Dress Coding: Bridal Shower Attire - Lauren Conrad (2024)

    by Lauren Conrad

    Whether you like it or not, wedding season is upon us. With weddings come bridal showers along with a whole slew of related events. After a recent shower I attended for one of my good friends I realized that many of the girls in my group didn’t know what to wear to the occasion. Questions such as “Can I wear white or cream?” became the centerpiece of conversation leading up to the shower. This got me thinking that many of you might find yourself wondering the same thing so I thought I’d do a blog about it. As with all things, there are some general rules of thumb when it comes to dressing for a bridal shower. Here’s what you need to know:

    1. Let the bride-to-be wear white. It’s a subtle way to let her shine on her big day. 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.
    2. 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. Red is also a “look-at-me” color. Again, let the bride bask in the spotlight. Save your LRD for that hot date you have planned…and wear that LPD instead.
    3. Try not to wear black. This is a completely personal opinion, but I wouldn’t recommend wearing black to a bridal shower. It reminds me of mourning. Instead, wear a pretty color or print to show optimism for your friend’s new beginnings.

    Also, if you have any fun game ideas for bridal showers, let me know in the comments below!

    As far as what to wear on the big day, be sure to check out my wedding attire style guide!

    XO Lauren

    Dress Coding: Bridal Shower Attire - Lauren Conrad (4)

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    Dress Coding: Bridal Shower Attire - Lauren Conrad (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the dress code for a bridal shower? ›

    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 color should a bride wear to her bridal shower? ›

    "Typically, the first formal pre-wedding event is your bridal shower, and this is a great party to own the tradition of the bride in white," Fritz says.

    Can I wear a white floral dress 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.

    When should RSVP be due for a bridal shower? ›

    Overall, the best time to send out wedding shower invitations is anywhere between four and eight weeks before the event. That said, the six-week mark is a widely accepted sweet spot, with an RSVP deadline at least two to three weeks before the event.

    How to word dress code on bridal shower invitation? ›

    To make things easy for your guests, you might want to include something like “Dress Code: Casual” or “Dress Code: Formal.” Some other dress code wording for invitations might be: A formal dress code is requested. Please dress in your best! Dress to impress!

    What not to wear to a bridal shower as a guest? ›

    Avoid wearing white, black, or anything that may detract from the wedding festivities. Bridal showers can range from formality, location, and season, so be sure to dress to fit the occasion.

    Are there colors you shouldn't wear to a bridal shower? ›

    Stay away from red.

    Not exactly appropriate for celebrating your friend's upcoming nuptials. Red is also a “look-at-me” color. Again, let the bride bask in the spotlight. Save your LRD for that hot date you have planned…and wear that LPD instead.

    Who pays for bridal shower for bride? ›

    In short, the host is the one who pays for the bridal shower—or at least some of it. Most commonly, this is the maid of honor, but the couple's relatives, friends or even the to-be-weds themselves can all pitch in to cover the cost of the wedding shower.

    What color is the mother of the bride's dress supposed to be? ›

    Typically the Mother of the Bride's dress should complement the bridal party's color palette. Not necessarily match with the bridesmaids, but choose a color in the color family. The most popular color for the mother of the bride to wear is navy or a royal blue, followed by blush or a shade of nude.

    What should an older woman wear to a bridal shower? ›

    When in doubt, wear a dress. It's the ultimate in femininity and the most popular way to dress for a bridal shower. Classic styles like the wraps sheaths, shifts, or fit and flare dresses are ideal because they're on the conservative side.

    Can I wear beige to a bridal shower? ›

    You should feel free to wear romantic florals, pieces with pops of color, or simple, neutral tones, she advises (just stay away from white, beige, cream, or blush, which are reserved for the bride-to-be!).

    Can I wear a blue dress with white flowers to a wedding? ›

    Answer: It's OK if an outfit has some white in it. What we want to avoid is attire that's more white than any other color. So, for example, a blue dress with white flowers is fine. But it would be best to avoid a white dress with blue flowers.

    What is etiquette for a bridal shower? ›

    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.

    How many guests are at a bridal shower? ›

    How Many People Do You Invite to a Bridal Shower? Inviting between 30 and 40 people to the bridal shower is the sweet spot, with the understanding that some people probably won't be able to attend.

    What is the difference between a wedding shower and a bridal shower? ›

    The bridal shower is designed for just you and the girls while the wedding shower is a co-ed party where the bride and groom both get showered with gifts and love. If you're a bride who loves to party and celebrate, then have both a wedding shower and bridal shower!

    What is the edicate for bridal shower? ›

    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.

    Do you bring a gift to a bridal shower? ›

    In short, yes. If you're attending a bridal shower, you should always bring a gift with you to congratulate the bride. This is considered good bridal shower etiquette. Even if you're a part of the bridal party or wedding party, a gift is still necessary.

    What is an appropriate amount for a bridal shower? ›

    According to Opperman, bridal shower gifts tend to be less expensive than wedding gifts. "Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says.

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