Hiiiii! Today is #WeddingWednesday and today I am talking about shower attire for the bride to be and guests. With Spring basically here and Summer just around the corner, there are so many gorgeous white tops, jumpsuits, and dresses available. I’ll be talking a little bit about wearing white for wedding events and rounding up some of my favorites for all occasions. Plus, I’m sharing what to wear to a bridal shower.
First, let’s talk about my outfit. This dress is a classic white lace in a sheath style that I absolutely loved from the moment I put it on. I choseclassic white accessories and a neutral lip.I think this look with be beautiful with hair pinned back as well to really show off all of the lace! You could dress it down with a denim jacket over it and a wedge sandal instead of this heel, also.
shop the look:
If you’re anything like me, you’ve known that white at wedding events is traditionally off limits unless specifically requested by the bride. The bride wearing white at wedding events is a fun way for her to stand out and feel special.I’ve been to and been in a lot of weddings, so when Spring and Summer rolls around I’ve often found myself limiting the number of white clothing items I bought in the past because I needed to be strategic about when I wore them. I was saving all of my white for events outside of wedding showers, engagement parties, bachelorette weekends, and weddings.
Personally, I think white should definitely be avoided at the rehearsal dinner and wedding. If you wear it to a shower or to a bachelorette, I’d just make sure it’s not a full white ensemble. If you’re wearing a white top and jean shorts out for lunch on a bachelorette party, I think that’s perfectly fine. As long as it doesn’t seem like you’re intentionally trying to take away from the bride, it’s all good. That’s just my opinion, though. When in doubt– check with the bride or someone close to her, or just choose another color!
We have a shower/party coming up in a few weeks, so I’ve been on the hunt for shower attire. I’ll do a round up of my favorite options for a bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and more for the bride-to-be and guests, but for now, let’s talk what to wear to bridal showers, because that’s been on my mind and is somethingwith which people often need a little help.
Whether you are the bride-to-be or a guest, the first thing you need to do is check if there is a listed attire on the invitation. If there is, follow it. If it is a themed party, adhere to the theme. If there is not one listed, consider the time of day and location. Showers are more casual than a rehearsal dinner or a wedding, so don’t think you need a co*cktail dress unless the invite specifies. I am a big fan of heels, so I often opt for a wedge during the day and a heel or dressier wedge at night depending upon the location. You don’t HAVE to wear a heel, but if you do wear a flat sandal, I’d recommend wearing a dressy one. My mindset is that I’d always prefer to be over-dressed than under-dressed.I love dresses for showers, but youcould also do a nicer skirt and top. I tend to stay away from shorts or pants unless they are a jumpsuit or a dressy romper
for the bride to be:
When it comes to a bridal shower, I think the best bet for the bride is looking polished, yet being comfortable. You don’t want to be in a dress you have to fidget with all day or night and you don’t want to wind up unable to stand because your feet hurt. Because showers often include family or family friends, I say always go on the conservative side. Leave the bold cutouts or the midriffs for the bachelorette weekend! Also, why not wear white? Whether it’d admitted or not, I sort of think it’s expected to see the bride in white. I’m all about being non-traditonal, but at a shower thrown by older, more traditional generations, I’ll aim to please and stick to white.
Dresses for the bride to be
Accessories for the bride to be
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. We’ve all been in a pinch and have our tride and true black dresses to fall back on, but if you have to wear black, try to go for a black dress with embroidered flowers or other colored details. Black is often a darker color or associated with mourning and while it is definitely one of my go-to colors, I think it is best saved for other events, like the bachelorette party or even a rehearsal dinner. I think the best bet is to keep it light (especially for Spring and Summer showers) and on the conservative side.
dresses for the guest
accessories for the guest
SHOP THE LOOK:
Hopefully this helps you for planning the inevitable Spring or Summer bridal shower, whether you’re attending as a guest or the bride to be. If you ever need ideas for white clothing, whether you just love it or because you’re a soon-to-be-bride, be sure to check beck often to my Bride to Be page under my SHOP category. I update it a few times a week as I am looking through all my favorite sites for white clothing and it has clothing for everything from casual to dressy and includes both clothes and accessories. XO
Photos by Vanessa from The Retro Penguin
FAQs
Think of bridal shower guest outfit as one you might wear to a fancy brunch or luncheon. Bridal shower guest attire can include short, midi and maxi dresses, or jumpsuits and dressy separates, including tops and blouses, trousers, jeans and skirts.
What to wear to a bridal shower as a guest? ›
For guests who don't have a specified dress code to follow, opt for pieces that you would wear to a nice brunch or an elegant social gathering. What's more, since bridal showers are more informal than most wedding events, don't be afraid to embrace your personal style but with a slightly formal twist.
