Just getting started planning your first bridal shower? Start here!
A bridal shower is an opportunity to shower a bride with gifts and love. Plus, it’s another way to celebrate something happy! You might also be interested in The Who, What, Where, When, and Why of Christian Wedding Showers which is similar (but different!).
The Who of Christian Bridal Showers
Who should get a bridal shower? ~ Every bride! Especially a bride with who likes feminine or girly things.
Who should host? ~ A bridesmaid, another friend, a relative such as a cousin or aunt, church ladies (such as women’s ministries), or a friend of the family. Traditionally, close relatives (mother, sister, sister-in-law, grandmother) of the bride or of the groom should not host. A family-only shower would be an exception, of course. .
Who should be invited? ~ Women, or women and girls. Only those who will be invited to the wedding (unless it is a special shower by those who know they won’t be invited~ such as a group of college friends).
The What of Christian Bridal Showers
What style should the shower be? ~ Whatever the bride prefers! It might be casual, informal, semi-formal, or even formal. If you are thinking about semi-formal or formal, make sure your guests and guest-of-honor will feel comfortable in such a setting.
What theme should the shower have? ~ Just about anything! It could be something as simple as a generic shower in the wedding colors or a spin-off of them, an afternoon tea, or a basic household or kitchen shower. A gift theme might help guests decide what to buy. A theme related to the bride’s interests would also be appropriate. You can also do a personal or lingerie shower.
What decorations does a bridal shower have? ~ Whatever goes with the theme, suits the location, and is compatible with the hostesses’ budget. It’s okay to keep it simple. Keep in mind that, at the very least, you’ll need a nice place for the gifts and for the food.
Use a garden, or use a nice room and add a bouquet of flowers. Or go beyond that with streamers, balloons, and more! If you’re doing a special theme then, of course, you’ll want at least some decorations to go along with the theme.
What should we do at the shower? ~ Socialize, eat, open gifts, and admire with gifts. That’s all that is required! You can also play games or have other activities. Most showers do include games. You really can’t have a Christian bridal shower without prayer. While that might just be asking a blessing on the food, I think it’s a great idea to have more: a special prayer for the bride. You could also do a devotional or something. Check out these Proverbs 31 Bridal shower games.
What food should I serve? ~ You’ll want it to fit the time, theme, style, and location of the shower, as well as the preferences of the bride and the capabilities of the hostess. Finger foods are common but the possibilities are endless.
What should guests give as gifts? ~ Unless the shower has a special gift-related theme, general household stuff is most appropriate. This is probably what guests will bring if they aren’t instructed otherwise. If the couple is registered anywhere, the hostess should let the guests know.
The Where of Christian Bridal Showers
Where should the shower be held? ~ This depends on the formality (or style), the number of guests, and the budget. Or those things might depend on the location! Here are some ideas:
- A church fellowship hall
- A park
- A back yard
- The hostess’ home
- A restaurant
I think a nice home is a great setting for a traditional bridal shower but if you don’t have a nice home or it’s not big enough, well, you have to work with what you have!
The When of Christian Bridal Showers
When, in relation to the wedding, should a bridal shower be held? ~ Ask the bride when would be best. It should most likely be at least two weeks before the wedding but not more than a month or two before (although there are exceptions). The wedding guest list (or at least part of it) will have to be established before the shower. Always consult the bride (and/or her mom) about the guest list before your even hint at invites!
What day and time should it be? ~ A weekend shower will probably work the best for most people’s schedules. The time of day has an effect on the style and vice versa, but other than that, any time of day can potentially work.
The Why of Christian Bridal Showers
Why a bridal shower? ~ Because you love the bride and want to shower her with love! Because parties are fun! Because brides need stuff! A bridal shower is a way to shower the bride with things she needs for her home (or for herself) and . . . seriously . . . do you need to be convinced? 😉
As Christians, we help each other and support each other. We do it with happy occasions, like weddings. We do it when times are hard. As Christians, we can also demonstrate the value and sanctity of marriage by giving it the attention it deserves. The world parties over the strangest things sometimes. But this is something we can do in a very godly way, if we choose to!
Do you have any other “who, what, where, when, and why” questions about Christian bridal showers?
1 comment
Brings back memories of my own Bridal Shower and Baby Showers.