Invited to a Bridal Shower? Here's What to Wear (2024)

FAQs

Invited to a Bridal Shower? Here's What to Wear? ›

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.

Bridal showers are usually a more formal than a bachelorette party or a bridal brunch. Choose a bridal shower dress for guest that is elegant and feminine, and that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You can opt for a midi or maxi dress, a jumpsuit, or a skirt and blouse combination.

A shower invite list should include a bride's nearest and dearest and it's typically compiled after the wedding invitation list has been created. Therefore, anyone invited to the shower should already be getting their ticket to the big show. If that isn't the case, don't include them now.

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!

What do You do at a Bridal Shower? Most bridal shower guests spend time mingling, eating, playing games, and honoring the bride-to-be. As a guest, you'll want to remember the celebration is all about the bride and her special day ahead, so most activities during the day will reflect this.

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.

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.

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.

A smart casual dress code refers to a desired style of dress that is more kempt than casual and less flashy than formal. Finding the right balance between comfortable and fashionable is tricky, but most people can likely create a smart casual outfit based on what they already own.

Answer this question by stating your dress code in a direct sentence ("The dress code for our wedding is…"). Following that, you can include a brief explanation with attire suggestions and specifics—for example, that your venue requires a jacket and tie or if the ceremony will take place on the beach.

What is etiquette for a bridal shower? ›

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.

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.

Don't wear black. Your bridal shower look should be celebratory, festive, and happy—black is a bit too somber and/or “date night out” to wear to a bridal shower. If you're set on dark colors, opt for a softer gray or navy. Don't wear anything too tight, sexy, or revealing.

Choose a pastel look for a backyard garden fête.

The bridal shower is a dressy event, says wedding guru Cacky's Bride Aid's Cacky Rivers-but you should never try to upstage the woman of the hour. "Have fun with your dress choice but don't out-do the bride," she adds. "Think sweet, not sexy."

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.

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.

The Event: A Bridal or Baby Shower

Also remember that it's never okay to be early to a shower (or dinner party, or co*cktail hour), unless you're part of the set-up crew. It puts more pressure on a host, as she'll feel as if she needs to start entertaining while still finishing last-minute details before the party.