What to Wear to a Bridal Shower

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Columbia | Emili Mae

As a bride-to-be, your bridal shower will be one of your most important pre-wedding celebrations. As a bridesmaid, friend, or relative of the bride, attending her shower will be an important moment for you, too.

You’ll want to look your absolute best!

Need some help deciding what to wear to a bridal shower?

Here are nine bridal shower outfit ideas for brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests who want to celebrate in style!

Tip: If you see a dress you like, click the photo to view it in our store!

What Should the Bride Wear to a Bridal Shower?

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Marlboro | Instagram

For the bride, finding a bridal shower dress is easy, as there are no hard and fast rules about what you should or shouldn’t wear. It’s your moment, and you can wear whatever you want!

But we do have a few tips that will make shopping and selecting your ideal look a bit easier:

Confidence & Comfort Are Key

 

Like the gown you plan to wear on your big day, your bridal shower dress should make you feel confident and reflect your personal style. Make sure it’s comfortable to sit in, too, as you’ll probably spend several hours opening your gifts, eating, and playing fun wedding shower games!

Consider the Bridal Shower Theme

 

If your shower revolves around a specific theme, stick to it! For example, wear a floral dress or pastel colors for a garden party or tea party. Opt for a cute romper or casual sundress for a backyard barbecue or beach party.

Choose Any Color You Love

 

Lots of brides prefer to wear little white dresses to all of their pre-wedding events, but you don’t have to. When it’s time to choose a color or pattern, wear any hue or print you love.

The bridal shower is a long-held wedding tradition. Learn all about who throws it, who pays, and more in our bridal shower FAQ post!

What Should Bridesmaids Wear to a Bridal Shower?

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Abby Murphy Stewart

Bridesmaids attending a bridal shower have just one rule to follow:

Don’t upstage the bride!

When choosing a bridal shower look, consider the venue and the level of formality. Your bridal shower outfit should fit the occasion and the type of celebration, so select a look that’s appropriate for the location and not over-the-top.

For example, a dressy look makes perfect sense for a brunch at a hotel or country club. A dressed-down look may be more appropriate for an informal, casual bridal shower at home. If it’s an outdoor celebration, keep the weather in mind as well.

What Should Guests Wear to a Bridal Shower?

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Nashville | Chase Portraits & Rebecca Vaughan

Before you decide on a bridal shower outfit, check the invitation to see if it includes a dress code.

If the invite calls for casual attire, keep it simple with a colorful, comfortable sundress. If the shower invitation says dressy casual, consider wearing a nice blouse and tailored pants or a pair of stylish jeans with a blazer. For a semi-formal bridal shower dress code, opt for a midi dress or tea-length dress that hits mid-calf.

What Should Men Wear to a Bridal Shower?

 

Whether you’re a groomsman, friend, or relative of the bride or groom, putting together a bridal shower outfit is easier than you may think.

Here are a few guidelines to help guys style the perfect look:

• •   Follow the dress code on the invitation. Invited to a casual or dressy casual event? Wear a pair of tailored trousers, a long-sleeve button-down shirt or a short-sleeve polo shirt, and a stylish pair of loafers.
• •   You don’t need a suit. Bridal showers typically take place during the daytime, and it’s uncommon for dress codes to be anything fancier than semi-formal. If the dress code is semi-formal, add a sport coat or blazer.
• •   Dress for the theme (if there is one). If the invitation mentions a theme, follow suit. For example, for a white party, wear an all-white outfit. For a garden party, stick to light colors like pale grey, khaki, and light blue rather than black, navy, or dark grey.

Unlike engagement parties and bachelor parties, bridal showers are gift-giving events. Be sure to bring a beautifully wrapped gift to give the happy couple!

Related: Bridal Shower vs. Bachelorette Party: What's the Difference?

Our Favorite Bridal Shower Dresses

 

From short little white dresses to flowy, floral print maxi dresses, these gorgeous designs are perfect for a bridal shower. They’re also oh-so-chic!

Bridal Shower Dresses for Brides

 

Jenny Yoo Salma Print Dress

 

Jenny Yoo Bridesmaid Dress Salma Print

With soft ruffle accents, the Jenny Yoo Salma Print Dress is undeniably romantic. Dressed up with heels or dressed down with flats, this maxi dress is lightweight and flowy in airy chiffon with a pretty all-over floral print.

Bridal Shower Dresses for Bridesmaids and Guests

 

LulaKate Emily Bodice with Dahlia Midi Skirt

 

LulaKate Emily Bodice with Dahlia Midi Skirt in Jacquard

This LulaKate dress is the perfect bridal shower guest outfit for a garden party or a semi-formal celebration. An A-line skirt with box pleats and a floral jacquard pattern makes it a gorgeous choice for a spring or summer shower.

Sachin & Babi Galina Dress

 

Sachin & Babi Galina Dress in Golden Gardens

If you’re feeling fancy, make a statement in the Sachin & Babi Galina Dress. In a short-sleeve shift silhouette with a metallic jacquard pattern and cap sleeves, this dress is perfect for all sorts of big events and special occasions.

Smith & Quinn Clementine Dress in Summer Spritz

 

Smith & Quinn Clementine Dress in Summer Spritz

An eye-catching multicolor print makes the tiered Smith & Quinn Clementine Dress a bold yet playful choice for a spring or summer bridal shower. If the occasion is dressy casual, accessorize with a pair of wedge heels and a clutch. If it’s a casual event, style it with flat sandals and a handheld satchel or crossbody bag.

Alfred Sung D800FP

 

Alfred Sung D800FP

Tie-neck halter straps, an open back, and a full-circle skirt make the Alfred Sung D800FP dress an ultra-ladylike option for a garden-party bridal shower or an upscale bridal shower brunch. An all-over flower-and-butterfly print makes it extra special.

Watters Meringue

 

By Watters Little White Dress Meringue 33308X

With puff sleeves and a plunging V-neck, Watters Meringue is both playful and sophisticated! This look features a flared mini silhouette with an open back, a large bow, and (yes!) side pockets.

Jenny Yoo Callie

 

Jenny Yoo Little White Dress Callie

The Jenny Yoo Callie dress is timeless and luxurious, with a midi silhouette crafted from smooth Mikado fabric. An A-line circle skirt and a soft scoop neckline make it ultra-flattering on every body type.

Amsale LW199

 

Amsale Little White Dress LW199

The Amsale LW199 dress is simple yet stunning, with a strapless shift silhouette, a straight neckline, and a slim fit. It’s timeless and classic yet modern at the same time, just like you!

Jenny Yoo Annika Jumpsuit

 

Jenny Yoo Little White Annika Jumpsuit

Don’t want to wear a dress to your bridal shower? Consider the Jenny Yoo Annika Jumpsuit. With wide legs and a strapless bodice, it exudes style and sophistication in a modern, minimalist way.

Add statement earrings or top it with a blazer for an effortlessly cool look.

For the MOHs out there planning a bridal party for their bestie, read: The Bridal Shower Checklist Every MOH Needs

 

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It doesn't matter whether you love feminine floral prints, feel most confident wearing black, or want to wear white so you stand out as the bride. A bridal shower is a great opportunity to showcase your personal sense of style.

Bridal showers are special occasions for all involved. So choose a look that makes you feel comfortable and confident, and get ready to make long-lasting memories in style!

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