Wedding Showers

As your wedding day approaches, you’ll also have severalpre-wedding eventsto look forward to. One of the biggest of these is the bridal or weddingshower, but before you start making a guest list or shopping for a cute outfit, you have to answer the major question: Who throws the bridal shower? Turns out there are quite a few people in your life who can throw a bridal shower for you, so it’s important to figure out right off the bat who’s going to take the lead. Usually someone will volunteer to host your bridal shower pretty early on, and it’s not-ideal etiquette to directly ask someone to host. Once the official bridalshower hostesses or hosts have been chosen, that person or group of people will work to plan every aspect of your shower—with your input, of course—and likely take on most of the expenses, as well. Here's the ultimate guide to the “who throws the bridal shower” question, from the most common (and etiquette-appropriate) hosts, to the least.

When it comes to the question “who hosts a bridal shower, ” the most popular answer is usually the maid of honor. One of the most importantmaid of honor dutiesis leading the charge to plan the bridal shower, from choosing a venue to sending out bridal shower invitations, planning games to choosing favors. Oh, and the MOH is in charge of putting together the bachelorette party, as well! This is a major responsibility (and expense), so it’s essential to select a maid of honor you think is up for the challenge.

If you’re not having a maid of honor or even if you are, your bridesmaids may choose to work as a team to host your bridal shower. Splitting up tasks and expenses can help make the planning process somewhat less stressful and defray some of the costs—the average bridesmaid spends $151 on hosting a bridal shower, and that doesn't include the gift, which usually runs about $88 (seriously!). Having your bridesmaids plan your bridal shower as a group works particularly well if most of your bridal party lives in the same city or town—planning a bridal shower from afar can be a bit more complicated, but still totally doable. And if you're going for a coed wedding shower or a shower that celebrates both to-be-weds, both sides of the wedding party should plan the event together.

My Easy Bridal Shower Menu Will Make Everyone Swoon

Hosting a bridal shower can be an expensive endeavor, and it may be difficult for your ‘maids to afford the costs. In this case, your family friends might volunteer to host your bridal shower. These are usually friends of your parents who may have more established incomes and savings, so hosting a shower would put less of a dent on your budget. While having family friends host your bridal shower isn’t necessarily “tradition, ” it’s still totally okay from an etiquette perspective. And if these are family friends you’ve known since childhood, they’ll likely be thrilled to plan this special occasion for you.

If you and your future spouse have different hometowns, you might learn that friends of your in-laws want to throw you a bridal shower in your in-laws’ city or town.Having two bridal showers is totally okay, and it’s actually a nice way for your in-laws’ friends to welcome you into their crew. One note on having two bridal showers: Try to keep the guest lists as separate as possible, so people don’t feel forced to purchase two gifts or travel to two events. Of course, your closest relatives and bridal party should be on both guest lists, but don’t be miffed if they don’t attend both celebrations.

This is where things start to get a bit tricky. So technically, it’s a bridal shower etiquette no-no to have closefamily members of the guest of honor host a shower, because it kinda looks like a direct plea for gifts. However, in today’s day and age, it’s becoming more and more common for a bride’s relatives to host the bridal shower—and it’s really not frowned upon. This works particularly well if members of your non-immediate family throw the shower, like aunts or cousins.

What Not To Do At A Bridal Shower

While not as optimal from an etiquette perspective, if your mother-in-law wants to throw you a bridal shower herself, it’s really okay. She may want to host an event in her hometown as a way to introduce you to her relatives and friends, so even if you’re not in love with the idea of being the center of attention, you’ll likely have to suck it up for this event. If you’re really against the idea of your mother-in-law throwing you a shower, you might politely say something like, “I really appreciate you thinking of me, but a shower isn’t necessary!” But really, she’ll probably insist on hosting an event in your honor, so be prepared.

Again, having your mom host your bridal shower is not ideal etiquette. But can amother-of-the-bridehost a shower for her daughter, the bride to be? Absolutely, so if this is the case for you, don’t sweat it and be grateful that you have a mom who’s willing to spend the money to throw you yet another event (especially if she already threw you an engagement party

Now that we've addressed the big who throws the bridal shower question, we also want to answer an important follow-up: What exactly does a bridal shower host or hosts do? Here's quick rundown of bridal shower host responsibilities:

Creative And Fun Wedding Shower Ideas For The Bride And Groom

The guest of honor has a lot on their plate already, what with wedding planning and all that goes into it! However, the bride to be has a few duties related to the shower to tackle:

If the thought of proper bridal shower etiquette makes you roll your eyes, don't fret. Here are some updates to the modern bridal shower that will still make your Grandma happy.You’re engaged, the wedding is planned, and all that’s left to do is celebrate. We’re here to make sure your wedding shower is one to remember with the most creative party ideas and hottest trends. The team pours over hundreds of new event albums every day, allowing us to become experts in spotting the latest event styles and inspiration.

Before you see it everywhere, see it here first. We’ve spotted 15 trending wedding shower ideas for couples — encompassing every style. From experiential menus to flower arrangements taking on new shapes, there is no shortage of ways to surprise your guests at your wedding shower.

French Garden Party Wedding Shower

From left to right: photographer: Always Us Studios | posted by & design: RL Design HTX || photographer: Eszter Timea Photography | posted by & planner: Elardo Events || posted by & caterer: Occasions Caterers

You’ve seen patterns in place settings and linen, but now they’re popping up in the most unexpected places. From bar decals to tapered candlesticks (yes, candlesticks), these unique print placements create the ultimate wow factor.

From left to right: photographer: Hana Gonzalez | posted by, planning & design: Lemon & Lime Event Design || photographer: Jenny Quicksall Photography | posted by & planner: Detailed Touch Events || photographer: Susie and Will Photography | posted by & planner: Dreams In Detail

Bridal Shower Etiquette For Guests. A Crash Course!

Forget the simplistic bar design, and make a statement with mixed media. This element isn’t just for the artistic couple. Work with your rental company for a creative design that matches your aesthetic — and let your design add to the wow factor.

From left to right: photo posted by & venue: Eden || photo posted by & planner: Erin Davies Consultancy || photo posted by & venue: Eden

Introducing the newest favor trend at showers. Out are the same-old take home gifts and in are custom-made party favors. Surprise your guests with a custom tote bag or a personalized sketch. We promise, they’ll love it.

Backyard Couples Wedding Shower

From left to right: photographer: Kelly Hornberger Photography | posted by & planner: Keely Thorne Events || photographer: Always Us Studios | posted by & design: RL Design HTX || photographer: Hope Helmuth | posted by & planner: Wile Events

The most memorable celebrations have a statement piece – and we expect canopy centerpieces will be making statements at showers, everywhere. Work with a talented floral designer to turn this vision into a reality.

From left to right: photo posted by & design: Pretty Posh Events || photographer: gerber + scarpelli photography | photo posted by & design: Party Little Things

Balloon Decorations Ideas For Your Bridal Shower

The preppy aesthetic has been making its way into events, and now it’s taking over dessert tables. From stripes to gingham, showers patterns are more fun with pretty desserts — and preppy has become our new favorite style.

From left to right: photographer: gerber + scarpelli photography | posted by & design: Party Little Things || photographer: Stefanie Cinadr | posted by & planner: Spencer Event Strategy || photographer: Amy Wu | posted by & caterer: Windows Catering

From wedding fashion to décor, pearl elements have found their way into countless celebrations this year. Now, we’re seeing this 2023 wedding trend seep into wedding showers, as well. Whether you opt for tableware or table décor statements, there’s no shortage of classy and subtle ways

Ways To Level Up Your Bridal Brunch