Can you wear jeans to a bridal shower? ›
Jeans might be appropriate for a very casual bridal shower, especially if it's a relaxed gathering at someone's home. If you decide to wear jeans, choose a pair that's well-fitting and in good condition. Elevate your look by pairing them with a chic blouse or a smart blazer, and add some classy accessories.
What colors do you wear to a bridal shower? ›
Basic Rules for Bridal Shower Fashion
Wear pastels, neutrals and bright colors to match the celebratory tone of the occasion. Floral prints are a great go-to. Wear something comfortable in case there are bridal shower games. Accentuate a neutral dress or top with bold shoes or accessories.
What should an older woman wear to a bridal shower? ›
Wear something similar to what you would wear for a special occasion Easter or a Mother's Day brunch. For a dressy bridal shower, you can glam it up a bit (leaning more toward co*cktail attire, but not as dressy as what you would wear to a wedding). The vibe at a dressy shower is a more chic than soft and sweet.
What to expect at a bridal shower as a guest? ›
What do You do at a Bridal Shower? Most bridal shower guests spend time mingling, eating, playing games, and honoring the bride-to-be. As a guest, you'll want to remember the celebration is all about the bride and her special day ahead, so most activities during the day will reflect this.
What do you bring to a bridal shower? ›
Gifts given at traditional bridal showers should have a focus on what the bride likes, wants, or needs. Common gift ideas include vases, cookware, champagne glasses, sleepwear, fine linens, picture frames, and home decor items. Any items specified on a bridal shower registry fall under this category.
Can I wear red to a bridal shower? ›
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. Not exactly appropriate for celebrating your friend's upcoming nuptials.
What is protocol for bridal showers? ›
Since showers are intended for the bride's nearest and dearest, every shower guest must already be on the wedding guest list. Because it's understood that guests should bring a present to a shower, it's not appropriate to invite people whom you don't plan to include in the wedding.
What not to wear to a bridal shower? ›
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.
Think of bridal shower guest outfit as one you might wear to a fancy brunch or luncheon. Bridal shower guest attire can include short, midi and maxi dresses, or jumpsuits and dressy separates, including tops and blouses, trousers, jeans and skirts.
Are you supposed to give a gift at a bridal shower? ›
Technically, these are two separate events, and traditionally, it is proper etiquette for guests to show up to the bridal shower with a gift, and also purchase a gift for the wedding (this is typically done via a wedding registry, but it's also fine to bring a present in-person to the wedding).
How to dress for a bridal shower as a guest? ›
If the event is more casual, Singla said guests "could pair a blouse and trousers, a flowy dress, or a jumpsuit." Whatever you decide to wear, aim for something photo-friendly. According to Young, this is especially key if you're family or close friends with the future bride and groom.
Who should attend a bridal shower? ›
Traditionally, the bridal shower guest list consists of the bride-to-be's bridesmaids or attendants, closest female friends and relatives. It's also considered proper etiquette for close relatives of the bride-to-be's spouse to attend the shower.
Can you wear pink to a bridal shower? ›
There's no rule that says the bride has to wear white to her bridal shower. Find a dress (or separates) with pink floral accents to drive the day's theme home.
What is customary to bring to a bridal shower? ›
For a Traditional Bridal Shower
Common gift ideas include vases, cookware, champagne glasses, sleepwear, fine linens, picture frames, and home decor items.
What is the etiquette for wedding shower guest list? ›
The bridal party, including the maid of honor and bridesmaids generally make the top of the guest list, followed by immediate family members from both sides of the aisle. If the bride welcomes children at her shower, guests may also include nieces, the flower girl and junior bridesmaids.
Do you show up to bridal shower on time? ›
As a guest, it's important to arrive on time for the bridal shower. The hostess has likely put a lot of time and effort into planning the event, and it's rude to arrive late. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time to allow yourself enough time to find parking and make your way to the location.
Is a bridal shower casual? ›
Is There A Standard Bridal Shower Dress Code? No. Whether or not you set a dress code is completely up to you. Some brides prefer casual pre-wedding events, but many do prefer to host more formal parties.
Hiiiii! Today is #WeddingWednesday and today I am talking about shower attire for the bride to be and guests. With Spring basically here and Summer just around the corner, there are so many gorgeous white tops, jumpsuits, and dresses available. I’ll be talking a little bit about wearing white for wedding events and rounding up some of my favorites for all occasions. Plus, I’m sharing what to wear to a bridal shower.
