What to Wear to a Bridal Shower: Brides & Guests Guide 2021 (2024)

For some women, bridal showers can be defined as a glorified hen-fest where the bride basks in the attention of family and friends or a party for a wedding where the attending guests wonder if the gift they picked up last minute is the same as anyone else’s. Regardless of presents and those ephemeral details, pictures and memories will last forever.

Whether you plan to participate in silly matrimonial games, or taste test co*cktails for the big day, as a bride or as a guest, making sure you look good doing it should be on the mind of anyone attending.

What’s a bridal shower?

A bridal shower is a party that can set the tone for a perfect wedding. Mainly attended by women, showers can range from casual to haute couture. These soirees can occur at multiple types of venues and what you wear should be as memorable as the shower.

An event as grand as this requires extensive planning to ensure that both the bride and her attending guests enjoy themselves all while looking forward to the future event.

When choosing the best outfit for a bridal shower, keep happy, floral, and festive tones in mind. Black is great for a night out but maybe a little too sexy for a bride’s second-biggest day.

Speaking of sexy, you might want to save the tight, revealing clothes in your closet for date night.

Now, don’t get confused, showing off a little skin is no problem, but it may be best to keep your, um, assets under wraps! If you must wear dark colors, settle for a soft inviting gray, or a neutral navy.

Abiding by the unspoken rules of bridal shower do’s and don’ts can be made simple with this guide; ensuring you look your best photo-ready, and stylish self. Often guests worry about upstaging the bride, and the bride may worry that she is trying too hard.

Giving off your desired impression, all while dressing appropriately is one of the few things all participants worry about. It is important to remember that the vibe you want to give off, is chic and polished, but ready for any bridal shower shenanigans.

Still confused? Don’t wanna stand out in a bad way at the shower? White is always a color that can flatter most skin tones and body shapes, photograph well, and provide a classic look fit for any type of shower.

When searching for a white dress, long white dresses will always give off a more formal impression. White is also one of the easier colors to accessorize, making it a top pick for events such as this. A party guest or bride can easily pair an eye-catching piece of jewelry to a simple white dress, and make a casual outfit look posh.

With a long white dress, you can give off whatever impression you like from formal to casual, tropical to elegant. With the right dress, you can make the right statement for the festivities!

Bridal shower dress ideas for the bride

Bridal shower dresses for the bride are hard to come by. As the bride, aren’t you expected to wear white? The decision is totally up to you, but if we’re sticking to tradition, this guide is totally here to help you make the right choice. After all, why should you be ashamed of taking advantage of your “bridal status”?

1. The Sweetheart:

This dress is perfect if you want to give off a subtle and innocent, yet sexy vibe. Simple and modest with a twist, this dress is sure to make any bride the most stunning in the room.

2. The Tease:

One of the sultrier choices on our list, if a bride wants to turn heads at her shower, then look no further. This strapless number is for the more daring readers who want to demand attention.

3. The Royal Bride:

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower: Brides & Guests Guide 2021 (6)

This look is perfect for the bride who wants to ooze elegance at her shower.

4. The Beach Babe:

The dress is the perfect choice for a laid-back bride going for a beachy look at her shower.

Bridal shower dress ideas for guests

Most would think that white dresses for a bridal shower are a big no-no for a guest attending, but the main point is to look your best and to avoid upstaging the bride. With the bride’s permission, a long white dress can provide a tone of elegance for a bridal shower. Even if the theme of the shower is casual, we all want to dress to impress, right? Nothing says “I’m the center of attention” like a flattering white dress.

1. The Artsy Dress:

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower: Brides & Guests Guide 2021 (8)

This choice is perfect for our bohemian guest who wants a softer look at the shower. For the more delicate and free-spirited woman.

2. The Debutante:

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower: Brides & Guests Guide 2021 (9)

Going for a more playful look? This casual but classy look is one of our more formal choices that can give a casual shower look, a more youthful appearance.

3. Fragile, like a bomb:

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower: Brides & Guests Guide 2021 (10)

Want a more delicate look, but still attempting to keep your firecracker status? This dress is the perfect balance of light and chic.

4. The Pixie:

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower: Brides & Guests Guide 2021 (11)

A chiffon dress that will help show off a girl’s glowing legs with an “I’m ready for anything” statement.

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower: Brides & Guests Guide 2021 (2024)

FAQs

What is the dress code for a bridal shower? ›

Think of bridal shower guest outfit as one you might wear to a fancy brunch or luncheon. Bridal shower guest attire can include short, midi and maxi dresses, or jumpsuits and dressy separates, including tops and blouses, trousers, jeans and skirts.

What should an older woman wear to a bridal shower? ›

Pastels & Happy Colors are a Natural Choice

Light soft neutrals and pastels in light, pink, blue, yellow, green, and blush are perfect for a bridal shower. If these colors make you feel too washed out, then bright, cheery colors work well also.

Is it okay to wear jeans to a bridal shower? ›

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.

What is the etiquette for wedding shower guest list? ›

The bridal party, including the maid of honor and bridesmaids generally make the top of the guest list, followed by immediate family members from both sides of the aisle. If the bride welcomes children at her shower, guests may also include nieces, the flower girl and junior bridesmaids.

What not to wear to a bridal shower as a guest? ›

Avoid wearing white, black, or anything that may detract from the wedding festivities. Bridal showers can range from formality, location, and season, so be sure to dress to fit the occasion.

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

It's a subtle way to let her shine on her big day. Personally, I would even steer away from creams and ivory as well. Nude shades and white dresses with colorful prints are fine, but solid whites should be reserved for the star of the show: The Bride. Stay away from red.

What is the color code for the bridal shower? ›

Select a color that makes you feel confident (even if it's not white). 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.

What does mother do for bridal shower? ›

"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.

What does the mother in law do for the bridal shower? ›

Bridal Shower Etiquette

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.

Who should not be invited to bridal shower? ›

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.

Do you bring a gift to a bridal shower? ›

In short, yes. If you're attending a bridal shower, you should always bring a gift with you to congratulate the bride. This is considered good bridal shower etiquette. Even if you're a part of the bridal party or wedding party, a gift is still necessary.

Can you dress casual for a bridal shower? ›

If the event is more casual, Singla said guests "could pair a blouse and trousers, a flowy dress, or a jumpsuit."

What is the difference between a wedding shower and a bridal shower? ›

The bridal shower is designed for just you and the girls while the wedding shower is a co-ed party where the bride and groom both get showered with gifts and love. If you're a bride who loves to party and celebrate, then have both a wedding shower and bridal shower!

Is it rude to go to a bridal shower and not the wedding? ›

Don't Invite Anyone to the Bridal Shower If They're Not Also Invited to the Wedding. This may seem obvious, but inviting people to the bridal shower if they are not invited to the wedding is inappropriate. It will likely offend them, and it looks very much so like you're pandering for gifts.

What to expect at a bridal shower as a guest? ›

What do You do at a Bridal Shower? Most bridal shower guests spend time mingling, eating, playing games, and honoring the bride-to-be. As a guest, you'll want to remember the celebration is all about the bride and her special day ahead, so most activities during the day will reflect this.

Is a bridal shower casual? ›

A bridal shower can be as formal or casual as you want it to be, but it's best to at least include some sort of guide in the invitation. "There's not one particular dress code," says Gottsman.

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