What to Wear: Best Bridal Shower Guest Outfits for 2022 | Emmaline Bride (2024)

FAQs

What is the bride supposed to wear to the bridal shower? ›

There are many options when it comes to bridal attire – from a long gown to a bridal jumpsuit. For a winter bridal shower, it's important to stay warm and stylish. Fabrics such as velvet and satin will keep brides warm while adding a sophisticated and romantic touch to the look.

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.

Choose Any Color You Love

Many brides choose to wear white to all of their pre-wedding events. That includes their bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. You can't go wrong with a pretty white dress — no matter the fabric or silhouette!

Winter Bridal Shower Outfits

In winter, you can opt for longer dresses and long sleeves. If you don't want to opt for a dress, a chic pants-length jumpsuit is a perfect choice. Winter is also a great time for heavier fabrics, like jacquard and sweater fabrics; sweater dresses can keep you cute and cozy.

This is a completely personal opinion, but I wouldn't recommend wearing black to a bridal shower. It reminds me of mourning. Instead, wear a pretty color or print to show optimism for your friend's new beginnings.

Jeans might be appropriate for a very casual bridal shower, especially if it's a relaxed gathering at someone's home. If you decide to wear jeans, choose a pair that's well-fitting and in good condition. Elevate your look by pairing them with a chic blouse or a smart blazer, and add some classy accessories.

The short answer is, you should not invite anyone to your shower who will not be invited to the wedding. Your shower is an intimate gathering of some of the closest women (and men if you choose) in your life, and if anyone makes the cut for your shower, they should also be close enough to you to get a wedding invite.

It's up to you to choose the vibe of the party—and since it's your day, you can wear whatever you want. With that said, having endless options to choose from can be overwhelming, especially when you have multiple events and need an outfit for each. Many brides go for an all-white look, but you definitely don't have to.

It's also pretty common today that brides have more than one shower for various reasons. Hosts of the different showers should be sure to consult each other on dates and guest lists so there isn't any overlap. It is common for Bridesmaids, mom and mother-in-laws to be invited to all showers.

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.

What are bridal shower colors? ›

Navy and white: perfect for a nautical or preppy-themed shower. Pastels: soft pastel colors, such as pink, lavender, and mint are perfect for a spring or garden-themed shower. Black and white: classic, sophisticated and perfect for a modern or chic-themed shower.

To augment the distinction, you can choose different accessories. It's best to stay away from white or any shade matching the dress of the bride unless you have her explicit consent. The good news is that MOB and MOG dresses are not relegated to the realm of boring colors any more.

Common bridal shower gifts include kitchenware, from small appliances or utensils to towels or dishes. Shower gifts tend to stick to the event's specific theme if it has one. A cooking class shower might require a gift of your favorite cookbook, while the hostesses of a lingerie shower will ask for, well, lingerie.

Most bridal showers are usually held three weeks to three months before the wedding. The trick is not to plan it too far in advance or too close to the wedding date.

It's important to remember, though, that while traditional etiquette suggests bringing gifts to both a bridal shower and a wedding, the most meaningful gesture is the presence of the guest themself. If financial constraints make it difficult to buy a gift for one or both events, the couple will surely understand.

What Happens at a Bridal Shower? "Depending on the taste of the bride, the host can have some entertaining games for the guests to play or skip the games altogether," says Gottsman. The general outline is usually the same: food, drinks, and an opportunity for the bride to open gifts surrounded by guests.

The bridal shower can be a surprise. But, of course, the bride needs to provide the guest list. Some brides may not appreciate a surprise or want to have input in their shower and be part of the planning. Additionally, some people hate surprises.

Gifts given at traditional bridal showers should have a focus on what the bride likes, wants, or needs. Common gift ideas include vases, cookware, champagne glasses, sleepwear, fine linens, picture frames, and home decor items. Any items specified on a bridal shower registry fall under this category.