Who Throws the Bridal Shower? (and Other Bridal Shower FAQs)

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Philadelphia | Sandy & Odysseas

Bridal showers are steeped in tradition. For well over a century now, close friends and loved ones have gathered to toast and celebrate each bride-to-be.

If you’ve been to a bridal shower before, you know that most revolve around gift-giving, playing games, and eating and drinking.

But if you’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid in a friend’s wedding or your sister or favorite niece is planning to say “I do,” you might be wondering:

Who throws the bridal shower?

In this bridal shower guide, we’ll cover who throws the celebration, who pays for the party, how much showers cost, and other important bridal shower FAQs.

Who Throws the Bridal Shower?

One of the best things about modern bridal showers (and weddings in general!) is a chance to mix tradition with personal preference. There’s no longer an air of stiff, stale formality.

Typically, the maid of honor or matron of honor — sometimes in conjunction with the mother of the bride — takes charge of the bridal shower planning. However, the bridesmaids, the entire wedding party, and the bride's family can all pitch in if necessary.

In some cases, a favorite aunt or the future mother-in-law may offer to throw the celebration.

Related: The Bridal Shower Checklist Every MOH Needs

Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids New York City | Melissa Stimpson

It’s bridal shower etiquette for the host to cover the cost of the celebration. With that said, it’s fine to have multiple hosts (like all the bridesmaids) and have everyone share the cost.

How Much Does a Typical Bridal Shower Cost?

The cost of a bridal shower depends on a few things, like:

• • The number of guests
• • The venue
• • The type of food you plan to serve
• • Decorations
• • Entertainment

Some hosts rent fabulous venues and go all out with catered dishes. Others host the shower in someone’s home, focusing on budget-friendly, home-cooked finger foods and snacks instead.

The cost of a bridal shower varies greatly.

Depending on the type of party you’re hosting, the cost per guest can range from $15 to $150.

Popular bridal shower themes include brunch, a tea party, and a garden party. Each is often accompanied by bridal shower favors — typically small items. However, the reality is that a bridal shower can be as creative as the host.

For 50 guests, an at-home shower without professional catering could cost as little as $750. For a catered shower at a venue, the cost could easily exceed $7,500.

Who Plans the Bridal Shower?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Kansas City | Claire Ryser

Aside from paying for the bridal shower, the planning process can also be a lot for one person to handle. Even if you’re the designated host, it’s okay to ask bridesmaids, friends, or relatives to help with the duties!

If there’s a bridesmaid who’s a whiz at DIY and decorating, let her be the one to select and set up the bridal shower decorations and table centerpieces. Assign a different person to decide on bridal shower games and select fun prizes for the winners. Designate someone else to set up the food table or send out bridal shower invitations and gather RSVPS.

Having multiple people working together is an excellent way to leverage each person's unique skill set.

Still deciding what to wear to your own bridal shower? Discover over a dozen outfit ideas in this guide!

Do You Have to Give a Gift at a Bridal Shower?

While the exact origins of the bridal shower are unclear, it’s believed to have originated in the Netherlands in the 1600s. The original purpose was to provide a dowry for a bride from a low-income family, ensuring she had the homemaking essentials.

Bridal showers today are simply a chance to celebrate the bride and her upcoming nuptials. Gift-giving is still a big part of the celebration, and it’s customary for all bridal shower guests to bring a present for the couple-to-be.

Typical bridal shower gifts are in the $50-$75 range, but there’s no rule on how much you have to spend.

Check out the couple’s wedding registry for ideas. If you want to get a bigger, better gift, consider giving a joint gift and splitting the cost with other attendees.

Is the Bridal Shower Host Also Supposed to Provide a Gift?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids New York City | Jenelle Kappe Hilton

While the shower is a gift in itself, it is customary for the bridal shower host to give the bride a gift. However, it doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. It can be a thoughtful, small gift, or something practical that the newlyweds can use in their home.

What Are the Best Places to Host a Bridal Shower?

Bridal showers are usually at the host’s home. Yet, you can host them anywhere.

Book a favorite restaurant for brunch. Or, head to a brewery or winery, or arrange a get-together at a local spa.

Hosting in someone’s home usually makes the most sense economically — but again, there are no rules or limits to where you can hold it.

What’s the Difference Between a Bridal Shower, Wedding Shower, and a Bachelorette Party?

With all the pre-wedding events, it can be hard to keep each one straight.

Many couples kick off the wedding festivities after becoming engaged with an aptly named engagement party. This is an opportunity for both families to meet, for future bridesmaids to mix and mingle, and for everyone to celebrate and cheer on the upcoming big day.

A bridal shower and a wedding shower are essentially the same thing, except a wedding shower is coed. Everyone is welcome!

The bachelorette party tends to be a no-holds-barred fun night out. This one is typically only for bridesmaids and perhaps close family members who don’t have an early bedtime.

Also, some brides love to gather their wedding party together and head out on a quest for the perfect bridesmaids’ dresses and a wedding dress.

Can the Bridal Shower Be a Surprise?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Philadelphia | Lauren Di Donato

The bridal shower can be a surprise. However, the bride should provide the guest list.

Keep in mind that some people hate surprises. Depending on the bride’s personality, she may love a surprise, or it may be best to let her know the exact date, time, and location in advance.

Can You Invite Guys to a Bridal Shower?

Absolutely! Increasingly, couples are opting to make their bridal showers gender-inclusive and refer to them as a “wedding shower.”

It was once customary only to invite female friends and family members. However, the “couples shower” puts a modern twist on tradition. It allows everyone, regardless of their gender or identity, to participate in the festivities.

Like the bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner, the bridal shower is a pre-wedding event that a bride will remember forever. Whether you’re hosting it, helping to plan it, or simply attending as a guest, enjoy it for what it is:

A chance to bring together best friends, family, and loved ones in celebration of the happy couple-to-be!

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