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There are so many fun events leading up to the big day, but when it comes to outfits for them, what should you wear? Bridal showers are an amazing opportunity for the bride and her closest female friends and family to get together and celebrate upcoming nuptials, and make the bride feel extra special with gifts, games, and attention. When it comes to the perfect bridal shower look, there are a few things to keep in mind and will definitely help you decide on an outfit!
Bridal showers are an important day for brides and their guests alike so it’s important to put forth an effort in your appearance and dress to impress. Let’s break down what you need to know!
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Bridal Shower Dress Code Etiquette
What to Wear to Bridal Shower as a Bride
Best Bridal Shower Outfit Colors
What to Wear to a Bridal Shower Based on Season
Bridal Shower Dress Code Etiquette
While bridal shower outfits are heavily influenced by season (see the last section), there are some basic rules to follow when you’re attending a bridal shower:
1. Dress For the Theme (If There Is One)
Not every bridal shower has a theme, but it’s becoming increasingly common in today’s bridal showers. If there is a theme, do your best to dress with it in mind (even if it feels ridiculous). This is another event where it is about the bride and her preferences rather than the preferences of her guests.
2. Don’t Wear White!
This is actually the #1 rule – don’t wear white if you’re not the bride! The bride should always be distinguishable in the group because she’s wearing white. After all, it’s her wedding day approaching! Unless the bride specifically gives you permission or the shower has some sort of all-white color theme, leave the white outfit for the bride.
3. Let the Bride Be the Star
In addition to not wearing white, you also want to wear something that’s cute but isn’t so attention-grabbing that you steal the show. The bride is the star of her bridal shower, which means guests showing up in an all-sequin dress, or wearing hot pink or bright red, or a similar overly eye-catching ensemble may be not only off-putting, but upsetting to the bride. Let the bride have her day!
Note: Again, the only exception would be if the bride makes bright colors (or any color), or sequins the theme of the bridal shower. Then you have free reign to wear something flashy!
4. Look Polished But Stay Comfortable
Bridal showers often have games and activities so make sure that what you plan on wearing will allow for the necessary movement to participate.
What to Wear to Bridal Shower As A Bride
Obviously, the bride should be wearing white to her bridal shower. This helps distinguish her as the bride and helps her be the main focus! Beyond that, it really depends on the formality of the event, if there’s a theme, and what the bride’s preferences are.
Many brides opt to have a more casual bridal shower in warmer weather months, which is the perfect time to wear a white sundress or romper. Other brides feel like the bridal shower event is the perfect time to rock a white ensemble that’s a little fun like a white feathery dress or top.
Bride Outfits We Love For Bridal Showers:
Best Bridal Shower Outfit Colors
There are loads of colors to choose from (and lots to avoid) when it comes to attending a bridal shower and picking an outfit. First, consider the season. Spring and summer events are a great time to wear pastels, pinks, reds, oranges, yellows, light greens, and light blues. In the fall and winter months, you can wear darker colors, greys, earth tones and jewel tones.
If the bridal shower has a color theme, that’s a great indicator of what you’re wearing. At an pink-themed bridal shower, you guessed it, you should be wearing pink. If there’s a theme but it isn’t color-related, this is also great to go off of. For example, if the theme is something tropical, break out the bright colors and tropical prints. If the theme is 80’s aerobics (yes, this is a real theme!), fluorescent colors and leg warmers are obviously encouraged. If the bride wants you to have fun with it, have fun with it!
What to Wear to a Bridal Shower Based on Season (As A Guest)
Season plays a big role in your bridal shower outfit – maybe more than you’d even think! During the spring and summer, it’s fully appropriate to wear a sundress, colorful florals, or pastels. In the winter and fall months, however, you may want to re-consider that kind of outfit.
Depending on the temperature and location, most fall and winter bridal showers will call for jumpsuits, jeans and a cute sweater if it’s a more casual party, or a long-sleeved dress and boots. Utilize cold-weather colors and materials like velvet, suede, corduroy, and sweater fabrics.
An exception would be if the bridal shower was somewhere that still remains relatively warm during the winter/fall and is during the daytime, or the bridal shower is on or near the beach. Use your best judgement!
FAQs
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.
What should an older woman wear to a bridal shower? ›
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.
Is it OK to wear jeans to bridal shower? ›
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.
What to wear to a bridal shower not a dress? ›
If the event is more casual, Singla said guests "could pair a blouse and trousers, a flowy dress, or a jumpsuit." Whatever you decide to wear, aim for something photo-friendly. According to Young, this is especially key if you're family or close friends with the future bride and groom.
What not to wear at a bridal shower? ›
“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.
Does it matter what color you wear to a bridal shower? ›
Choose Any Color You Love
As for color and pattern, wear any hue or print you love. Many brides choose to wear white to all of their pre-wedding events. That includes their bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner.
What does the mother in law do for the bridal shower? ›
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.
What does a traditional bridal shower look like? ›
Tradition: It's a feminine daytime event.
The traditional bridal shower is a brunch party, afternoon tea, or another daytime affair. And it's likely to include small appetizers and desserts, beverages like mimosas, and typically feminine decor.
Do you bring a gift to a bridal shower? ›
In short, yes. 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.
What is the difference in a wedding shower and a bridal shower? ›
The bridal shower is designed for just you and the girls while the wedding shower is a co-ed party where the bride and groom both get showered with gifts and love. If you're a bride who loves to party and celebrate, then have both a wedding shower and bridal shower!
"Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says. "However, the amount you want to spend is up to you."
Can I wear black pants to a bridal shower? ›
Black is often a darker color or associated with mourning and while it is definitely one of my go-to colors, I think it is best saved for other events, like the bachelorette party or even a rehearsal dinner.
What colors not to wear to a bridal shower? ›
Nude shades and white dresses with colorful prints are fine, but solid whites should be reserved for the star of the show: The Bride. Stay away from red. It may seem trite, but red is considered to be a “vulgar” hue associated with adultery. Not exactly appropriate for celebrating your friend's upcoming nuptials.
What to expect at a bridal shower as a guest? ›
What Happens at a Bridal Shower? "Depending on the taste of the bride, the host can have some entertaining games for the guests to play or skip the games altogether," says Gottsman. The general outline is usually the same: food, drinks, and an opportunity for the bride to open gifts surrounded by guests.
How do you make a bridal shower not awkward? ›
Plan Activities
Offering something interactive and hands-on, or even hiring an outside pro like a sommelier or mixologist, is a great way to help guests who don't know each other feel more comfortable and welcome.
What to bring to a bridal shower as a guest? ›
Common bridal shower gifts include kitchenware, from small appliances or utensils to towels or dishes. Shower gifts tend to stick to the event's specific theme if it has one. A cooking class shower might require a gift of your favorite cookbook, while the hostesses of a lingerie shower will ask for, well, lingerie.
Is a bridal shower casual? ›
A bridal shower can be as formal or casual as you want it to be, but it's best to at least include some sort of guide in the invitation. "There's not one particular dress code," says Gottsman.
Who normally pays for the bridal shower? ›
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.
