Guide to Planning Bridal Showers
Originating in Holland in the 1890s and first gaining popularity in North America, bridal showers are now very common in Australia. Bridal showers are commonly held anywhere from two months to two weeks before the wedding date. They are a great time for the nearest and dearest of the bride to get together and spend a relaxing and enjoyable time before the wedding day. It can serve as an useful opportunity for the couple to show their engagement diamond rings.
Who Hosts?
Bridal showers tend to be planned and hosted by the maid of honour and the bridesmaids, though it’s increasingly common for family members to host as well. The bride or her parents are usually not the ones to suggest a bridal shower.
Who Attends?
Bridal showers can be attended by both the groom’s and the bride’s families and friends, or they can be a bridal side only get together.
When are Bridal Showers Held?
They can be held at any time of the day, though afternoon is the most common time.
Where are Bridal Showers Held?
They can be held anywhere – at a restaurant, at home, at a hotel or any other suitable location.
What’s the Difference between a Bridal Shower and a Bachelorette Party?
Bachelorette parties are a version of the bachelor party or the buck’s night. As such, they are less formal than bridal showers and are hosted at the bride’s own discretion. There’s no need to give gifts at bachelorette party and everyone attending usually pays for their own expenses, including the bride.
Other Etiquette
- Invitees – Everyone who is invited to the bridal party must be invited to the wedding.
- Gift Registry – It is up to the host to ensure that the bride register for gifts. Typically and traditionally, the gifts for a bridal party are useful items that will help her set up home after marriage. Gift don’t need to be as formal as wedding gifts.
- Invitations – The hosts – the maid of honour or the bridesmaids – should take care of the invitations.
- Format and Themes – While bridal showers traditionally revolve around light refreshments or a luncheon and a gift opening session, the format has undergone a dramatic transformation. Many bridal showers involve themes or activities – such as a day at the spa, a barbeque, or an outing.
- Bride Involvement – Bridal showers are almost never surprise parties. Usually the hosts and planners involve the bride in their planning and consult with her for ideas, and for registering a gift registry.
- Cost – If there is an issue as to who pays, the cost of the bridal shower can be covered by the hosts asking the bride’s closest friends and relatives to chip in for a fund.
- Gifts for Guests – Guests should be given party favours before the bridal shower finishes. These can include boxes of chocolate or any other small gifts.
Tradition aside, the most important thing for a bridal shower is for everyone to have a great time and for the bride to have a formal chance to share memories and celebrate her upcoming nuptials before the big day when the couple put on their wedding rings.
