With so many pre-wedding events, you’ll definitely want to include a bridal shower on your calendar. But while you’re busy tasting cake and finding the perfect dress, someone else should have the honor of hosting your shower – just one less thing for you to do! But who hosts a bridal shower? We’re tackling that question and more in today’s post! 
What is a bridal shower?
A bridal shower is a pre-wedding party that honors the bride. Traditionally, this celebration is where guests “shower” the brides with everything she might need for her new home with her new partner. Typically, a shower is a daytime women-only event in celebration of the bride’s upcoming marriage. But it’s 2019, so anything goes now – just be mindful of grandma!
Who hosts and pays for the bridal shower?
Usually hosted by the bridesmaids, the bride or groom’s mother, or other close female relatives, the shower is mostly hosted at the home of someone within the bridal party like the maid of honor or the bride’s mother. Most brides today have a family-friendly shower hosted by her mother and aunts, and a bridesmaids and friends shower that is a little more informal – and might include the lingerie portion you might not want mom to see. Some brides might want to opt for a couple’s shower where men, friends and family of the groom are invited too. A backyard BBQ or a stock the bar party might be a great option for this!
Who is invited to the bridal shower?
As with other pre-wedding events, the guest list should be limited to people who are also invited to the wedding. For the bridal shower, this usually includes the bridal party, the bride and groom’s mothers and sisters, and close relatives. Female friends are often included, though the number invited depends on how large the event is intended to be. Typically, the bride chooses the guest list based on which friends and family members she feels close to.
When should you hold the bridal shower?
We suggest hosting the bridal shower between four months and three weeks before the wedding. Choose a date that is convenient for both the bride and her guests of choice, whether that means hosting something a little farther in advance or planning it to coincide with a trip home or another get-together, such as a bachelorette party in the evening after an afternoon shower. No matter the selected date, make sure that the bride has put together a wedding registry before the invitations are sent out so guests can purchase gifts. Be mindful, too, if the bride is traveling to and from the shower from another state or city. Think about how she will transport her new gifts – for example, if a bride is flying in for her shower, you may want to consider asking guests to ship gifts directly to her or gifting a gift card or something small she can easily pack in her suitcase.
Need some more ideas on throwing the perfect shower? Check out our How To: Host a Bridal Shower post. Looking for some registry inspo? Check out our registry essentials post.