Bridal Shower

Bridal showers usually take place anytime between six months to a week prior to the wedding. They are not hosted by family members but rather close friends of the bride. Usually, the lead organizer is the Maid of Honor. The etiquette, while less formal than the wedding, still dictates that men won't be present - unless it is a ‘couple shower’. The invitations are usually more informal, send out by mail, phone or email. It is just for close female friends of the bride although close female relatives on both the groom and bride’s side may be invited (although not expected to gift).

The bridal shower is a time to share stories, eat great food and pay specific attention to the bride-to-be. If the bridal shower is very casual and informal, the Maid of Honor usually both hosts and finances it. If it is a bit more elaborate, she may ask other bridesmaids to contribute to help share the burden of the cost. Either way, she will certainly enlist them to help with set up, planning and decorating. It can take place at home or any location where you would like to throw a party. It may be a lunch or dinner date or a Spa Day.

If many of the bride’s friends would have to travel thousands of miles for it, it makes sense to have it closer to the wedding so they only have to make one trip. On the other hand, holding a bridal shower several months prior has the benefits of ramping up the anticipation while not having the bride stress out at yet another event so close to her wedding.

Before planning a bridal shower, however, it is important to check with the bride first as some brides don't like the extra attention or to be asking their friends for yet more gifts. It is also worth checking that nobody is invited to the bridal shower who has not been put on the bride and groom’s guestlist.

At the bridal shower, folk are generally just eating, laughing, talking, telling stories and opening presents. There may be some fun bridal games but it is a sweeter affair than the bachelorette party and is about preparing the bride for her new role.

Bridal showers do not need to take place at home; they can be done at a shared event such as a Cooking School, Wine-tasting session, or outdoors - if the bride is a very physically active or gardening type. There are other themes too such as a beach party bridal shower, , a beauty makeover bridal shower, a potluck bridal shower and a tea party bridal shower -whatever makes the even about the bride and her personal taste.

Bridal shower etiquette does not specify what to give; it could be homemade or a family heirloom or a collage built up from your own memories. But what is important is that you do bring a gift. Let your own judgment, finances and relationship with the bride help you decide. If you have been invited to the bridal shower, you certainly should be giving a bridal shower gift and a wedding gift (chosen from the registry). The Maid of Honor should take notes of who gave what and each of the people who attended the bridal shower should be formally thanked with a note.

Gifts for a couple shower could be based around shared registry items like cooking knives, Le Creuset pans or a fondue set but a bridal shower should be distinctly girly. A group of you could club together with your finds to gift something truly useful/meaningful for the bride. And don't forget to wrap it up nicely! The whole point of the bridal shower is to make the bride-to-be feel loved, special and supported. The small details and tiny thoughtful touches are everything - it does not need to be lavish in any way apart from the love!