One of the most heartwarming pre-wedding celebrations is the bridal shower. This special gathering focuses on “showering” the bride with love and gifts before her wedding day, creating a joyful time to connect with close friends and family while building excitement for the upcoming marriage. While modern couples don’t need to follow every tradition, bridal showers still have some common etiquette rules—whether you’re hosting or attending. Knowing the basics, from what to wear to gift-giving, helps ensure the event runs smoothly.

### Planning Tips for Brides and Hosts
Organizing a bridal shower involves many details, from crafting the guest list to selecting the perfect menu. If you’re looking for a complete guide on how to plan one, keep reading for all the essentials.

### What Is a Bridal Shower?
A bridal shower typically includes food, drinks, mingling, and gift-opening, though the exact format depends on the host’s vision. Most showers are held as a lunch or brunch, but evening events are also an option. Games are a popular addition—think trivia about the couple, toilet-paper dress design, or themed scavenger hunts. Some hosts even plan activities like spa treatments, tarot readings, or cooking classes to match a theme.

Traditionally, the bride opens gifts during the shower, though she can skip this if she prefers privacy. In the U.S., it’s common for the maid of honor to collect ribbons from the gifts and fashion them into a mock bouquet for the bride to carry at the wedding rehearsal.

Toward the end of the event, the groom may arrive with flowers for the bride and greet guests before they leave. Some hosts add a special touch when the couple is together, like serving a cake or playing the “newlywed game” for entertainment.

### How Is a Bridal Shower Different From a Wedding Shower?
A bridal shower celebrates the bride, while a wedding (or couple’s) shower includes both partners. The latter brings together their friends and family, with gifts intended for the couple. A wedding shower can happen alongside or instead of a bridal shower.

### Who Plans (and Pays) for a Bridal Shower?
While the maid of honor and bridesmaids traditionally hosted, today, anyone close to the bride can take on the role. Often, the mother of the bride, another female relative, or a group of family members organizes the event. Costs are usually split among hosts, though one person might cover most of the expenses.

Sometimes, multiple showers are thrown—for example, one near the bride’s hometown and another for friends only.

### How to Plan a Bridal Shower
The first step for hosts is to consult the bride. While surprises are welcome, it’s important to consider her preferences for the menu, venue, decor, and guest list. Though the host makes the final decisions, keeping the bride’s wishes in mind ensures a meaningful celebration. If you’re planning a themed shower, decide early so you can weave the concept into every detail.

Once you have an idea…To choose the right venue for the bridal shower, consider the size of your guest list. You can rent event spaces or private restaurant areas, but don’t overlook hosting at a family home, which may offer more flexibility. When selecting a location, check what services are included—some venues provide food, staff, and decorations, which can be more budget-friendly than arranging catering and rentals for a backyard event.

Send invitations four to six weeks before the event to give guests enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements if needed. While traditional paper invitations are a nice touch, digital invites (like those from Paperless Post) are also common. Be sure to include key details like the location, time, dress code, and gift registry (if applicable). You can also ask guests to note any dietary restrictions when they RSVP.

The menu is a key part of the planning. Offer a mix of appetizers for mingling and a full meal—either a seated multi-course dinner or a buffet. Include options for different dietary needs and crowd-pleasing favorites. Don’t forget dessert! For drinks, serve wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and perhaps a signature cocktail the bride loves.

Even if the venue is already decorated, adding extra touches like floral arrangements, linens, or signage can elevate the atmosphere. If hosting at home, rent any necessary seating or dinnerware. If you’re planning games, prepare supplies in advance and print out instructions so everyone can join in easily.

One final detail? The playlist! Work with the bride to include her favorite songs and set the right mood.

### When to Host a Bridal Shower
There’s no strict rule, but bridal showers are usually held a few weeks to four months before the wedding. The exact date depends on the bride’s and hosts’ schedules.

### Who to Invite
The guest list typically includes the bridal party, close female relatives, and friends of the bride who are also invited to the wedding. However, the event can include guests of any gender and be as intimate as desired. While the bride may suggest names, the host usually finalizes the list.

### What the Bride Should Wear
The bride can wear whatever she likes—it’s her celebration! While it’s best to match the dress code (avoiding an overly formal gown if guests are dressed casually), she can stand out as the guest of honor. White is traditional, but other colors are fine too.

### For Guests Attending a Bridal Shower
If you’re invited to a bridal shower, expect a fun, celebratory gathering filled with food, games, and gifts in honor of the bride.Enjoy food, drinks, and games—all while celebrating the bride, of course. Since bridal showers often include guests of all ages, they tend to be more polished and traditional. Expect toasts from the hosts, festive decorations, and time set aside for the bride to open gifts.

Do You Bring a Gift to the Bridal Shower?
Yes! The whole point of a bridal shower is to “shower” the bride with gifts before the wedding, so guests should bring something. That said, the gifts are usually smaller and more affordable than a typical wedding present—sometimes even personalized for the bride. The invitation may include registry details to help you choose, or you can pick something that fits the shower’s theme, like a cozy robe for a spa-themed party or kitchen tools for a cooking-class event.

Since gifts are often opened during the shower, bring yours wrapped and ready. If you’re invited but can’t attend, you don’t need to send a gift.

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower
Check the invitation for a dress code—it’s usually listed there. If not, match your outfit to the event’s style and location. A garden party? Go for bright colors or floral prints. An evening affair? Opt for cocktail attire. When in doubt, ask the host for guidance. And remember: Unless the bride requests it, avoid wearing white—that shade is traditionally hers.