Who throws a bridal shower? When do you send out bridal shower invites? Who pays for the shower? Ah, so many questions. We’ll answer everything you need + want to know about who is supposed to throw the bridal shower. Make sure you subscribe now for the latest to your inbox!
Hi, lovelies! Today we’re answering five of your biggest bridal shower etiquette questions.
– Who is supposed to throw the bridal shower?
– Who pays for the bridal shower?
– How long should a wedding shower be?
– Do you include the registry on the bridal shower invitation?
– When do you send out bridal shower invites?
Let’s discuss it!
Who Hosts the Bridal Shower?
Who throws the wedding shower for the bride — the host — is typically the mother of the bride or groom, the Maid of Honor / bridesmaids, or another female relative.
In the past, etiquette dictated that the bride or groom’s mother(s) should not host, but that is an old and outdated rule. Today it is usually the mother of the bride or groom who throws the bridal shower.
Which takes us to our next question…
Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?
The host always pays for the bridal shower. Others can contribute if they wish (the groom’s mother or bridesmaids, for instance) but it is not required. It is always nice for bridesmaids to offer to help at the shower: helping with writing down the names of gift recipients as the bride opens her gifts, helping to set up before the bridal shower or clean up afterward or decorate the space with garland, balloons, centerpieces, and more.
The bridesmaids can also take guests’ coats, coordinate and pass out bridal shower game cards + mini pencils, give prizes to winners, etc.
How Long Does a Bridal Shower Last?
The typical length of a bridal shower is 3 to 4 hours. It usually takes place on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, typically from 12-3pm or 1-4pm. Lunch is served, as well as cake/dessert.
The couple opens presents, guests play games, eat lunch, and have dessert, enjoy conversation, then they go home with take-home favors. Easy-peasy.
Does the bridal registry go on the shower invitation?
YES! The wedding registry is included in the wedding shower invitations or as an enclosure card with the invitation. Guests will most likely shop from a bridal registry so this is very helpful to include.
A registry enclosure card looks like this:
TIP: You can create a FREE registry on Amazon, which offers a universal registry (you can register for anything from any website, all in one list). If you want to register for handmade wedding gifts, register on Etsy here.
If you register in-store at places like Crate and Barrel or Bed, Bath and Beyond, I believe they offer enclosure cards for you — just ask!
When do you send out wedding shower invitations?
Bridal shower invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks prior to the date of the wedding shower. If possible, send bridal shower invites through the mail. Browse beautiful + fun invites for the bridal shower.
If you are planning a virtual bridal shower, read this for helpful tips + info. Digital invitations can be sent online to guests.
And there you have it: your bridal shower etiquette questions answered! If you have other questions, leave them in the comment box below and we’ll swoop in to help.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
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