Bridal shower etiquette continues to evolve, reflecting modern values and preferences. Whether you're hosting, attending, or helping to plan, staying updated on the latest trends ensures a seamless and joyful celebration. Here’s everything you need to know about 2025 bridal shower etiquette! Plus a bonus video and pictures of Bri's amazing floral design.
Who Hosts the Bridal Shower?
Traditionally, the maid of honor or bridesmaids host the bridal shower, but close family members or friends can also take on the role. Today, it’s common for multiple people to co-host and share responsibilities.
Traditional Hosts: Maid of honor, bridesmaids, close friends.
Family Involvement: While etiquette once discouraged immediate family members from hosting, modern traditions allow mothers, sisters, or aunts to host.
Joint Hosting: Friends and family can collaborate to split responsibilities and costs.
Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?
Typically, the host (or hosts) cover the cost of the bridal shower. However, splitting expenses among the bridal party or family members is perfectly acceptable.
Maid of Honor & Bridesmaids: Often contribute to venue, decor, food, and entertainment.
Family Contributions: Some families pitch in to ease the financial burden.
Bride’s Role: The bride should never pay for her own bridal shower.
Who Should Be Invited?
A bridal shower guest list should be thoughtful and align with the wedding guest list.
Close Friends & Family: Invite those who are special to the bride.
Wedding Guest List Rule: Only invite guests who are also invited to the wedding.
Multiple Showers: If the bride has multiple showers (e.g., work friends, family, in-laws), it’s fine to invite different groups to separate events.
When to Host the Bridal Shower?
Bridal showers are usually held one to three months before the wedding, allowing enough time for final wedding planning without being too close to the big day.
Gift Etiquette: What’s Expected?
Guests typically bring gifts for the bride-to-be, and the couple often provides a registry for guidance.
Gift Registry: Include items at various price points.
Cash & Gift Cards: Acceptable if preferred by the bride.
Group Gifting: Friends or family can pool funds for a bigger present.
Thank You Notes: The bride should send thank-you notes within a few weeks after the shower.
Bridal Shower Do’s and Don’ts
✔ Do:
Consider the bride’s preferences when planning the shower.
Coordinate with the bride on date and guest list.
Plan fun activities, games, and entertainment.
Offer light refreshments or a meal, depending on the time of day.
❌ Don’t:
Invite anyone not invited to the wedding.
Expect the bride to pay for anything.
Forget to send invitations at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
Overwhelm the bride with too many obligations.
New Bridal Shower Etiquette Trends for 2025
Bridal shower etiquette continues to evolve, reflecting modern values and preferences. Here are some notable trends for 2025:
Inclusive Hosting: Traditionally, bridal showers were hosted by the maid of honor or bridesmaids. However, it's increasingly common for close family members, including immediate family, to take on hosting duties, acknowledging their important role in the celebration.
Flexible Financial Contributions: While hosts typically cover expenses, there's a growing trend of sharing costs among the bridal party and even the couple's families to ease financial burdens.
Personalized Celebrations: Modern bridal showers are moving away from traditional formats, embracing personalized and unique themes that reflect the bride's interests, such as Taylor Swift-inspired gatherings or "cottagecore" aesthetics.
Alternative Gifting Options: While gift registries remain popular, more couples prefer contributions towards honeymoon funds, home improvement projects, or charitable donations to align with their values and future plans.
Digital Invitations and RSVPs: Many hosts are opting for digital invitations and online RSVPs, which are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and simplify guest management.
Co-Ed Showers: More couples are opting for co-ed showers, making them inclusive celebrations for both the bride and groom.
The 2025 bridal shower etiquette trends highlight a move towards inclusivity, personalization, and practicality in bridal shower planning.
Conclusion
Bridal shower etiquette may have evolved, but the goal remains the same—to celebrate the bride-to-be with love and joy! Whether you're hosting, attending, or helping to plan, following these etiquette guidelines will ensure a successful and memorable event.
Looking for the perfect venue for a bridal shower? Our venue offers an elegant and stress-free setting for your celebration. Contact us today to book your event!
Bridal Shower Etiquette | Leading Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman
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