A bridal shower is a pre-wedding celebration held in honor of the bride-to-be. It is typically organized by the bride's close friends or family members and is a time for the bride to receive gifts, advice, and well wishes before her wedding day.
History of Bridal Showers
The history of bridal showers can be traced back to the 16th century in Holland. At that time, a young Dutch girl fell in love with a poor miller, and her father refused to give her a dowry to marry him. The girl's friends then came together to "shower" her with gifts to help her start her new life with her husband.
Today, bridal showers are a common pre-wedding celebration around the world and are held to celebrate the bride's upcoming wedding and to help her prepare for her new life as a wife.
Who Hosts a Bridal Shower?
A bridal shower is typically hosted by the bride's close friends or family members. However, it is considered bad etiquette for the bride's mother or future mother-in-law to host the shower, as it may appear as though they are asking for gifts for their own daughter.
The host of the bridal shower is responsible for organizing the event, including sending out invitations, choosing a venue, planning the menu, and decorating the space.
When is a Bridal Shower Held?
A bridal shower is usually held a few weeks or months before the wedding. The exact timing will depend on the bride's schedule and the availability of the guests.
It is important to make sure that the bridal shower does not conflict with any other pre-wedding events, such as the bachelorette party or rehearsal dinner.
Who is Invited to a Bridal Shower?
The guest list for a bridal shower typically includes the bride's close friends and family members. However, it is important to check with the bride to make sure that everyone she wants to invite is included on the guest list.
The guest list should also take into consideration the size of the venue and the budget for the event.
What Happens at a Bridal Shower?
A bridal shower can include a variety of activities, depending on the preferences of the bride and the host. Some common activities include:
- Opening gifts
- Playing games
- Enjoying food and drinks
- Sharing advice and stories with the bride
The activities should be planned with the bride in mind and should reflect her personality and interests.
What Should You Bring to a Bridal Shower?
Guests are typically expected to bring a gift to a bridal shower. The gift should be something that the bride can use in her new life as a wife, such as kitchenware, bedding, or home decor.
It is important to check the bridal registry or consult with the host to make sure that the gift you choose is something that the bride actually wants or needs.
Conclusion
A bridal shower is a special celebration that allows the bride-to-be to prepare for her wedding and to receive love and support from her close friends and family members. By following proper etiquette and planning activities that reflect the bride's personality and interests, you can create a memorable bridal shower that the bride will cherish for years to come.