What is a wedding shower? In this post, youâll find everything you need to know.
Whether you’re attending, hosting, or planning your own wedding shower, we have the best tips for you here.
What Is A Wedding Shower?
Put simply, a wedding shower is a special pre-wedding tradition that brings together friends and family of the soon-to-be newlyweds to celebrate their upcoming nuptials.
Sometimes a wedding shower can be mistaken for a bridal shower. However, a wedding shower differs in that this party, includes both partners rather than just the bride.
This type of shower is an opportunity for loved ones to offer well wishes, thoughtful gifts, and words of encouragement to the couple as they start their journey into married life.
What Is a Bridal Shower vs. a Wedding Shower?
If youâre wondering about the difference between a bridal shower and a wedding shower, youâre not alone. And good newsâŠthe distinction is simple.
A bridal shower is typically an event focused solely on the bride, while a wedding shower is a more inclusive event celebrating both partners.
Both wedding showers and bridal showers involve gift-giving, games, and socializing. But a wedding shower ensures that both partners are equally involved in the festivities.
Wedding Shower vs. Bachelorette Party
Sometimes a wedding shower can be confused with a bachelorette partyâŠbut they serve completely different purposes.
A wedding shower is a daytime event meant to celebrate the couple with family and friends. This celebration also can often include older relatives. It typically involves games, and gift-giving, and is hosted in a relaxed social setting.
A bachelorette party, on the other hand, traditionally is an evening or weekend event designed for the bride and her close friends to have a fun and sometimes wild celebration before the wedding.
Bachelorette parties often include travel, nightlife, or other themed adventures.
Who Hosts the Wedding Shower?
Similarly to a bridal showerâŠtraditionally, the maid of honor, bridesmaids, or close family members organize the shower. That being said there is no rule set in stone as to who can host.
Friends or even the couple themselves may choose to host the shower.
Who Plans the Wedding Shower?
Planning this celebration involves several steps, including choosing a date, booking a venue, and sending invitations.
The hostâŠoften a close friend, family member, or a group of bridesmaids takes responsibility for organizing the shower.
They will coordinate the theme, activities/games, and food while ensuring the celebration aligns with something the couple will enjoy. Sometimes, multiple people contribute to planning a shower to reduce costs and effort.
When Should You Have a Wedding Shower?
This event typically takes place anywhere from one to three months before the wedding. You want the timing of the event to allow the couple enough time to enjoy their gifts and the celebration without feeling overwhelmed by last-minute wedding planning.
The ideal timing allows the couple to enjoy the celebration without added stress from last-minute wedding preparations.
Iâve always found it best to ask the bride and groom when they would like to have this celebration.
That way you know you are planning a wedding shower at a time that is best for the soon-to-be newlyweds. After all, it is their party!
Who Is Invited to a Wedding Shower?
The guest list depends on the type of shower youâre planning on hosting. A wedding shower traditionally includes both partnersâ friends, family members, and sometimes even coworkers.
Always confirm the guest list with the bride and groom to ensure youâre on the same page.
What Happens at a Wedding Shower?
I thought it would be helpful to give a brief outline of the general structure that a shower follows.
Here is an outline of the flow of events:
Welcome Drinks & Mingling
Guests arrive and socialize before the event begins.
Games & Activities
Games make excellent ice-breakers for events like this! Consider fun bridal or couple-themed games, such as âWho Knows The Couple Best?â.
Gift Opening
Guests traditionally bring gifts, which are often home essentials, kitchenware, or honeymoon-related items. Gifts at a wedding shower are typically something both the bride and groom will enjoy.
Food & Refreshments
A meal, light snacks, or a dessert table is usually provided. Depending on the time of day, choose foods that are appropriate.
Speeches & Toasts
Friends and family may share kind words and well wishes for the couple.
Wedding Shower Dress Code
The dress code for a shower depends on the theme and venue. Typically, the couple and their guests wear semi-formal or dressy casual attire.
Here are some common dress code guidelines to follow:
- For Women: Sundresses, cocktail dresses, or nice blouses with skirts/pants.
