FAQs for Planning Bridal Showers
Here at Edgewood, we have had the opportunity to host hundreds of bridal showers! No two showers are alike, and we absolutely love seeing them all come together. Below we listed a few of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan an upcoming bridal shower.
When should the shower take place?
Typically, the shower occurs 2-3 months prior to the wedding. This allows the couple ample time to celebrate at the shower as well as organize their gifts! You want to take the time to enjoy other events like the bachelorette/bachelor party and rehearsal dinner without everything being crammed into a short time frame. Now this is not to say that you can’t have it earlier/later than 2-3 months prior. Schedules are hectic and not everyone lives in the same area so sometimes it is hard to get together. No one will be upset if you have your shower in May when your wedding is in December. It’s your shower, have it when you want!
Who organizes/pays for the shower?
Traditionally it was the maid/matron of honor who planned and paid for the shower, but nowadays that has changed a lot. Many showers are taken care of by the bridal party and even the bride’s mother or mother-in-law. There is no right or wrong answer here.
Who should be invited to the shower?
As long as the shower isn’t a surprise for the bride, it would be best for her to put together the guest list and then pass it along to whoever is hosting so they can handle it from there. Typically, only women are invited to the shower, unless you plan on having a coed shower. This has become a very popular choice, seeing as the men in the family frequently come in to help set up the event. Often the men will eat with everyone, and then go hang out and drink a few beers or get in a round of golf while the ladies are playing games or opening gifts. It is also customary to only invite people who will be invited to the wedding as well.
When should the invitations be sent out?
We suggest mailing your invitations 6 weeks before the shower to maximize your attendance. If your shower is being held during the holidays or another busy time of the year, consider sending them 8+ weeks prior. You want to give your guests ample time to make travel arrangements if they live out of town, purchase their gifts, etc. You also want to leave enough time to call any guests who didn’t RSVP.
Does the bride have to open the gifts at her shower?
This depends on the bride-to-be. Opening gifts can be fun, but if the guest of honor does not like being the center of attention for long periods, this might not be the best option. Having a display shower allows everyone to look at the gifts and save some more time to play games or just mingle. There are plenty of fun options to display your gifts aesthetically.