Bridal Shower Etiquette

The bridal shower is actually a gift-giving party that is arranged by the bridesmaids. Originating in the late 19th century in Belgium, bridal shower has enjoyed much popularity in the US and Canada and remains an entertaining custom to date. While bridal shower etiquette has been shaped in many different areas and social settings, some of the core characteristics of bridal shower etiquette have remain unchanged and passed from generation to generation in nearly the same form. Listed below are some of the main features of bridal shower etiquette as they are recognized in our times. These should be remembered before arranging or attending a bridal shower to make sure you do not offend anyone.

Understanding the Roles

Central to bridal shower etiquette is a good understanding of the roles of different people related to the bride – her family, friends, and colleagues etc. – in the bridal shower. The older women in the family (moms and grannies) have a good understanding of these norms and they need to guide the younger girls over the rules of bridal shower etiquette.

Organizing the Party

Bridal shower etiquette requires that the Maid of Honor organize the bridal shower, which includes the bridal shower themes. However, the arrangements may be made by some other close friend of the bride if the maid of honor is out of town or cannot, for some reason, take the task. In case the maid of honor assigns her duties of arrangement to someone else, she must still be kept posted on any and all progress made in carrying out the arrangements. Now a day, the maid of honor may play a more distant role by instructing the surrogate(s) via e-mail or on phone.

Time of the Bridal Shower

Following the traditional bridal shower etiquette, the bridal shower is to be held about a month or six weeks prior to the wedding. This is because, the busyness of the bride and her family increases as the wedding approaches. However, the final decision rests with the bride and her family. Sometimes, it may be just two weeks before the wedding that the bridal shower is held; for example, in case of a bride who comes home every two weeks or so.

Invitees

Following bridal shower etiquette, it is better to keep the gathering small, usually consisting of the bride’s family and close friends. Lately, the trend of having large bridal showers has increased but still most people would like to keep the party small, usually consisting of the mothers and sisters of the bride and the groom, and the bride’s closest friends. The latter may also include the bride’s colleagues or coworkers. Keeping the party small makes it more comfortable and better manageable.

Assignment of Responsibility

A good thing that the bridal shower etiquette teaches is the division of work or responsibility among participants. For example, one person may be assigned the task of listing the bridal shower gifts received along with the names of the givers. Another one may organize the bridal shower games, and so on. This helps to make everyone feel involved in the bridal shower.

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