The tradition of a bridal shower is centuries old.

Years ago, when a woman was going to be married, her family would provide money, livestock, and other resources to make her more appealing to a groom.

Sometimes, a woman’s family couldn’t provide a proper dowry, or they’d refuse to provide one if they didn’t approve of the marriage.

In those circumstances, a bride’s friends and family would gather to offer gifts to help the new bride transition into married life more easily.

Today, a bridal shower is the perfect excuse to celebrate a bride-to-be and show similar support with gifts to begin a new phase of life with her partner.

As traditions shift and evolve, it can feel complicated to keep track of trends, etiquette, and expectations.  

If you’re a Maid of Honor planning a party for your bestie or a bride wondering what to expect from your pre-wedding celebration, our Rosen Wedding experts have you covered.  

Here is your guide to hosting a beautiful bridal shower.

Who Hosts a Bridal Shower?

Traditionally, a bride’s maid of honor or bridal party will host a bridal shower in her honor.

The mother of the bride, her future mother-in-law, and other family members can also host or contribute to the shower.

While the bride herself doesn’t typically play a part in planning or hosting the shower, it’s always a good idea to consult her about her preferences, taste, and ideal guest list.

Can Men Attend?

Traditionally, bridal showers are attended only by women.

However, many wedding traditions are being challenged as more brides have inclusive and co-ed bridal parties.

Technically, a co-ed bridal shower that includes the groom as a guest of honor is known as a Wedding Shower.

Check with the bride to see if she’d prefer a more bride-centric celebration or would feel more comfortable sharing the spotlight.

If you do decide to have a shower just for the bride, ask the groom to show up at the end of the party, preferably with a bouquet of flowers for his bride-to-be.

What Happens at a Bridal Shower?

A bridal shower is a party celebrating the bride prior to her wedding day.

It’s often a more intimate gathering of the bride’s closest friends and family coming together.

Typically, guests enjoy eating, drinking, and showering the guest of honor in gifts to start her new phase of life as a married woman.

Bridal showers also frequently include playing games revolving around the bride and perhaps a brief toast or two from the host or the bride herself.

When Should a Bridal Shower Take Place?

In general, a bridal shower is typically held four to six weeks prior to the wedding day.

Factors like venue availability, travel, and timing of other wedding events (bachelorette party, engagement party, etc.) could also play into which date you choose.

Be sure to include the bride in the discussion of when to host her shower.

Who Gets an Invite?

Wedding showers are the perfect excuse for a bride’s closest friends and family members to come together and celebrate this momentous time in her life.

A bridal shower guest list can be as extensive or intimate as you’d like.

It should, at minimum, include the bridal party, the bride’s immediate family members, and perhaps any soon-to-be family members of note.

While a bridal shower invite list will likely not include all the wedding guests, anyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding.

It’s also a good idea to have the bride double-check the bridal shower invitee list to make sure no one is left off or invited without her approval.

Where Should we Hold the Shower?

A bridal shower can be as lavish or simplistic as you want it to be.  

Treat your bride to a backyard garden soirée, or a seated luncheon at her favorite restaurant.  

Galleries, rooftop bars, and community clubhouses are also great options for bridal shower venues.  

Where you choose to host the shower depends primarily on your budget. The home of a family member or friend is an incredibly cost-effective choice for a party.  

Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?

The person hosting the event typically pays for the party, including venue, food, decor, and any other expenses.

However, it’s becoming increasingly common for other members of the bridal party, the bride’s parents and future in-laws, and even the bride and groom themselves to contribute to the budget.

Be sure to determine your budget before you start planning so you know exactly how much is available to spend.

What Should I Serve?

Every party needs good food.

What you serve (and the amount of it) depends on your budget, theme, and the time of day you’re throwing the party.

For example, you can keep things light and simple with finger sandwiches and pastries or go all-out with a catered luncheon of your bride’s favorite foods.

Alcoholic beverages are often served at bridal showers.

A playful mimosa bar is perfect for a brunch shower or serve elegant wines with charcuterie for an evening soirée.

What you serve at a bridal shower is up to you and your imagination – as well as your budget.

What Gifts Should Guests Bring?

At the time of the bridal shower, the bride and groom will likely have a wedding registry available to share with guests.

The registry should have items that range in price so guests can find a gift that suits their budget.

To make things easier for guests, include the couple’s wedding registry URL on the bridal shower invitations.

Should There be a Theme?

A great theme can make a bridal shower feel playful, cohesive, and unique.

Here are a few of our favorite bridal shower themes to consider:

• Cottagecore Queen – If your bride loves all things countryside chic, she’ll adore a cottagecore-themed bridal shower. Decorate simplistically with wildflowers and rustic textiles. Serve farm-fresh hors d’oeuvres and a refreshing cocktail with an herb garnish.

• Bridgerton Babe – An English high tea experience is a feminine, elegant way to celebrate any bride. Use an assortment of fanciful teacups and saucers (rented or thrifted) for a whimsical effect and set the table with tiers of finger sandwiches and delicate pastries. Play classical music for an extra touch of sophistication.

• Mediterranean Tile and Citrus – Inspired by ornate blue and white tiles found throughout the Mediterranean, this theme is as fresh as it is classic. Decorate with lemons and lemon slices and serve cocktails made with limoncello. Invite your guests to dress in shades of blue, white, and yellow for a beautiful, cohesive look.

• Rosé All Day – Perfect for the bride who loves pink, Rosé All Day is a theme that’s as pretty and light as a glass of blush wine. Integrate as much pink as you can into the décor with florals and rose gold accents. This is another great theme for a color palette dress code: ask your guests to wear pink for a special touch. Make sure you have plenty of rosé on hand!

• In Her Bridal Era – Is your bride a Swiftie? Celebrate her in her bridal era with a party full of Taylor Swift music, friendship bracelet making, and plenty of lyric-inspired touches. Find out the bride’s favorite T. Swift album and use it as inspiration for cocktails, décor, and the perfect photo backdrop.

Host Your Bridal Shower at a Rosen Weddings Venue

Looking for the perfect Orlando venue to host a bridal shower?

Rosen Weddings has four distinct venues that offer a variety of spaces ideal for a grand or intimate bridal shower.

From ballrooms to private dining rooms, outdoor patios to restaurant rentals, we have the perfect space for your shower.

Plus, our fabulous onsite catering and bar service make impressing your bride and guests easier than ever.

Talk to one of our wedding coordinators today to find the perfect venue for an unforgettable Orlando bridal shower.