Bridal Shower Dresses for Guest & Bride (2024)

FAQs

What does the bride wear to a 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.

It's traditional for the bride, or the couple, to wear white at the bridal shower. This also includes pastel shades, like blush or soft blue, that can be photographed as looking white. All other colors—like bold, bright colors and prints—are fair game.

A Jack and Jill (or coed or couple's— call it what you choose!) wedding shower is a fun way to get excited about your wedding together. It also serves as an opportunity to bring your friends and family together before the wedding.

Light soft neutrals and pastels in light, pink, blue, yellow, green, and blush are perfect for a bridal shower. If these colors make you feel too washed out, then bright, cheery colors work well also. Stay away from heavy, serious colors like brown, gray, dark navy, dark green, and black.

Pastels, neutrals, florals, and bright celebratory colors are the way to go. And if there's going to be games opt to wear something comfortable. Avoid wearing white, black, or anything that may detract from the wedding festivities.

First, keep in mind that bridal shower gifts tend to be less costly than wedding gifts. The average you should spend on a bridal shower gift is around $50 to $75. If you're especially close to the bride, you may spend upwards of $100. But no matter what, the amount you want to spend is up to you!

Typically the Mother of the Bride's dress should complement the bridal party's color palette. Not necessarily match with the bridesmaids, but choose a color in the color family. The most popular color for the mother of the bride to wear is navy or a royal blue, followed by blush or a shade of nude.

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.

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.

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower.

What is Jack and Jill party? ›

A Jack and Jill party is a co-ed shower for celebrating with close friends and families before the wedding. The traditional purpose was a fundraising event for the wedding and honeymoon. Modern Jack and Jill parties are relaxed gatherings with food, games, and gifts.

A Jack and Jill party is a coed wedding shower where the couple is given gifts they need to start their new life together. It's like a bridal shower, but the groom and his family and friends are also in attendance.

Traditionally, the mother of the bride doesn't host the bridal shower (the maid of honor typically assumes the chief shower-planning role), however, your daughter will likely want you to be a part of the celebration.

White is a classic and timeless choice for wedding attire that symbolises purity, new beginnings and the celebration of love. It's a beautiful option for brides of any age who want to embrace tradition or who simply love the elegance of a white gown.

Bridal Shower Etiquette

Typically, as per tradition, the mother of the groom will bring a gift for the bride to the bridal shower. It can be something small and thoughtful. However, if she cannot attend the shower the bride's side of the family hosts, maybe because of distance, she can host her own.

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.

Ultimately, there aren't hard and fast rules about who hosts and pays for the bridal shower these days. Sometimes, this event is hosted by the mother of the bride and her family; other times, the couple contributes. In some cases, a mix of parties share the costs.

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.