If you’ve been invited to a bridal shower, you may be wondering what the rules are when it comes to gift-giving. One of the questions that come up frequently is, “Can a bridal shower gift be just for the bride?”
Traditionally, Bridal Shower Gifts Are for the Couple
Traditionally, bridal shower gifts are intended for both the bride and groom. This is because the purpose of a bridal shower is to help the couple create a home together. This could mean giving a kitchen gadget, a set of towels or linens, or something else that the couple can use in their new life together.
However, times have changed, and it’s become more common for bridal shower gifts to be focused solely on the bride.
When It’s Okay to Give a Gift Just for the Bride
There are a few situations where it’s perfectly acceptable to give a bridal shower gift that’s just for the bride:
- Second Marriages: If the bride is getting married for the second time, a gift that’s just for her is perfectly fine.
- Destination Weddings: If the wedding is taking place at a destination location and attendees are required to spend a significant amount of money on travel expenses, it’s okay to give a gift just for the bride. This gift can be something that she can use during the wedding weekend, like a pair of comfortable shoes or a beach cover-up.
- Personal Shower: If the bride is having a personal shower instead of a traditional bridal shower, gift-giving rules are more relaxed. Personal showers are usually a more intimate gathering of close family and friends where the bride can receive gifts that are focused solely on her.
- Special Requests: If the bride has requested that gifts be focused solely on her, it’s okay to give a gift that’s just for her.
Examples of Bridal Shower Gifts Just for the Bride
If you’ve decided to give a bridal shower gift that’s just for the bride, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Bridal Accessories: You can’t go wrong with a beautiful piece of jewelry or a luxurious, silky robe.
- Spa Treatment: Treat the bride to a relaxing spa treatment before the wedding. This is a thoughtful gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
- Beauty Supplies: Put together a gift basket filled with the bride’s favorite beauty supplies, like makeup, nail polish, and skincare products.
- Gift Card: If you’re not sure what to get the bride, a gift card to her favorite store or salon is always a good choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a bridal shower gift can be just for the bride in certain situations. If you’re unsure whether it’s appropriate to give a gift that’s just for her, consider factors like the bride’s personality, the type of shower, and the couple’s circumstances. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a gift that’s thoughtful, personal, and shows the bride how much you care.
FAQ
Do you buy a bridal shower gift if you are not attending?
When it comes to deciding whether or not to buy a bridal shower gift if you are not attending, it ultimately depends on your relationship with the bride and your personal beliefs when it comes to gift-giving. While it is not necessarily obligatory to purchase a gift for a bridal shower that you won’t be attending, it can be seen as a thoughtful gesture if you are particularly close to the bride.
If you do decide to purchase a gift, it’s important to consider the logistics of getting the gift to the bride in a timely manner. You can ask the maid of honor or another member of the bridal party for help in delivering the gift, or you can send it directly to the bride’s home. In either case, be sure to include a thoughtful card letting the bride know that you wish you could be there to celebrate with her in person.
On the other hand, if you choose not to purchase a gift, it’s important to communicate your regrets and well wishes to the bride in another way. Consider sending a heartfelt message or a small token of your appreciation for the bride in lieu of a gift. the most important thing is to be honest and considerate of the bride’s feelings, while also staying true to your own beliefs and values.
How much money is acceptable for a bridal shower gift?
When it comes to attending a bridal shower, deciding how much money to spend on a gift can often be a struggle. While there isn’t an exact amount that one should spend on a bridal shower gift, there are some general guidelines to follow.
The standard amount to spend on a bridal shower gift is around $50-$75. This amount tends to be the sweet spot where you can find a variety of unique and thoughtful gifts without breaking the bank. However, this does not mean that you cannot spend less or more depending on your relationship with the bride and your budget.
If you’re not particularly close with the bride, or if you’re attending a shower with a group of friends, it’s generally acceptable to spend at least $25 on a gift. This shows that you’re appreciative of the invitation and want to contribute to the celebration of the bride-to-be.
On the other hand, if you’re closer to the bride, or a family member, it may be more appropriate to spend more on a gift as you hope to give them something special and meaningful. A price range of $75-$100 would be appropriate in this case.
Your relationship with the bride and your own personal budget should dictate how much you spend on a bridal shower gift. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to gift-giving, but remember that it’s the thought that counts, and a meaningful and thoughtful gift will be appreciated regardless of its cost.
What do you wear to a bridal shower as a guest?
When attending a bridal shower as a guest, what to wear can be a bit of a concern. You want to look nice and feel comfortable, but you also don’t want to upstage the bride-to-be or come off as underdressed. The best approach to dressing for a bridal shower is to consider the level of formality of the event and choose an outfit that best suits it.
If the bridal shower is a more formal occasion, it would be appropriate for guests to dress in slightly more formal attire. A good rule of thumb is for attendees to wear something like “a pantsuit, skirt-suit, or a high-neck sheath dress” according to Ashli Singla, a stylist and fashion consultant.
On the other hand, if the bridal shower is a more relaxed or casual event, guests can be a little less formal with their attire choices, while still keeping in mind that this is not an everyday occasion. For these types of events, Singla says guests “could pair a blouse and trousers, a flowy dress, or a jumpsuit.” The key is to ensure that the outfit is attractive, comfortable, and stylish yet not over-the-top to pull the attention away from the bride-to-be.
In addition to the level of formality, guests should also consider the venue of the bridal shower when choosing their outfit. For example, if the event is taking place outdoors, you might want to wear something cool and comfortable that won’t weigh you down in the heat. Similarly, if the shower is being held at a fancy restaurant, you may want to wear something that looks fashionable and elegant.
When it comes to dressing for a bridal shower, you want to look good, feel comfortable, and remember that the focus of the event is the bride-to-be. By selecting attire that is just the right balance of formal, stylish, and understated, you can help make the bridal shower an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.