- For Men: Button-down shirts with dress pants or chinos.
- Seasonal Considerations: Be sure to consider the time of year of the shower. Choose lighter fabrics and pastels for spring/summer and darker colors and layers for fall/winter.
- Theme-Specific Attire: Some wedding showers have color themes or specific attire requests such as garden party chic or all-white outfits for the bride. If themed attire is requested it typically is included on the invitation.
What Is A Wedding Shower for the Bride and Groom?
A wedding shower for both the bride and groom, also called a couples’ shower, is becoming more and more popular. Instead of a bridal shower that focuses solely on the bride, this type of event celebrates the couple together.
Couplesâ showers aka wedding showers often feature activities and themes that both partners enjoy.
Here are a few fun ideas:
- Outdoor BBQ or Picnic: A relaxed, casual gathering with food and games.
- Cocktail Party: A stylish evening event with drinks and appetizers.
- Game Night: Board games or trivia competitions that involve all guests.
- Adventure-Themed Shower: Activities like hiking, mini-golf, or a brewery tour.
Again, itâs best to confirm with the couple before planning the shower to ensure that what you plan is something they will enjoy.
Wedding Shower Theme Ideas
Choosing a theme for a shower can make the event even more special.
Here are some popular theme ideas to consider:
Garden Party Theme
An elegant outdoor gathering with floral decor and tea service.
Brunch & Bubbly Theme
A fun mid-morning celebration with mimosas and breakfast foods. With a Brunch & Bubbly theme – think mimosas, waffles, and a relaxed mid-morning gathering!
Travel or Adventure Theme
Perfect for adventurous couples who love to explore new places. Consider incorporating globes, postcards, and suitcases for decor.
Game Night Theme
A relaxed and interactive evening full of fun games.
Wine & Cheese Tasting Theme
This can be a sophisticated yet laid-back event featuring wine pairings.
Wedding Shower Gift Ideas
Traditionally guests bring gifts to help the couple set up their new home to prepare for married life.
At a couples’ shower, gifts typically are geared toward the coupleâŠsuch as home decor, travel gear, or experience-based gifts.
Often times the couple is registered making it easy for guests to purchase something they know the couple will want.
Here are some thoughtful gift ideas:
- Kitchen appliances (blender, coffee maker, air fryer)
- Personalized home decor (custom cutting boards, framed prints)
- Experience gifts (couplesâ cooking class, weekend getaway)
- Cash or gift cards for wedding or honeymoon expenses
- Subscription services (meal kits, streaming services)
Wedding Shower Etiquette Tips
Here are a few tips to help:
- Send Invitations Early – Give guests at least four weeksâ notice.
- Keep It Intimate – Invite only those who will be at the wedding. Check with the bride and groom to confirm who they want to be invited.
- Plan Fun Games – Keep guests entertained with lighthearted activities. Games are excellent ice-breakers and good for the wide range of guests that may be attending the shower.
- Consider Dietary Restrictions – When planning the menu for the shower, it can be helpful to be mindful of different dietary restrictions guests may have.
- Say Thank You – The couple should send thank-you notes to thank guests for attending their shower.
Can You Have a Wedding Shower and a Bridal Shower?
Of course! Yes, itâs possible to have both a wedding shower and a bridal shower⊠but it depends on personal preference and logistical considerations.
Some couples choose to have a traditional bridal shower for the bride with her close female friends and family while also hosting a wedding shower for both partners.
If the bride and groom choose to have both showersâŠitâs important to ensure that guest lists do not overlap too much. You also want to plan events that have distinct themes or activities to keep them unique.
Having both celebrations can be a great option. Keeping the events separate can allow for more personalized experiences and help to ensure that both partners feel equally celebrated.
Final Thoughts | What Is A Wedding Shower?
So, what is a wedding shower? It’s a wonderful pre-wedding celebration that allows family and friends of the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. to come together and celebrate the couple before their big day.
This event is all about celebrating love and new beginnings for a special couple.
If you’re planning a wedding shower, be sure to consider the guest list, theme, and activities to create a memorable experience for everyone!
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