How to find your perfect bridal shower dress, according to a stylist (2024)

FAQs

What does the bride wear to a bridal shower? ›

While white seems to be the shade most brides choose for a bridal shower, both Brickman and Cartledge agree that there is no rule on what color you should wear. "A lot of my brides don't opt for white at all, instead choosing a color that makes them feel confident or matches their wedding," Cartledge says.

You Can Wear White to Your Bridal Shower

No matter the season or the formalness of the party, Fritz explains that a bridal shower will be a memorable day for close friends and family. And chances are your loved ones will definitely want to shower you with praise, so she says it's a great time to wear what you want.

Don't wear black. Your bridal shower look should be celebratory, festive, and happy—black is a bit too somber and/or “date night out” to wear to a bridal shower. If you're set on dark colors, opt for a softer gray or navy. Don't wear anything too tight, sexy, or revealing.

Classic styles like the wraps sheaths, shifts, or fit and flare dresses are ideal because they're on the conservative side. A pair of cute pants are beautiful, too, but stay away from jeans or cords, which are just too casual to look right.

Many brides choose to wear white to all of their pre-wedding events. That includes their bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. You can't go wrong with a pretty white dress — no matter the fabric or silhouette!

Whether she's handling your bridal shower or greeting out-of-town guests once they arrive in town for your nuptials, the mother of the bride is the official hostess and should focus on helping each attendee feel welcome.

Personally, I would even steer away from creams and ivory as well. Nude shades and white dresses with colorful prints are fine, but solid whites should be reserved for the star of the show: The Bride. Stay away from red. It may seem trite, but red is considered to be a “vulgar” hue associated with adultery.

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower.

A bridal shower is a more intimate gathering than a wedding and the guest list usually consists of the bride-to-be's closest female friends and relatives, including close relatives of the soon-to-be-bride's spouse.

In most cases, you do want to avoid wearing white to a bridal shower as a guest (unless specifically stated in the invite). Why? It's traditional for the bride, or the couple, to wear white at the bridal shower. This also includes pastel shades, like blush or soft blue, that can be photographed as looking white.

Can you wear sequins to a bridal shower? ›

TEND TO EMBELLISH

If the bridal shower is a bit dressier, then use it as an opportunity to infuse a little shine into your outfit. Go all out with a sequin, metallic brocade or beaded dress.

for the guest:

For guests, my recommendation is to avoid white. It's a nice, subtle way to let the bride shine, so just let her have her moment. Also, if it's a daytime shower, try to avoid black.

Traditionally, the mother of the bride doesn't host the bridal shower (the maid of honor typically assumes the chief shower-planning role), however, your daughter will likely want you to be a part of the celebration.

Traditionally, the mother of the bride does not give a shower for her own daughter. Usually, aunts or other family members pay for the shower. However, so many traditions have changed. If there is no one to pay for your daughter's shower, I don't see anything wrong with you giving her a shower.

For example, you could serve up her favorite foods and signature drink, decorate in (or wear) her favorite color or reference a film or book she loves in the theme and décor. It's a fun way to make the bride feel extra special on her big day.

It's up to you to choose the vibe of the party—and since it's your day, you can wear whatever you want. With that said, having endless options to choose from can be overwhelming, especially when you have multiple events and need an outfit for each. Many brides go for an all-white look, but you definitely don't have to.

ALWAYS THINK OF THE BRIDE — IT'S HER DAY!

It seems obvious, but it must be said: steer clear of wearing white or anything close to white. The traditional hue is reserved for the bride-to-be. Save that little white dress for another non-wedding related event.

While jeans are seen as too casual for a typical bridal shower, if the dress code is casual, you can totally wear jeans. We recommend elevating with a dressy top and heels.

First, keep in mind that bridal shower gifts tend to be less costly than wedding gifts. The average you should spend on a bridal shower gift is around $50 to $75. If you're especially close to the bride, you may spend upwards of $100. But no matter what, the amount you want to spend is up to you!