Going to a Bridal Shower? Here’s What to Wear
Well, know that you're not alone. Not one woman alive has escaped this dilemma completely.
Of course, your indecision might be more serious if the discarded outfits involve any critical remarks from a spouse or a friend (along the lines of, "you're not wearing that, are you?"). Other weighty factors include the importance of the celebration. Confusion's sure to mount when you're confronted with the company Christmas party, a New Year's Eve out, or other "life marker" celebrations involving friends and family.
So far, a bridal shower might be the only life event not yet associated with a certain kind of attire. But isn't it time for this change? After all, someone's probably spent a lot of time planning the shower around the perfect theme, so why not coordinate your outfit to match?
For example, if you end up planning your friend's bridal shower and she's honeymooning in Hawaii, why not plan a luau theme and ask your guests to come attired in Hawaiian shirts and shifts, or even grass skirts? Or if your friend's a surfer girl, why not prop up a cut-out surf board and clad yourself in a little neoprene or even a bleached-blond wig? As you can see, the possibilities are just about endless.
Of course, some showers are much more formal, and held at formal locations such as upscale restaurants and banquet halls. In that case, you'll want to make the dress code clear to other guests. The best way to go about this is to use some popular verbiage that gets the point across in a few words.
If you're throwing the shower at a super-luxury restaurant, indicate that the dress is "cocktail attire" on the invitation. This lets each invitee know that you're having a black-tie affair, and what's more, she'll know to get that little black dress pressed and ready to go. Cocktail attire is appropriate for hotels and exclusive restaurants.
If the party's held somewhere semi-formal, where dress is important but not quite black-tie, specify something like "evening resort attire." This means something slightly more festive than the little black dress, such as a dress with some color or ruffles, or a nice skirt and blouse — keeping it all pretty conservative.
Having your party at the local country club? Dress is less formal — call it "resort attire" or "business casual." Conservative skirts and even nice, tailored shorts are usually just fine, if they fit the season.
As you can see, bridal showers do involve important questions of fashion. If you're the one hosting a shower, eliminate your guests' guess work and tell them how to dress for the occasion. On the other hand, if you're the guest yourself, be sure to ask about a dress code. Most often, the list of location will give you a clue, but if you don't know the venue very well, just call the hostess to clear up any questions and prevent a fashion misfire.
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I will be attending a bridal shower at my local country club..is it okay to wear white? or is the bride-to-be only allowed to wear white?
asdf,
usually the bride only wears white is reserved for the wedding day. there are some mixed emotions and some choose not to all together or add a pop of color. i have been to bridal showers where white was worn. i would find out if she is wearing white to the shower also; though. i don’t think i would in that case.
I am going to a bridal shower in October the theme is ‘new orleans style’ i believe it is at one of their friends houses…any suggestions?
cal,
it depends on the formality. i would say a nice and simple dress or pant suit. anything with a ‘little” flash appeal yet dont outshine the bride( if she is having a more costumish bridal shower) i would make sure what type of bridal shower first. my first thought was party attire but since it may be casual that wouldnt work. is it a bbq new orleans style? i am from louisiana and the party theme could range from a hurricane party style to jazz or a casual bbq( which a simple casual dress or capris would do) a purple dress or pant suit would work since that is a part of the mardi gras colors. remember you are always safe with classic colors or neutrals just amp it up with jewelry.
I am going to a bridal shower Saturday from 6-10 pm on a boat and suppose to wear Purple. Would it be ok to wear white capri pants? What would you suggest on color of shoes?
Pat,
there are mixed views on this. but wearing white to a bridal shower with a purple top is appropriate. for shoes, something simple not to flashy whatever youare most comfy in that would fit the overall style of the shower.
I have a bridal shower to go to tomorrow. I have not been to a bridal shower in years! I am 28, as is the bride to be, it is set to be at her house at 1 pm. It’s going to be hot, nothing was said about a theme, and she is a usually casual person in the first place. Should I dress up? Maybe a summer knee skirt with simple shirt and cute sandals to make it more dressier? Or would denim capris with a nicer-summer shirt work? Ahh!! Please help! ty
Cj,
is there comeone you could get in contact with to find out the dress code? if not, then i would do dressy casual, i would go with the knee skirt or a nice knee length and fitted summer dress with beaded sandals. you can also opt for capris in a classic color or material other than denim to be on the safe side, pair it with a nice but casual shirt and sandals. i would just keep it slightly dressed and you will be prepared either way. something chic you could wear to a restaurant for lunch attire should be perfect. keep it simple.
is it ok to wear a maxi dress for a bridal shower? th venue would be in a restaurant at about 11 am.
lisa,
it would be wonderful to wear. it depends on the style of the restaurant and your dress. a classier restaurant would require a dressier maxi dress.
I have a Bridal shower next month at the Hilton hotel. It’s at 11 o’clock in the morning and I really don’t know what to wear.
I was thinking that some casual attire will be ok, but I don’t what to look underdressed. Do I have to wear a coctel attire at that time of the day? I don’t want to be overdressed.
Help,
Desperated guess!
andrea,
i would wear a simple dress. something that can be dressed up with a great pair of shoes and jewelry. choose a simple, classic color, depending on where you live a chic bolero or simple sweater would work. a dress that would be reworn is key. i like the idea of either a sleeveless knee length sheath with simple heels and jewelry. i went to a bridal shower a couple years ago and had a sleeveless, ankle length navy blue dress with small white polka dots and had a v neck which fabric covered buttons from top to almost the hem(so chic, not old fashioned like it sounds!! smile. )i bought it at a dress boutique. the fabric was flowy like butter, i LOVED that dress and got many compliments on it. i paired a simple but very cute white flat and wore simple pearl studs. i pulled my hair into a twist updo. it seriously fit the venue but was casual and best of all….comfortable. dont overthink the attire for that day. a simple chic dress or capri set, anything you would wear to a nice dinner date at a nice restaurant will fill the bill nicely.
