The Bridal Shower tradition dates back to the 16th century, when girls who didn’t have dowries were “showered” with gifts by her friends so she could start her new life.
Nowadays a lot of couples live together before marriage so household items aren’t needed, leaving the focus on the bride-to-be’s upcoming marriage.
The traditional organizer of the Bridal Shower is the Maid of Honour and etiquette suggests it should not be hosted by a member of the bride’s family.
In modern society, anyone can arrange the Bridal Shower – including the bride.
It is still polite to liaise with the Maid of Honour in the planning of the event.
The bride can have several events including a Hens Night, Kitchen Tea and Bridal Shower.
You could include friends in the Hen’s Night, Family in the Kitchen Tea, and workmates and friends in the Bridal Shower.
It is entirely up to the bride as to how many events the bride wants.
Traditionally, the Bridal Shower is held 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding, before the rush starts with the last minute preparation for the wedding.
The host normally provides all food and drink for the event. Popular foods include cupcakes, cake, biscuits, pastries, wraps, quiches and salads.
Alcohol is acceptable as it is a celebration. Champagne and cocktails are popular along with tea and coffee and soft drinks for non drinkers.
It’s acceptable to have the event catered for and can have food themes such as the brides favourite colour or novelty food items such as a lolly bar or even hire a food truck for the occasion.
The group invited can be just family, friends and bridal party or every female invited to the wedding. It can range from a group of 10 to a large group of hundreds.
Essential invites include mothers and sisters of the couple along with the bridesmaids.
Many brides now include games as a way of ‘breaking the ice’ and encouraging conversation.
Brides can use a gift registry for their Bridal Shower and gifts should be opened in the presence of the guests with the head bridesmaid taking notes of which gift was given by the guest. This helps the bride with the Thank You cards after the event.
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