Bridal Shower Dress Guide: Celebrate in Something Chic (2024)
Once you’ve found the perfect wedding dress, it’s time to have fun shopping for the bridal shower
Bridal showers are a time-honored tradition filled with love, laughter, and, of course, dresses! As the bride-to-be, all eyes will be on you, so it’s essential to find a bridal shower dress that reflects your personal style and makes you feel like the belle of the ball.
Whether you’re hosting a garden party, a chic brunch affair, or a glamorous soirée, we’ve got you covered with this fun and informative guide to bridal shower dressing. So, grab your mimosa and let’s dive into the wonderful world of bridal shower fashion!
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Bridal Shower Dress
Choose something that makes you feel like your best self.
Embrace Floral Fantasy
When it comes to bridal shower dresses, floral prints are always a winning choice. Channel your inner garden goddess with a whimsical floral frock that exudes femininity and charm. Brands like Reformation and Anthropologie offer a stunning selection of floral dresses in a variety of silhouettes, from flowy maxi dresses to flirty mini dresses. Pair your floral masterpiece with dainty sandals and a straw hat for a fresh and romantic look that’s perfect for a spring or summer bridal shower.
Go Classic with Lace
For a timeless and elegant bridal shower dress, you can’t go wrong with lace. Whether you opt for a delicate lace overlay or intricate lace detailing, this fabric adds a touch of romance and sophistication to any ensemble.
Look for dresses from BHLDN or Self-Portrait for exquisite lace designs that will make you feel like a modern-day princess. Complete your look with pearl accessories and a chic updo for a polished and refined aesthetic that’s sure to turn heads.
Who says bridal shower dresses have to be white? Dare to stand out from the crowd with a bold and vibrant hue that reflects your personality and style. Opt for a cheerful yellow, a romantic blush pink, or a striking cobalt blue for an unexpected twist on traditional bridal attire.
Brands like ASOS and Kate Spade New York offer a range of colorful dresses that are perfect for making a statement at your bridal shower. Pair your colorful dress with neutral accessories and a swipe of bold lipstick for a look that’s fun, fresh, and unforgettable.
Keep it Casual with Boho Vibes
If you’re hosting a laid-back bridal shower in the great outdoors or at a rustic venue, embrace bohemian chic vibes with a relaxed and effortless bridal shower dress. Look for flowy maxi dresses, breezy kaftans, or embroidered peasant dresses that capture the essence of boho style.
Brands like Free People and Spell & The Gypsy Collective offer a bohemian-inspired selection of dresses that are perfect for a casual and carefree celebration. Pair your boho dress with layered necklaces, braided hair, and suede ankle boots for a relaxed yet stylish look that’s sure to impress.
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Opt for Sophisticated Silhouettes
For the bride who loves a touch of glamour and sophistication, opt for bridal shower dresses with sleek and tailored silhouettes. Choose a chic sheath dress, a structured midi dress, or a tailored jumpsuit for a modern and refined look that commands attention.
Brands like Roland Mouret and even Etsy offer a range of sophisticated dresses and jumpsuits that are perfect for a formal or upscale bridal shower. Pair your sophisticated ensemble with statement earrings and stiletto heels for a polished and poised appearance that’s bound to wow your guests.
No bridal shower ensemble is complete without the perfect accessories to complement your bridal shower dress. Add a touch of sparkle with delicate jewelry, such as dainty earrings, a sparkling necklace, or a shimmering bracelet.
Opt for nude or metallic heels to elongate your legs and add a touch of glamour to your look. Finish off your ensemble with a chic clutch or cross-body bag to hold all your essentials, such as lipstick, tissues, and, of course, your phone for those must-have selfies!
Confidence is Key
Above all, the most important accessory you can wear to your bridal shower is confidence. No matter what bridal shower dress you choose, wear it with pride and embrace your inner beauty and radiance. Remember, this is your special day to celebrate with your nearest and dearest, so let your personality shine through and enjoy every moment of the festivities.
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Formal bridal showers often have an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Consider wearing an elegant dress that flatters your body shape. Opt for classic silhouettes, such as A-line or sheath dresses, in luxurious fabrics like silk or lace. Jewel tones or soft pastel shades are always a safe choice.
Pastels, neutrals, florals, and bright celebratory colors are the way to go. And if there's going to be games opt to wear something comfortable. Avoid wearing white, black, or anything that may detract from the wedding festivities.
Therefore, for a casual dress code, Abbasi suggests a sundress, a matching set, or a blouse worn with a skirt or trousers. For more formal affairs, she advises guests to lean into fancy styles, like midi dresses and pantsuits, without going over the top.
As for color and pattern, wear any hue or print you love. Many brides choose to wear white to all of their pre-wedding events. That includes their bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. You can't go wrong with a pretty white dress — no matter the fabric or silhouette!
By choosing to wear color, you avoid breaking the main rule of all bridal celebrations: don't wear white. That's the bride's color range, so that includes beiges, creams, and anything in that color family. And unless explicitly stated, you shouldn't try and match the bridal party to the exact shade either.
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.
It's also pretty common today that brides have more than one shower for various reasons. Hosts of the different showers should be sure to consult each other on dates and guest lists so there isn't any overlap. It is common for Bridesmaids, mom and mother-in-laws to be invited to all showers.
The short answer is, you should not invite anyone to your shower who will not be invited to the wedding. Your shower is an intimate gathering of some of the closest women (and men if you choose) in your life, and if anyone makes the cut for your shower, they should also be close enough to you to get a wedding invite.
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.
The go-to outfit is typically a pair of slacks in a neutral color, such as khaki, navy blue, or black. This is worn with a nice dress shirt. If you want, add a cardigan or blazer on top. Examples of a nice dress shirt include collared button-up shirts, crewnecks, ruffled blouses, cashmere sweaters, and vests.
Dressy casual still has a level of formality attached to it, so sneakers, jeans, and t-shirts are off the table. Remember – you can usually scale back and lose a jacket button (figuratively) if you've overdressed whereas it's harder to “build up” if you've gone too casual.
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. It's safe to say that you should never wear white and shy away from the overall color family unless the bride instructs you to wear a certain shade. Traditionally, another color to avoid is red.
Throwing a bridal shower is an especially generous act on part of your family and friends. While a handwritten thank-you note is acceptable, the bride-to-be may want to give a gift to the host—for example, tickets to a show or a gift box full of small luxuries.
It's up to you to choose the vibe of the party—and since it's your day, you can wear whatever you want. With that said, having endless options to choose from can be overwhelming, especially when you have multiple events and need an outfit for each. Many brides go for an all-white look, but you definitely don't have to.
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.
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.
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.
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