I have a bridal shower to go to next month and I have never been to a wedding, bridal shower or anything. As far as the gift for the bridal shower, do I get her something off her registry for the shower and am I supposed to bring a gift to the wedding as well!! I am so confused
kisha,
if you go to the bridal shower i would bring a gift and that would be enough. you dont have to do both at all. the registry is a sure fire way to get what she has looked at, if you want to go and find something on your own then that is perfectly acceptable.
Im in the same boat w/you.going to a bridal shower and did buy something off the registry list and later was told just get something SPECIAL for the bride. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO WEAR, yvonne
yvonne,
buying something off the registry was very appropriate. i am assuming when you were told something “special”, they were meaning in general anything nice that you feel right buying. in other words, the choice is yours. for attire, it depends on the formality. most in the south would say, anything youd wear to church, wear to the shower. “dressy casual”. to be on the safe side, i would ask the theme and the formality. it may be on a casual beach theme, where a nice sundress or billowy pant set would look fantastic. if your still unsure, then i have some results you can look at that will help you narrow down your choices. remember anything classic in classic colors is a failproof winner. a white or cream billowy shirt with a pair of flare leg, lower rise dress pants in navy, black, or khaki, would be very nice and would set you for everywhere with nice jewelry. bridal shwoer formality is key. just look at it( for example) your going out to dinner, you find out the formality of the restaurant, and dress accordingly whether you like pants or dresses.
*what to wear to a bridal shower google results
i have a bridal shower in 3 weeks i havent talk to any of the bridedmaids yet. i have gone with my clothes and i have seen some ideals but im stuck..
megan, what are you stuck with? would love to help!!
Bridal showers are meant to be a special event traditionally celebrating the bride by her close female family members and friends. This is one of the few special pre-wedding rites of passage. The best rule of preparation is to dress knowing that you will be photographed- hair and make-up should be touched up, and if all else fails wardrobe-wise a good rule of thumb is black dress pants and shoes and a colorful elegant blouse- do not over-cleavage at this event, tacky is not fun in photographs! Sundresses and sandals are good, church wear is better.
Keep it classic and classy and you will be perfect!!
I’m going to my step sisters bridal shower and I dont know what to wear. I was thinking a cute spring dress with sandels. The bridal shower is pretty relaxed….. so what do you think ????? PLEASE HELP.
faith, yes keep it simple. head over to newport news.com and check out the dresses or victorias secret. yousaid a spring dress, so i am assuming that is when it is. a dress with sandals is a great way top go or a pair of tailored and dressy casual capris with a beautiful top and beaded sandals. just a great top and skirt or pants would work. if it is cool, which spring can be, add a great lil’ sweater to the ensemble. just look nice and relaxed. just remember, look at outfits tomatch the setting as is you would any other party/outing. dress to fit the formality. in this your right on the money!!
:(im not happy with my outfit, i wore a dress and it was a halter topped dress and it had brown flowers on it…it was cool i guess. but someone had the same dress on except it was yellow with flowers.Can you belive that,and i got the dress from pennys.
I think the “don’t wear white to a wedding” rule is there for a reason. If someone turned up at my wedding in white i think i might just cry. It’s one thing to do your hair and make-up - but to wear overtly sexy or white apparel is so disrespectful! Its not your wedding, don’t try to steal the spotlight… your time will come.
At the bridal party its fine. Actually if everyone wore white that would be stunning too.
im 21 and im going to a bridal shower and i dont have a clue what to wear
I am attending a bridal shower this Saturday. It is supposed to be pretty warm. The place is pretty fancy. I was wondering if a polka dotted halter cotton dress would be appropriate? It looks better than it sounds hehehe. Please let meknow asap. Thank you.
does the timing of the event determine the kind of clothes you can wear, take for example, what do i wear to a bridal shower that’s scheduled to hold between 3pm-6pm. (some afternoons can be really hot in this part of the world)
While I agree that wearing white to a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner is perfectly appropriate, I have to disagree with encouraging anyone to wear white to a wedding unless the bride requests white attire. While it may be “old” etiquette, it is common courtesy to a person that should be shown respect on a very important day in her life. Why take the chance of upsetting her or incurring the disdain of others? You could take a position of “making a statement” but why encourage negativity at a wonderful event?
My point is that unless you know that the bride will not be bothered, why take the chance when there are so many other beautiful colors to consider?
Sure you can, Madison. The “old” etiquette says you can’t wear white to a wedding, but you’re free to wear white to the rehearsal dinner, the bridal shower or any last-minute tennis matches with the bride.
It’s fair to say even the rule about wearing white (or black) to a wedding has outworn its welcome. You might get some disapproving looks from the older set, but merely showing up at a wedding in something white is not likely to divert all eyes from the bride, and in certain situations (a summery outdoor affair, for example) it just makes sense.
But *don’t* show up in something white and satin, or lacey — that’s clearly pushing it. You can leave the Swarovski crystal beading out altogether. And if you’re going to wear white, consider adding a splash of color (or contrast) with a scarf, belt or shoes, or choosing a fabric with a subtle pattern.
Can you wear white to a bridal shower?
What is the appropiate amount for money for an aunt to give for a bridal shower?:P