41 Unique Bridal Shower Ideas to Bookmark (2024)

FAQs

41 Unique Bridal Shower Ideas to Bookmark? ›

Giving out wedding shower favors isn't necessary, but it's a (really) nice gesture.

Giving out wedding shower favors isn't necessary, but it's a (really) nice gesture.

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.

Guests are usually expected to bring a bridal shower gift, even if they've already bought the couple a gift from their wedding registry. Luckily, you don't have to spend as much on this present. A “$50-$75 price point” is what Tami Claytor, etiquette coach at Always Appropriate recommends.

Throwing a bridal shower is an especially generous act on part of your family and friends. While a handwritten thank-you note is acceptable, the bride-to-be may want to give a gift to the host—for example, tickets to a show or a gift box full of small luxuries.

"Under optimum circumstances, the attendants in the bridal party would host the shower," said Gottsman. According to Gottsman, the mother of the bride (MOB) should be a guest, but should not participate.

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.

What does mother in law give at bridal shower? ›

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.

That works out at $300 to $800 for a 20-person party but can go as high as $150 per person or $3,000 for a 20-person shower. Based on these estimates and an average bridal shower guest list of 35-50 people, a reasonable budget for a bridal shower is between $350 and $7,500.

The bride will open her gifts in front of the guests and often express her gratitude with a short speech. And opening gifts isn't the only thing the bride does at this event. In addition to gift giving, bridal showers may also involve playing games, eating great food, and having the bride's favorite drinks.

Home essentials and wedding-related items are popular gift ideas for bridal and wedding showers. Think: small kitchen appliances, cookware sets, elegant tableware, personalized home decor, spa gift baskets or travel accessories for their honeymoon.

One of the most important maid of honor duties is leading the charge to plan the bridal shower, from choosing a venue to sending out bridal shower invitations, planning games to choosing favors.

Technically, no—you are not required to give out favors at your wedding reception. Do we recommend giving out favors if at all possible? Absolutely.

“Sip, sip, hooray!” - Include a wine bottle, cocktail mix, champagne, or fun item to add to their bar cart for a celebratory favor. “Thanks for making my party the jam!” - Pair with a jar of homemade jam or jelly. This idea works perfectly with a rustic bridal shower theme.

Thoughtfulness: The couple's wedding registry is a great place to find a bridal shower gift. But the shower is also an opportunity to put the spotlight on the bride with a present that's unique and just for her. This could include personalized jewelry, custom artwork, or handwritten letters.