How Long Should a Bridal Shower Really Be? (2024)

Keep it short if you want your guests to enjoy their time.

Published on June 19, 2018

How Long Should a Bridal Shower Really Be? (1)

The bridal shower is one of the most exciting pre-wedding events. It's a time when the bride-to-be gets to be surrounded by her closest family and friends, and everyone gathers to celebrate the beginning of a new journey for the woman of honor. But just how long should everyone be gathering for? We've all been to a bridal shower that seems to go on forever, but it's near impossible to duck out early when the bride is opening gifts or attendees are playing games. To ensure you plan a shower that guests will enjoy every minute of, we asked Randi Barksdale of Jet Set Planning and Alliey Weichelt of Sash and Bow Wedding Planning their advice on timing.

Keep It Short

Weichelt says bridal showers should ideally last between two and four hours. Anything shorter and guests will feel like they didn't have a chance to spend time with the bride; anything longer and they'll be itching to head home. Three hours might just be the sweet spot, then. Be sure to list a start and end time on your invitations so guests have a clear idea of just how long the party will be.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

You've heard it before, right? It's true: Guests will have more fun when they have something to do. That's why Weichelt suggests doing something other than just playing wedding bingo or the Newlywed Game. "More and more brides skip the shower games," she says. "They would rather spend the time socializing. However, there should be more than just gifts." Non-traditional games or activities-like flower arranging, cookie or cake decorating, and candle making-are all fun ways to keep guests busy.

Try Something Different

If you're nervous about timing, Barksdale recommends forgoing a traditional shower in favor of something different, like a wedding tea. "I always suggest to my brides to have a wedding tea instead of a shower," she says. "With a bridal tea the gifts are laid on a table with the card of who the gift is from in front. This allows the bride to have more time enjoying friends and family," she suggests. "I always suggest a Sunday afternoon from from 1 to 3 PM."

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How Long Should a Bridal Shower Really Be? (2024)

FAQs

How Long Should a Bridal Shower Really Be? ›

Weichelt says bridal showers should ideally last between two and four hours. Anything shorter and guests will feel like they didn't have a chance to spend time with the bride; anything longer and they'll be itching to head home. Three hours might just be the sweet spot, then.

What is the typical length of a bridal shower? ›

Bridal showers typically last 2-4 hours and are not considered an all-day event. Although, depending on the type of shower you are hosting the time can vary. Most showers will either take place in the morning and serve as a brunch, or in the afternoon served with lunch or finger foods.

What is an appropriate bridal shower time? ›

Most bridal showers are usually held three weeks to three months before the wedding. The trick is not to plan it too far in advance or too close to the wedding date.

How many people are at the average bridal shower? ›

A bridal shower should be an event for those closest to the bride, both in relationship and location. I'm often asked how many guests should be invited to a shower, and I usually recommend keeping it to around 25 guests if possible. Everyone wants to see their gift opened and the reaction on the bride's face.

Who should not host a bridal shower? ›

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Nancy is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.

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.

Who typically pays for a bridal shower? ›

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.

Is 2 hours long enough for a bridal shower? ›

Most guests expect bridal showers to last a few hours, so anywhere in the 2-4 hour window is ideal. Some bridal showers last longer than others.

What is a good number of guests for a bridal shower? ›

Bridal Shower Guest List Size. An intimate bridal shower for 15 people is perfectly normal, as is a 50-person coed shower that feels more like a cocktail party. A variety of factors can influence the size of the guest list, such as: the shower location.

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!

How much is good for a bridal shower? ›

If you're going all out with an elaborate bridal shower, you could be talking $40 to $150 or more (gasp!) per person. Even a small, elaborate bridal shower (think 15 guests) could cost between $600 and $2,250—and that's before invitations, decorations and cake.

Is $50 enough for a bridal shower? ›

The standard amount to spend on a bridal shower gift is around $50-$75. If you're invited to a bridal shower but not particularly close with the bride, expect to spend at least $25.

How many friends do you need to invite to 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.

Should a mother give her daughter a bridal shower? ›

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.

Does mother of bride help with a bridal shower? ›

"Under optimum circumstances, the attendants in the bridal party would host the shower," said Gottsman. According to Gottsman, the mother of the bride (MOB) should be a guest, but should not participate.

What you Cannot wear to bridal shower? ›

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.

Is 2 hours too short for a bridal shower? ›

Weichelt says bridal showers should ideally last between two and four hours. Anything shorter and guests will feel like they didn't have a chance to spend time with the bride; anything longer and they'll be itching to head home. Three hours might just be the sweet spot, then.

How many guests should be invited to 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.

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