How Bridal Showers "Usually" Work

Now that wedding season is approaching, bridal showers are definitely in the air.  I have three in one month!  Unfortunately I can't make it to all of them.  I wish my friends would spread out their weddings.  =P

Yesterday, I sent out a facebook message about asking if anyone had any wedding questions they wanted me to answer.  I also stated that I will be creating a post about it.  The question that was asked was concerning bridal shower etiquette.  I thought a lot more people were informed about what goes on in bridal showers, but not a lot of people are familiar with how bridal showers work.  Of course every bridal shower is different, so this post will be talking about what is typically traditionally done.  I hope this post helps!

Who Hosts the Bridal Shower?
Traditionally it is done by the bridesmaids and maid of honor.  Typically the bridal party pays for all of the expenses which includes food, invitations, games, decor, etc as well as organizes the event.   I have heard the mother of the bride hosting it before, but that's not how it is normally done.  Most importantly, the bride SHOULD NOT be hosting her own bridal shower.

Who is Invited to the Bridal Shower?

The guests that may be invited are the females that are invited to the wedding.  It is a bit odd to invite someone that is not invited to your wedding to attend.  Of course, with today, bridal showers can have guys in them, it could be co-ed, etc.  I'm just stating the way it's traditionally done.

Also, the bride should come up with the list of invites.  Once the bride comes up with the invite list, it is the maid of honor or a bridesmaid duty to send out invitations (electronic or by mail).  

What Gifts do you Give the Bride?
Usually registry items are given to the bride.  Other ideas include lingerie, something that the bride may like, or date night items (champagne, chocolate, etc.).



When Should the Bridal Shower be Held?
The latest it should be done is 2 weeks before the wedding.  Many times the bridal party does it a month or two months prior to the wedding date.  It all depends on the availability of the families, bride, and bridal party.

What Goes on in a Bridal Shower?
Bridal Shower Timeline:
1st hour: mingle and eat finger foods
2nd hour: play games (optional)
3rd hour: bride opens gifts
Usually when the bride opens all the gifts, that is the signal to end the shower.

Also, normally bridal showers are held during the mid afternoon (2-5ish) or during lunch time.

In the end, there are a TON of different ways to host a bridal shower.  It doesn't have to be all cookie cutter like.  I hope that this brief bridal shower etiquette guide gives you some general idea on how it traditionally works.  I've seen other websites where the etiquette list is endless, but if you follow every rule, you'll go crazy.  =)

If you have any further questions please leave me a love note!!