Bridal (also bridal shower) is a party held for a woman who will soon marry. The guests often celebrate with light food and drinks, play cheesy games (like making wedding dresses out of toilet paper or giving the bride advice), and open gifts. Traditionally these events have been attended only by women, but nowadays it is common for them to be all-gender affairs.
The exact origin of the modern bridal shower is unknown, but many believe it originated in 16th century Belgium. One popular tale is that the father of a young girl refused to provide her dowry for a marriage she disapproved of, so the people of the town got together and “showered” her with small gifts that added up to more than her dowry.
As the name suggests, a bridal shower is typically celebrated before the wedding. It’s often hosted by the bride’s close female friends and family, including her bridesmaids. The bride’s mom and grandmother are often also invited, as they are considered to be the most influential members of her family.
When planning a bridal shower, it’s important to consult with the bride to ensure that the event is in line with her preferences and wedding timeline. It’s also recommended to have the bride double-check and approve the guest list before sending out invitations.
Generally, the bride-to-be will want to have some kind of theme for her shower. Some common themes include a spa day, an active outing (like hiking or a yoga class), a creative workshop (like pottery painting or floral arranging), or a brunch affair. Some people also choose to throw a “no gift” bridal shower, where the bride-to-be is asked to instead bring a small gift for the hosts of the party.
Another common bridal shower activity is a trivia game, in which the bride-to-be’s friends and family answer questions about her to see who knows the most about her. Other popular activities at a bridal shower are a photo booth, a scrapbook session, and a group cooking or crafting project.
The bride may also want to hold a bridal shower at her own home. This allows her to invite a larger number of guests and can be more intimate. It’s a great way for the bride to have a fun night with her besties without worrying about the costs of an expensive venue or catering. This is also a good time to include any bridesmaids who are unable to attend the main wedding festivities due to distance or work obligations.