The Ultimate Head-to-Toe Checklist of What to Wear to a Bridal Shower
An evening bridal shower enjoys an effortless evening in style. Photo Credit: DANG Fine Rentals
A bridal shower is a great time to pick an adorable outfit and strike a pose with your favorite bride-to-be! However, it’s not always easy to know exactly what to wear. Is black too dark? Should I wear a dress? Is there a theme I should be aware of?
If you’re struggling to make an outfit decision, don’t worry! Below, we’ll walk through the ultimate head-to-toe checklist of what to wear to a bridal shower, what to avoid, and how to be a wonderful shower guest.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Outfit
Bridal shower guest outfits should complement the theme while letting the bride shine! Photo Credit: Wedding Luxe
The Theme of the Bridal Shower
Most bridal showers have a unique theme, such as summer bridal showers or a coffee-themed bridal shower, that’s communicated on the invitation. Take a close look at the wording, images, and text on your invite.
You’ll be able to determine if it is a traditional shower or one that has a unique theme. Some will even detail the dress code, making it easy to pick your outfit!
Traditional
If you’re attending a traditional bridal shower, you’ll have endless options for attire. Stick with elegant, feminine attire like a flowy dress or a delicate blouse with crisp pants.
Match your color choices to the season. For instance, choose pastels in the spring, bright prints for the summer, and rich, dark hues for fall and winter.
Themed Showers
If you’re attending a themed shower, you’re in luck! You get to curate your outfit to fit a theme that will make the bride smile.
Usually, these types of showers will set a dress code to enhance their vision. So pay close attention and ask the host if you have any questions.
Venue and Location
Floral sheer overlays are perfect for a garden bridal shower. Photo Credit: Rachel Parcell
Indoor Settings
If the shower is being hosted indoors, it’s a lot easier to plan your outfit. Most venues are temperature-controlled, so you can dress for the season. If it’s summertime, you may want to bring a light layer to ward off the chill from the A/C.
Your style should match the setting and theme. Home showers tend to be more casual, while events at restaurants or event halls may require you to put some more thought into your attire.
A flattering dress is a great staple that you can dress up or down. You also have more options for footwear, since most indoor settings have easy-to-tread floors.
Outdoor Settings
An outdoor bridal shower location means you’ll need to plan your outfit accordingly.
Attending one set in a garden or park or at the beach means you’ll be walking on unstable surfaces, so you may want to leave your stilettos at home. Preview the venue online for ideas on what to wear.
If you’ll be outside during the fall or winter, you’ll definitely need some layers to keep warm. Attending a summer or spring affair? Your outfit should be breathable and comfortable to prevent overheating.
If you’re attending an at-home bridal shower, be sure not to take this as a sign to completely dress down! An at-home shower can easily be as beautiful and formal as one hosted at an official venue, so be sure to clarify if you aren’t sure!
Time of Day
Daytime Events
Events that occur in the morning or early afternoon tend to be more casual. Choose light clothing in colors suitable for daytime, like pastels or medium-tone colors.
If you’d wear your pieces to brunch, they’d work well at a daytime bridal shower!
Evening Events
Night-time bridal showers call for elegant, chic clothing. Go for more tailored fits, bolder colors, and high-end accessories.
Keep your pieces on the dressier side, but don’t go all-out glam. Use the venue as your guide for how fancy you should get. When all else fails, ask the host for their opinion!
Decoding the Bridal Shower Dress Code
Casual Bridal Showers
Casual outfits can still be stylish! Photo Credit: What Is She Wearing
Outfit Ideas
Sundresses - Every girl has a sundress that makes her feel like a million bucks! This is an easy, elegant outfit for any bridal shower. Make sure it’s not too revealing or see-through. Choose one with a more structured fabric to elevate it.
Jumpsuits - Is there anything more effortless than a jumpsuit? Choose one with a fitted bodice and flowy pants for the most modern feel. Top it with a cardigan or suit jacket if you need to add some structure and style.
