What Is a Bridal Shower?
A bridal shower is a pre-wedding event at which the
bride-to-close be's friends and family gather to shower her with gifts. A
bridal shower is usually held during the day, six to two months before the
wedding. The bride's maid of honor, bridesmaids, and relatives usually host and
pay for the celebration. Hostesses can incorporate several bridal shower games,
activities, and traditions into the event.
What Is the Purpose of a Bridal Shower?
A bridal shower is a special event held to honor the bride
and to shower her with household items to help her build her home as a married
woman. The bridal shower originated in the sixteenth century in Holland. When
the bride's family disapproved of her fiance and refused to provide a dowry,
the community would throw her a bridal shower to provide her with dowry gifts.
Bridal showers became popular in the United States in the
1890s, especially among upper-middle-class urban brides. Bridal showers,
engagement parties, and bachelorette parties are all common pre-wedding events
nowadays.
Bridal Shower vs. Wedding Shower
Both a bridal shower and a wedding shower are pre-wedding
events that involve gifts. Bridal showers are centered on the bride, and
attendees are typically female friends and family. Wedding showers are more
inclusive and honor the bride and groom. Friends and family gather at wedding showers
to celebrate the couple and give gifts to commemorate their new life together.
Who Hosts a Bridal Shower?
The bridal shower is hosted by a bridesmaid, usually the
maid of honor or matron of honor. The mother of the bride or groom, or a close
family member, can also host the bridal shower and assist with shower planning.
Typically, the person hosting the shower pays for the event. Bridesmaids and
bride's close relatives frequently contribute to the costs.
8 Bridal Shower Customs
Consider the following bridal shower customs and etiquette
rules when planning a bridal shower:
1. Attendees: Typically, bridal shower guests include close
friends and family members who are also wedding invitees. Depending on the size
of the wedding guest list, the party can be intimate or large.
2. Costs: Typically, the bridal party splits the cost of
hosting the bridal shower, though the bride's mother and the groom's mother can
contribute.
3. Dress code: The bride can consult with the bridal shower
theme and dress code, which can range from a casual lunch to a whimsical tea
party to a formal garden party.
4. Games: A traditional shower begins with a meal, followed
by group activities and games. Bridal shower games for prizes include trivia
about the couple, gift bingo, and wedding-themed charades. A popular game pairs
attendees together to make a wedding gown out of toilet paper.
5. Gifts: A bride may set up a bridal shower gift registry.
A household item is a traditional bridal shower gift. Bridal shower gifts can
now be focused on the bride and include bridal accessories such as lingerie or
wedding garters. While it is customary for the bride to open gifts at the
party, it is not required.
6. Groom: It is customary for the groom-to-be to stay
until the end of the event and assist with gift wrapping. Traditionally, the
groom-to-be gives the bride-to-be a bouquet.
7. Invitations: Invitees should receive bridal shower
invitations four to six weeks before the event so they can mark their calendars
and purchase gifts. The registry information should be included in the
invitation.
8. Timing: Bridal showers are usually held on the weekend
six months to two months before the wedding. Bridal showers are typically held
during the day, such as brunch or afternoon tea. Instead of a traditional
bridal shower meal, brides may opt for a spa day or a wine tasting.
