Ah, weddings. Ideally, weddings are a beautiful expression of love between two people who want to spend their whole lives together. Wedding season allows us to eat, drink, dance, and dress up! What would we do without them?
Of course, the many events might overwhelm you when picking your outfits. The bridal shower, for instance, is one of the important pre-wedding events – a special occasion dedicated to the beautiful bride herself. Don’t worry about what to wear to a bridal shower; we’ve got you covered.
Here’s your ultimate guide for what to wear to a bridal shower!
1. General Rules of Thumb
With all the options, it’s easy to feel anxious, but don’t sweat it. Let’s go over a few basic rules you should always remember, simply because it’s proper etiquette. Whether you’re a dress person, skirt person, or pants person, remember these rules, and you’ll find your perfect outfit in no time!
And if generic rules are not enough to help you decide what to wear to a bridal shower, fret not; we’ll also get into the details.
1.1 The Dos
i. Do Follow the Dress Code
Generally, the bride-to-be would provide you with a dress code or a theme in the invitation. If that’s the case, it’s simpler to pick an outfit that fits. If you don’t understand it, you can always call the bride-to-be to ask for clarity and talk to the other guests to ask for advice.
If the dress code says cocktail dress, you can opt for any mini, midi length, or slightly formal and even full-length dress. If it’s a semi-casual outfit, dress pants, blazers, jumpsuits, or floral prints work great when it comes to retro or cottage-core themes; make sure to pick an outfit inspired by the theme but doesn’t look like a costume party outfit.
If no such information is provided, then any outfit is fair game.
ii. Do Wear What you’re Comfortable With
A bridal shower could be held at any location and time of year, but it’s usually a daytime event. Don’t wear things you feel self-conscious about or have to keep adjusting constantly. Your best self will only shine when you are comfortable in your clothes.
Dress for the weather – something light and breezy for a summer or spring bridal shower and something more covered against the cold for fall or winter bridal showers – especially if the party will be held outdoors.
iii. Do Pick Happy Colors
No matter the themes or dress codes, pick bright colors and tasteful prints, which are good marks of celebratory outfits. Light colors and pastel shades will also work if that’s your style, especially if requested by the guest of honor but make sure it isn’t close to white (duh).
iv. Do Dress to Impress
We all know it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. You don’t want to wear jeans and show up when everyone else is wearing cocktail attire. No matter what outfits you like, there’s always a way to dress it up for formal events.
v. Do Accessorize Well
An outfit is never complete without artfully paired accessories. This includes jewelry, watches, hair accessories, bags, scarves, and shoes. Obviously, you don’t need all of them (except for the shoes), but a few good pieces that pair well will make your outfit pop.
Shoes are important, and they can make or break your attire. Whether you like heels or would be happier without them, there are many options. Please make sure you’re comfortable wearing them. And make sure they match the attire. You don’t want to be wobbling all over the place or go back home with nasty shoe bites.
1.2 The Don’ts
i. Don’t Upstage the Bride-To-Be
This is a no-brainer. It’s the special woman’s day, not yours. Dress to impress, yes, but don’t go so overboard that you are more overdressed than the soon-to-be bride herself.
It may be difficult to decide what to wear to a bridal shower, but you can’t go wrong if you follow this rule.
ii. Don’t wear white
Seriously, don’t be that person. Follow common sense and avoid wearing white. This means that even off-white, cream, ivory, or light shades that are almost white are also out of the question. Unless specifically requested by the guest of honor in question, of course.
iii. Don’t Wear Dark Colors
This one is a little more tricky. Generally, you shouldn’t wear black or bright red or other dark colors and outfits that would be more suited for a nighttime party. Unless the party takes place in the evening, at a fancy restaurant, or requires formal or cocktail attire.
iv. Don’t Drown Yourself in Accessories
Accessorizing is all well and good, but please don’t go over the top with it. Please keep it simple. You don’t want your neck, ears, or hair to blind the people looking at you.
2. What to Wear to a Bridal Shower
Wedding festivities can get overwhelming. Bridal shower guests have to keep a lot in mind when picking their outfits, so it’s no wonder a bridal shower guest outfit takes some thought.
This guide was made – to help you decide what to wear to a bridal shower so that you can be the best-dressed bridal shower guest.
2.1 For the Warmer Months
Wear a knee-length sundress with block heels. Or any loose maxi or midi dress. Open backs look sexy without being vulgar if you want to show a little skin. You can even opt for a short dress, as long it’s not short enough to be too revealing. Save that for the bachelorette party.
You can go a little crazy with the sleeves. Try halter necks, for example. Or something off-shoulder. For the necklines, try a sweetheart neckline or a boat neck. If dresses are not your style, how about a blouse paired with a flared skirt or pants?
Wear block heels, open-toe sandals, or ballet flats. Whatever your pick, make sure it matches the outfit.
2.2 For the Cooler months
Winter outfits can be very fun to style. Layers can be your best friend. How about a long maxi dress and linen jumpsuit? Pair that with a blazer, a scarf around your neck, or a warm shrug, and you’re good to go. Another great option, especially if you have a cute sleeveless dress in your closet, is to wear it over a tight, warm top with a high neck.
For sleeves and necklines, try something sleek, full-sleeve, or bell-sleeves if you want a little flair. Blouses with turtle necks look great as well.
For footwear, you can opt for covered heels like pumps. If you want to wear a short dress, you can even rock knee-high boots, as long as it’s appropriate for the location.
2.3 For Outdoors
Boho chic is a great way to go. Casual outfits work well, as long as they’re not the casual you would wear to a grocery store. Wear floral print dresses, a floral print blouse with solid color dress pants, or a solid blouse with a floral print skirt. Anything crocheted would look great as well. A backyard bridal shower is a popular choice.
Keep the season in mind and consider whether dressing for warm or cool weather would be better. Please wear comfortable shoes, nothing so high that you’ll find it difficult to walk in.
2.4 For Indoors
These bridal parties tend to be a little more formal, so you can pick a fancier bridal shower attire when deciding what to wear to a bridal shower. Cocktail dresses are great, and you can never go wrong with a streamlined jumpsuit.
Here, you can pick footwear with high heels and fancy accessories such as dangling earrings.
3. Outfit Inspiration for What to Wear to a Bridal Shower
Now that we’ve covered all the basics to help you pick what to wear to a bridal shower, let’s look at a few examples to inspire you to create your perfect outfit.
3.1 Dresses
3.2 Jumpsuits
3.3 Blouses
3.4 Pants
3.5 Skirts
3.6 Shoes
3.7 Accessories
A bridal shower is important for new-to-be brides and their families and friends. It’s a wonderful celebration for all the ladies involved. Hopefully, this ultimate guide for what to wear to a bridal shower has helped you pick your perfect outfit!
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