Jeans & a Blouse - Choose a good blouse that complements your skin color and pair it with your best jeans. Dark washes are more formal than light, but no matter the shade, avoid rips, tears, or the worn look.
Matching Set - There are lots of matching sets with tops and pants or skirts that are easy to wear and comfortable as well. Pick a seasonal color or pattern that fits the theme well.
Midi Skirt & a Tee - Tuck a t-shirt into a fun midi skirt to instantly elevate it. This is an easy way to stay on theme, especially if you already have a tee that will work for it!
Footwear Suggestions
Daytime footwear should be comfortable but not too casual. Flats are universally flattering, comfy, and go with a variety of outfits. They also transcend the seasons, so you can wear them no matter what time of year the bridal shower is held.
If you’re attending a warm weather event, sandals are a great go-to. Opt for strappy or structured pieces over flip flops or Birks. For cool weather, go with classic boots or booties to keep your feet warm and your outfit sizzling.
Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire
Semi-formal events have lots of flexibility, so wear your brunch best! Photo Credit: Lo Chandler
Outfit Ideas
Midi Dresses - These calf-length dresses balance elegance and style. You can choose any shape or style, just keep the color and fabric high-end. Think structured over flowy.
Tailored Skirts and a Soft Blouse - Pencil skirts work on any shape. Pair it with a silk or satin blouse in your favorite color.
Elegant Separates - Your closet is already full of separates, so do some digging and put together a stunning ensemble. Layer a boxy jacket with a silky top and trousers or tuck a high-end tank into some wide leg pants.
Slim Cut Suit - A slim suit is feminine and powerful. Whether you wear it with flats or heels, it’s easy to dress it up or down.
Accessorizing Tips
Semi-formal and cocktail attire covers a wider variety of styles than straight formal. Add one piece of statement jewelry to anchor your look. Think a chunky necklace, bracelet, or set of cool earrings.
To carry all the necessities, match a stylish clutch to your outfit. Keep it neutral if your outfit has a lot of color. Wearing neutrals already? Carry a statement clutch that is sure to be a conversation piece.
Formal Bridal Showers
A woman standing on the steps wearing formal shoes and a dress. Photo Credit: Jolie Vaughan Boutique.
Outfit Ideas
Sophisticated Dresses - Formal events have strict dress codes. Pick a formal dress with a special embellishment, like lace, sequins, or fun color blocking. Everything should be structured and elegant!
Elevated Suits - Take your basic suit to the next level with a silk blouse and delicate jewelry. Wear your best heels and slick back your hair to keep the focus on your threads.
Shoe Recommendations
Formal wear calls for special heels or dressy flats. Neutrals are your best friend!
It’s OK for your shoes to have embellishments, but make sure they complement your outfit rather than distract from it. Basics are your friend!
Outfit Inspiration for Different Roles
Mother of the Bride/Groom
As the matriarch of your family, you want to look your best while still being comfortable. A blouse and pants with delicate jewelry is a great choice for any type of event.
Match your style to the theme since you’ll be circulating the room to greet guests and help where you can.
Bridesmaids
The bride’s squad should look the part! Ask the guest of honor if she wants a coordinated look for all her gals or if they should wear a special color. Whatever the bride asks, you should deliver to make her day even more special!
No dress code? Still put some effort into your outfit. Choose your favorite dress or an elegant pant-and-blouse combo. You don’t want to go too casual since you’ll be in a lot of pictures!
Close Friends and Family
If you are close with the bride and groom, you’ll want to dress the party. Put effort into your outfits and definitely stick to the theme to show solidarity with the couple.
Plus-One Guests
Attending as a plus one? Choose understated pieces so you don’t stick out. Coordinate with your partner while doing your part to enhance the theme and highlight the bride-to-be.
Color and Pattern Guidelines
Keep your bridal shower outfit palette soft and romantic. Photo Credit: Jenn Jefferson
Colors to Embrace
Neutrals, pastels, and vibrant hues all work for bridal showers. It all depends on the theme and season you’ll be attending. Go for pops of color rather than head to toe brights.
Colors to Avoid
White and Off-White
At any wedding event, white and off-white are strictly reserved for the bride. Avoid wearing these colors at all costs. Even if you have a print with a white background, it could read too bridal at the event.
Bold Reds or Blacks
While pops of these colors are OK, wearing bright red and black are not appropriate at any bridal event. Red has negative connotations while black may communicate you are “mourning” or disapproving of the union.
Patterns and Prints
Florals, stripes, and other patterns are great in small doses. Don’t choose anything that commands attention or stands out too much. This isn’t your day to shine! Wear tasteful, understated patterns.
Seasonal Outfit Ideas
No matter the date of the bridal shower, your look should embody the season. Spring bridal showers call for light fabrics and delicate floral prints.
Summer bridal showers require breathable materials and accessories that are both stylish and made to protect you from the sun.
For Fall bridal showers, choose those iconic warm tones and light layers to be prepared for any weather. Keep warm in the wintertime with cozy fabrics and elegant outerwear.
Special Considerations
Cultural and Religious Etiquette
Depending on the bride and groom’s families, you may need to dress more modestly out of respect. Ask the host if you are unsure. Always keep necklines at the collarbone and skirts to the knees.
Avoid showing your midriff and bring a cardigan just in case you need to cover your shoulders. Not only is this culturally sensitive, but it also is appropriate to dress modestly at a bridal function.
Maternity Style Tips
If you’re expecting a bundle of joy, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a stylish bridal party guest! Wear flowy styles with an empire waist to give your belly room to breathe.
Stick with comfortable, sensible shoes. If you’re attending a formal event, stick with separates that you can wear even after the baby is born.
Dos and Don'ts of Bridal Shower Attire
Bright colors work wonders for a summer bridal shower! Photo Credit: Socially Sue Moments
Dos
Do Check the Invitation for Clues - The invite will tell you a lot about what you should wear. If it doesn’t state the dress code directly, use the color scheme and vibe to pick the right outfit.
Do Prioritize Comfort - While you want to be stylish, you should also be comfortable. Otherwise, you’ll be tugging at your clothes instead of enjoying the event.
Do Consider the Bride's Style - Think about the bride’s aesthetic and try to align with the overall vibe. Stay true to yourself, but add something that gives a nod to the guest of honor.
Don'ts
Don't Wear White - We will say it again- never wear white to a bridal shower or wedding! It’s not about telling people what to do, it’s about respecting the bride’s spotlight.
Don't Overdress or Underdress - Finding the perfect middle ground is very important. Choose an outfit that fits the vibe but doesn’t make you stick out.
Don't Forget to RSVP - Bonus tip- always RSVP to an event to help the host ensure proper seating and ample food.
Quick Outfit Ideas for Last-Minute Guests
The right shoes and hairstyle can make any dress right for a last-minute shower! Photo Credit: Kimberly McDowell
Little Black Dress Variations
Everyone has a little black dress in their closet. Make it a bridal shower by layering wraps, sweaters, or flowy tops to make it more appropriate for a wedding event.
Mixing and Matching Wardrobe Staples
Dig through your closet to mix and match items you’ve worn before. This is a great method that will save you money and push your creativity to the max! Think outside the box by pairing a crisp button down with your boho dress.
Accessory Upgrades
Simple outfits get an instant upgrade with the right accessories. Think statement jewelry or a special bag that will take standard basics to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I wear jeans to a bridal shower?
At a modern, casual bridal shower, jeans are acceptable if they are styled well. Avoid rips, tears, and worn out denim.
2. Is it okay to wear black to a bridal shower?
While black elements are acceptable, head to to black is not. It may communicate that you don’t support the union!
3. What should I wear to a bridal shower with no dress code mentioned?
If all else fails, wear a nice dress or semi-formal blouse and pant combo. That way, you’ll blend in within any setting.
4. Are open-toed shoes appropriate for a bridal shower?
Yes, open toed shoes are appropriate so long as the weather and venue call for it.
5. How can I incorporate the bridal shower theme into my outfit?
Add elements of the theme through accessories without wearing a head to toe costume. You don’t want to distract from the bride!