Bridal is a feminine word that has long been associated with brides and weddings. The etymology of bridal comes from an Old English word, bredle, that meant “feast, banquet.” The word is homophone with bridle, which is a noun that refers to the set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draft animal is fastened to a cart, plow, etc.
A modern bridal shower is often a daytime event, hosted by friends and family of the bride-to-be. It typically revolves around brunch, lunch, or high tea. In addition to food and beverages, the bridal shower can include games like Pass the Love Story or Wedding Mad Libs, as well as writing down pieces of advice for the bride-to-be.
Guests at a bridal shower are encouraged to bring gifts, but they won’t be opened during the party. The couple’s wedding planner may also host a registry, which can be helpful for guests who may have trouble purchasing the perfect gift.
Wedding registries are typically created in stores or online, and allow couples to select items they want (or don’t already have). Some couples choose to register at multiple stores in order to have the opportunity to receive a wide variety of gifts from friends and family, or to be able to purchase things that they know the couple will enjoy or need. It’s common for a couple to register at department stores, such as Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s, home furnishing stores, such as Crate and Barrel or West Elm, or even at the local Target.
Expert advice: When choosing the items you’d like to add to your wedding registries, it’s a good idea to avoid anything too personal or too intimate. It’s also a good idea to include a range of price points in your registry so that gift givers can find something they feel comfortable giving you. Finally, remember that if you have items on your list that are too expensive for the average gifter, you can always decline a gift from someone.
Bridal is a great word to use for your bridal business, as it can help establish trust with potential customers and show that you understand what brides need. However, it’s important to make sure you’re using the word correctly and avoiding confusion with bridle, which has different meanings in both the etymological sense and in the figurative sense. Using the right words in your advertising, content, and other marketing will keep you on track to meet all of your bridal goals.