Discover, manage, and track all of your vendor communication, contracts, and timelines in one place.
A bridal shower is a pre-wedding event thrown by friends or family and is a time for guests to celebrate and "shower" the bride-to-be with well-wishes and gifts. If you're totally new to the whole bridal shower thing (as most nearlyweds are), here's what you can expect. Photo by Valorie Darling Photography via Desiree Hartsock.  1 Your bridesmaids will likely host the party.Traditionally, the shower is thrown by a member or members of your bridal party. A family member or friend that's not in the bridal party can also throw a shower in place of or in addition to.2Between 20-50 guests will be invited.Depending on the venue size, you can expect quite a few friends and relatives to RSVP. Typically it will be a mix of your friends, family, and fiancé's family. Guests who are not invited to the wedding shouldn't be invited to the shower.3Unless specifically noted as a co-ed shower, most bridal showers are female-only.  While it is becoming more commonplace for friends to throw a couple's shower for both the couple (where both males and females are invited), don't assume men are invited unless it's stated on the invitation.4Showers typically occur 2-3 months before the big day.And invitations will most likely be sent out four to six weeks before the event.5You can have more than one showerIt's likely that you'll have more than one friend or family member that will want to throw a celebration bash for you. While it's absolutely normal to celebrate multiple times and with multiple friend groups, make sure you're conscious of who you're inviting. You don't want friends to feel obligated to attend all of your events.  6Guests will bring gifts.Make sure that you're registered prior to your shower, so guests can bring a gift from your registry if they desire.7There will be food.Your shower may be a brunch, lunch, or dinner. Depending on the time of day, light appetizers will likely be served.8And drinks...  Photo by Adam Jaime on Unsplash Usually champagne, beer, or wine will be provided.9You can wear white, but you don't have toMany brides choose to wear a white dress, jumpsuit, or romper to their shower. But, your attire choice is totally up to you.10There might be games.If you really don't want to play bridal shower games, make sure to tell your host beforehand.11You'll need to write thank you notes to the host and guests.While opening presents, make sure to have a friend jot down what each guest brought you. That way you can write special and personalized thank you notes to each person who made your shower amazing. 
Kellee Khalil
About The Author
Kellee Khalil is the Founder & CEO of Loverly. She lives in upstate NY with her fiancé and two dogs.
More like this
Plan your wedding like a pro.
Follow
Join our newsletter: