What to Wear to a Bridal Shower, According to Experts (2024)

FAQs

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower, According to Experts? ›

Wear a Flowy Dress or Skirt

Think of bridal shower guest outfit as one you might wear to a fancy brunch or luncheon. Bridal shower guest attire can include short, midi and maxi dresses, or jumpsuits and dressy separates, including tops and blouses, trousers, jeans and skirts.

Avoid anything too tight, too short, or too revealing. Remember, you want to avoid upstaging the bride or drawing attention away from her. Don't Wear Anything Too Casual. While you don't want to overdress, you don't want to underdress.

Pay Attention to the Dress Code

For more formal affairs, she advises guests to lean into fancy styles, like midi dresses and pantsuits, without going over the top. For guests who don't have a specified dress code to follow, opt for pieces that you would wear to a nice brunch or an elegant social gathering.

Shower Invitation Wording about Dress Codes

To make things easy for your guests, you might want to include something like “Dress Code: Casual” or “Dress Code: Formal.” Some other dress code wording for invitations might be: A formal dress code is requested. Please dress in your best! Dress to impress!

Wear pastels, neutrals and bright colors to match the celebratory tone of the occasion. Floral prints are a great go-to. Wear something comfortable in case there are bridal shower games. Accentuate a neutral dress or top with bold shoes or accessories.

Since showers are intended for the bride's nearest and dearest, every shower guest must already be on the wedding guest list. Because it's understood that guests should bring a present to a shower, it's not appropriate to invite people whom you don't plan to include in the wedding.

It seems obvious, but it must be said: steer clear of wearing white or anything close to white. The traditional hue is reserved for the bride-to-be.

Jeans might be appropriate for a very casual bridal shower, especially if it's a relaxed gathering at someone's home. If you decide to wear jeans, choose a pair that's well-fitting and in good condition. Elevate your look by pairing them with a chic blouse or a smart blazer, and add some classy accessories.

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Whether going for an elegant maxi, flirty mini, or something in-between, summer bridal showers are the perfect opportunity to show off your personal style. For a breezy summer look, choose light fabrics such as chiffon, linen, and cotton.

Typically, as per tradition, the mother of the groom will bring a gift for the bride to the bridal shower. It can be something small and thoughtful. However, if she cannot attend the shower the bride's side of the family hosts, maybe because of distance, she can host her own.

At a bridal shower, guests will often bring gifts for the bride and her future spouse. These gifts are typically items that the couple will need for their new home together. The bride will open her gifts in front of the guests and often express her gratitude with a short speech.

If you consider it on the scale of semi-formal vs. co*cktail attire, dressy casual is closer to the semi-formal side than the co*cktail one. Light colors and casual materials, like satin or linen, fit the code well. However, it's also worth pointing out that the time of day may also affect the code.

AKA: "Bring your suit," "dark suit," "jacket requested," "dark and chic," "semiformal." Casual Chic. Translation: The rule—mix a dressy element, like this elaborate velvet jacket, with something more informal, like jeans. "Slacks and a leather jacket are usually as fancy as I get," says actor Djimon Hounsou.

According to standard etiquette practice, a bridal shower is paid for by the person hosting the event, who, in most cases, is the maid of honor.

In short, yes. If you're attending a bridal shower, you should always bring a gift with you to congratulate the bride. This is considered good bridal shower etiquette. Even if you're a part of the bridal party or wedding party, a gift is still necessary.

During a bridal shower, guests come together to celebrate the bride and have some fun. The event usually includes activities, games, and sometimes even a theme. Essentially, it's an opportunity for the bride's closest friends and family to show their support and celebrate as she embarks on her journey to marriage.

The bride will open her gifts in front of the guests and often express her gratitude with a short speech. And opening gifts isn't the only thing the bride does at this event. In addition to gift giving, bridal showers may also involve playing games, eating great food, and having the bride's favorite drinks.

The bridal party, including the maid of honor and bridesmaids generally make the top of the guest list, followed by immediate family members from both sides of the aisle. If the bride welcomes children at her shower, guests may also include nieces, the flower girl and junior bridesmaids.