What to wear to a bridal shower—outfit inspiration for brides and guests (2024)

FAQs

What to wear to a bridal shower—outfit inspiration for brides and guests? ›

For the bride, I'd recommend something fun and slightly OTT: feathers, sequins, perhaps even a jumpsuit. For the guest I'd stick to similar themes but opt for a fun color or interesting pattern.

Choose elegant and feminine outfits.

You can opt for a midi or maxi dress, a jumpsuit, or a skirt and blouse combination. Avoid wearing too revealing or casual clothing, as it may not be appropriate for the occasion. Modest outfits are always good idea for this event.

As with any outfit you choose to wear, you should consider the weather and season when selecting your ensemble for a bridal shower. “In the winter, you can lean into long dresses, jumpsuits, and nice pants. In the summer, it is safe to lean into shorter midi skirts and dresses,” Abbasi notes.

While white seems to be the shade most brides choose for a bridal shower, both Brickman and Cartledge agree that there's no rule on what color you should wear. "A lot of my brides don't opt for white at all, instead choosing a color that makes them feel confident or matches their wedding," Cartledge says.

When in doubt, wear a dress. It's the ultimate in femininity and the most popular way to dress for a bridal shower. Classic styles like the wraps sheaths, shifts, or fit and flare dresses are ideal because they're on the conservative side.

Pastels, neutrals, florals, and bright celebratory colors are the way to go. And if there's going to be games opt to wear something comfortable. Avoid wearing white, black, or anything that may detract from the wedding festivities.

Casual or not, a bridal shower marks a momentous occasion in a loved one's life—so you want to dress accordingly. "It's important to dress up, as the bridal shower really is a special way to honor the bride," Sabatino adds, noting that dresses and skirts are always appropriate, whatever the dress code.

According to Opperman, bridal shower gifts tend to be less expensive than wedding gifts. "Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says.

The appropriate amount of money to give as a bridal shower gift is the same as the amount you would spend on a tangible present: $50–$75. Give the couple what you can comfortably afford within that range.

Since showers are intended for the bride's nearest and dearest, every shower guest must already be on the wedding guest list. Because it's understood that guests should bring a present to a shower, it's not appropriate to invite people whom you don't plan to include in the wedding.

Are there colors you shouldn't wear to a bridal shower? ›

By choosing to wear color, you avoid breaking the main rule of all bridal celebrations: don't wear white. That's the bride's color range, so that includes beiges, creams, and anything in that color family. And unless explicitly stated, you shouldn't try and match the bridal party to the exact shade either.

Typically the Mother of the Bride's dress should complement the bridal party's color palette. Not necessarily match with the bridesmaids, but choose a color in the color family. The most popular color for the mother of the bride to wear is navy or a royal blue, followed by blush or a shade of nude.

While jeans are seen as too casual for a typical bridal shower, if the dress code is casual, you can totally wear jeans. We recommend elevating with a dressy top and heels.

Typically, as per tradition, the mother of the groom will bring a gift for the bride to the bridal shower. It can be something small and thoughtful. However, if she cannot attend the shower the bride's side of the family hosts, maybe because of distance, she can host her own.

Traditionally, the mother of the bride doesn't host the bridal shower (the maid of honor typically assumes the chief shower-planning role), however, your daughter will likely want you to be a part of the celebration.

"Under optimum circ*mstances, the attendants in the bridal party would host the shower," said Gottsman. According to Gottsman, the mother of the bride (MOB) should be a guest, but should not participate.

While jeans are seen as too casual for a typical bridal shower, if the dress code is casual, you can totally wear jeans. We recommend elevating with a dressy top and heels.

"Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says. "However, the amount you want to spend is up to you."

Yes, if you are invited to a shower in addition to the wedding, you're expected to bring a gift to the shower as well as send a wedding gift. You shouldn't spend more than you're comfortable with, however (see the next answer), and can split your budget between both gifts.

A bridal shower is a more intimate gathering than a wedding and the guest list usually consists of the bride-to-be's closest female friends and relatives, including close relatives of the soon-to-be-bride's spouse.