, but committing to a group gift ensures that you won't flake out on the bride after the fact. You shouldn't feel forced to bring a separate present for the bride if you choose to acquire a joint gift. While any and all presents are very welcome, remember that you are likely already paying a significant amount of money in order to play the role of bridesmaid.

    Last but not least, the bridal shower is the second-best location, after the engagement party, to discuss the remaining pre-wedding festivities, such as the bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, etc. At the very least, all members of the wedding party should stick around until the end of the shower to hear what the bride wants and needs to know before the big day.

    Scroll to Top