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There are so many fun events leading up to the big day, but when it comes to outfits for them, what should you wear? Bridal showers are an amazing opportunity for the bride and her closest female friends and family to get together and celebrate upcoming nuptials, and make the bride feel extra special with gifts, games, and attention. When it comes to the perfect bridal shower look, there are a few things to keep in mind and will definitely help you decide on an outfit!
Bridal showers are an important day for brides and their guests alike so it’s important to put forth an effort in your appearance and dress to impress. Let’s break down what you need to know!
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Bridal Shower Dress Code Etiquette
What to Wear to Bridal Shower as a Bride
Best Bridal Shower Outfit Colors
What to Wear to a Bridal Shower Based on Season
Bridal Shower Dress Code Etiquette
While bridal shower outfits are heavily influenced by season (see the last section), there are some basic rules to follow when you’re attending a bridal shower:
1. Dress For the Theme (If There Is One)
Not every bridal shower has a theme, but it’s becoming increasingly common in today’s bridal showers. If there is a theme, do your best to dress with it in mind (even if it feels ridiculous). This is another event where it is about the bride and her preferences rather than the preferences of her guests.
2. Don’t Wear White!
This is actually the #1 rule – don’t wear white if you’re not the bride! The bride should always be distinguishable in the group because she’s wearing white. After all, it’s her wedding day approaching! Unless the bride specifically gives you permission or the shower has some sort of all-white color theme, leave the white outfit for the bride.
3. Let the Bride Be the Star
In addition to not wearing white, you also want to wear something that’s cute but isn’t so attention-grabbing that you steal the show. The bride is the star of her bridal shower, which means guests showing up in an all-sequin dress, or wearing hot pink or bright red, or a similar overly eye-catching ensemble may be not only off-putting, but upsetting to the bride. Let the bride have her day!
Note: Again, the only exception would be if the bride makes bright colors (or any color), or sequins the theme of the bridal shower. Then you have free reign to wear something flashy!
4. Look Polished But Stay Comfortable
Bridal showers often have games and activities so make sure that what you plan on wearing will allow for the necessary movement to participate.
What to Wear to Bridal Shower As A Bride
Obviously, the bride should be wearing white to her bridal shower. This helps distinguish her as the bride and helps her be the main focus! Beyond that, it really depends on the formality of the event, if there’s a theme, and what the bride’s preferences are.
Many brides opt to have a more casual bridal shower in warmer weather months, which is the perfect time to wear a white sundress or romper. Other brides feel like the bridal shower event is the perfect time to rock a white ensemble that’s a little fun like a white feathery dress or top.
Bride Outfits We Love For Bridal Showers:
Best Bridal Shower Outfit Colors
There are loads of colors to choose from (and lots to avoid) when it comes to attending a bridal shower and picking an outfit. First, consider the season. Spring and summer events are a great time to wear pastels, pinks, reds, oranges, yellows, light greens, and light blues. In the fall and winter months, you can wear darker colors, greys, earth tones and jewel tones.
If the bridal shower has a color theme, that’s a great indicator of what you’re wearing. At an pink-themed bridal shower, you guessed it, you should be wearing pink. If there’s a theme but it isn’t color-related, this is also great to go off of. For example, if the theme is something tropical, break out the bright colors and tropical prints. If the theme is 80’s aerobics (yes, this is a real theme!), fluorescent colors and leg warmers are obviously encouraged. If the bride wants you to have fun with it, have fun with it!
What to Wear to a Bridal Shower Based on Season (As A Guest)
Season plays a big role in your bridal shower outfit – maybe more than you’d even think! During the spring and summer, it’s fully appropriate to wear a sundress, colorful florals, or pastels. In the winter and fall months, however, you may want to re-consider that kind of outfit.
Depending on the temperature and location, most fall and winter bridal showers will call for jumpsuits, jeans and a cute sweater if it’s a more casual party, or a long-sleeved dress and boots. Utilize cold-weather colors and materials like velvet, suede, corduroy, and sweater fabrics.
An exception would be if the bridal shower was somewhere that still remains relatively warm during the winter/fall and is during the daytime, or the bridal shower is on or near the beach. Use your best judgement!
