What to Wear: Best Bridal Shower Guest Outfits for 2022 | Emmaline Bride (2024)

FAQs

What is the bride supposed to wear to the bridal shower? ›

While white seems to be the shade most brides choose for a bridal shower, both Brickman and Cartledge agree that there is no rule on what color you should wear. "A lot of my brides don't opt for white at all, instead choosing a color that makes them feel confident or matches their wedding," Cartledge says.

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.

Winter Bridal Shower Outfits

In winter, you can opt for longer dresses and long sleeves. If you don't want to opt for a dress, a chic pants-length jumpsuit is a perfect choice. Winter is also a great time for heavier fabrics, like jacquard and sweater fabrics; sweater dresses can keep you cute and cozy.

“Nothing too risqué, nothing to overshadow the bride in any way, and nothing too formal,” says Abbasi. “Go with fun, comfortable, and whatever makes you feel your best self.” Simply put, no white ensembles, no outfits with extravagant silhouettes, like ball gowns, and no skin-barring getups.

ALWAYS THINK OF THE BRIDE — IT'S HER DAY!

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. Save that little white dress for another non-wedding related event.

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.

By choosing to wear color, you avoid breaking the main rule of all bridal celebrations: don't wear white. That's the bride's color range, so that includes beiges, creams, and anything in that color family. And unless explicitly stated, you shouldn't try and match the bridal party to the exact shade either.

I'm often asked how many guests should be invited to a shower, and I usually recommend keeping it to around 25 guests if possible.

This is a completely personal opinion, but I wouldn't recommend wearing black to a bridal shower. It reminds me of mourning. Instead, wear a pretty color or print to show optimism for your friend's new beginnings.

More conservative than the bachelorette party looks but less formal than the actual wedding ceremony attire, the bridal shower is the time to bring out the sweet floral dresses, midi skirts, and jumpsuits. It's the chic moment before the turn up and boy, do we love to turn up.

Do you bring a gift to a bridal shower and the wedding? ›

It's important to remember, though, that while traditional etiquette suggests bringing gifts to both a bridal shower and a wedding, the most meaningful gesture is the presence of the guest themself. If financial constraints make it difficult to buy a gift for one or both events, the couple will surely understand.

When it comes to the question “who hosts a bridal shower,” the most popular answer is usually the maid of honor. One of the most important maid of honor duties is leading the charge to plan the bridal shower, from choosing a venue to sending out bridal shower invitations, planning games to choosing favors.

Answer: While your grandmother is correct that historically the mother of the bride did not host a bridal shower, it's one of those rules of etiquette that has fallen away.

Play Hostess at Pre-Wedding Parties and on the Big Day

Whether she's handling your bridal shower or greeting out-of-town guests once they arrive in town for your nuptials, the mother of the bride is the official hostess and should focus on helping each attendee feel welcome.

This typically only occurs if members of the bridal party are the ones hosting the shower. — Members of both families: These days, the mother of the bride isn't the only one known for paying for the bridal shower. Sometimes one or both of the bride's parents plan the bridal shower with the bride's future in-laws.

It's up to you to choose the vibe of the party—and since it's your day, you can wear whatever you want. With that said, having endless options to choose from can be overwhelming, especially when you have multiple events and need an outfit for each. Many brides go for an all-white look, but you definitely don't have to.

The bridal shower can be a surprise. But, of course, the bride needs to provide the guest list. Some brides may not appreciate a surprise or want to have input in their shower and be part of the planning. Additionally, some people hate surprises.

In short, the host is the one who pays for the bridal shower—or at least some of it. Most commonly, this is the maid of honor, but the couple's relatives, friends or even the to-be-weds themselves can all pitch in to cover the cost of the wedding shower.

Gifts given at traditional bridal showers should have a focus on what the bride likes, wants, or needs. Common gift ideas include vases, cookware, champagne glasses, sleepwear, fine linens, picture frames, and home decor items. Any items specified on a bridal shower registry fall under this category.