Bridal Shower Dresses (2024)

FAQs

How do you say dress code for bridal shower? ›

Shower Invitation Wording about Dress Codes

To make things easy for your guests, you might want to include something like “Dress Code: Casual” or “Dress Code: Formal.” Some other dress code wording for invitations might be: A formal dress code is requested. Please dress in your best! Dress to impress!

Put It on the Invitation

The simplest way to tell your guests what they're expected to wear is to put a dress code in the invitation. There is a time-honored glossary of dress-code wording short enough to include on invitations, or on a card inserted with the invitation.

Formal bridal showers often have an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Consider wearing an elegant dress that flatters your body shape. Opt for classic silhouettes, such as A-line or sheath dresses, in luxurious fabrics like silk or lace. Jewel tones or soft pastel shades are always a safe choice.

Many brides choose to wear white to all of their pre-wedding events. That includes their bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. You can't go wrong with a pretty white dress — no matter the fabric or silhouette!

Answer this question by stating your dress code in a direct sentence ("The dress code for our wedding is…"). Following that, you can include a brief explanation with attire suggestions and specifics—for example, that your venue requires a jacket and tie or if the ceremony will take place on the beach.

If you're going to use a non-traditional dress code, make sure it's clear, like “casual picnic attire”, and add a line that guests will thank you for: “The service will be held on grass. Please wear appropriate shoes.”

It is also helpful to provide a brief explanation of the dress code, such as "co*cktail attire" or "black tie optional," so that guests know what to expect. Another effective method is to send a reminder email or text message a few days before the event, reminding guests of the dress code and any specific guidelines.

If you ask someone what the dress code at their office is, they'll generally give you one of four dress codes: business professional, business casual, smart casual or casual. There are some other in-between dress codes, but these four generally cover the spectrum of what your average American wears to work every day.

Pastels, neutrals, florals, and bright celebratory colors are the way to go. And if there's going to be games opt to wear something comfortable. Avoid wearing white, black, or anything that may detract from the wedding festivities.

Who should not host a bridal shower? ›

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Nancy is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.

In short, the host is the one who pays for the bridal shower—or at least some of it. Most commonly, this is the maid of honor, but the couple's relatives, friends or even the to-be-weds themselves can all pitch in to cover the cost of the wedding shower.

While white seems to be the shade most brides choose for a bridal shower, both Brickman and Cartledge agree that there is no rule on what color you should wear. "A lot of my brides don't opt for white at all, instead choosing a color that makes them feel confident or matches their wedding," Cartledge says.

The average you should spend on a bridal shower gift is around $50 to $75. If you're especially close to the bride, you may spend upwards of $100. But no matter what, the amount you want to spend is up to you! Since there are no hard-and-fast rules for gift-giving at bridal showers, items can range in price.

Consider heirloom-worthy serveware or a handmade book featuring your family's secret recipes. Alternatively, opt for items she'll likely need for the wedding. Think: a luxurious getting-ready robe, something blue or travel essentials for the honeymoon.

“As confusing as it sounds, dressy casual means taking a minimal and understated approach, while still incorporating some elevated accessories,” she shares. When it comes to dressing the part of dressy casual, Gailliot says we shouldn't shy away from closet staples for this fancier-than-usual occasion.