Wedding and pre-wedding etiquette can be confusing for many – and it’s perfectly understandable why. Not only is wedding etiquette quite complex, but its rules have also changed a lot in the last couple of decades. So, it’s easy to see why many might get confused by it. What are the etiquette rules when it comes to planning a bridal shower (and hosting it)?
The most important rule of planning a bridal shower is that the bride is not supposed to be the one doing it. When a bride plans and hosts her own bridal shower, it is considered tacky (mainly because people associate this with her asking for gifts). However, it is perfectly acceptable for the mother of the bride, sister of the bride, or the Maid of Honor to do this.
In terms of space, most bridal showers are held at home – but this is not to say there’s a rule against planning a bridal shower elsewhere. You can even book a private dining room at a restaurant and bring together the bride’s closest friends and family members to create a small, intimate, but unforgettable event.
Generally, a bridal shower is not supposed to last for more than 3-4 hours. This allows everyone to grab a bite, to talk to the bride, and have some fun with the entertainment activities the host has included in the plan. Moreover, it allows for plenty of time for thebride to open her gifts (which is, after all, the main event of the entire bridal shower).
Who pays for the bridal shower? The person hosting it. The good news is that you do not have to cover the costs of the entire bridal shower on your own – you can ask other bridesmaids or close friends of the bride to pitch in as well. Furthermore, you don’t have to plan the entire event on your own either. On the contrary, it’s recommended that you ask others to join you in this process as well!
There is no rule as to how a bridal shower should look and feel like. More often than not, these are very intimate events – but the number of guests is not even that important. What is important, however, is for the entire party to suit the bride and her personality.
