A bridal shower is one of the most delightful pre-wedding celebrations among the rest—the bride's shower is a kind of celebration full of love, laughter, gifts, and support. But one question is raised more than others: Who throws the bridal shower?

In the past, there was just one "correct" solution. Still, the wedding has become more elastic nowadays, and bridal shower etiquette is evolving with the changing times. Hence, we present you with a structured chart that showcases the entire journey from the bride and groom being the ones who can host a bridal shower to the ones who usually do, and what the bride is supposed to do (and not do) according to etiquette practices.

The Traditional Rule: The Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids Host

For several years, the etiquette guides stated that the maid of honour—usually taking assistance from the bridesmaids—was to plan and host the bridal shower.

Why? Historically, it was deemed not very nice for a close family member to host a gift-giving affair, as it could seem they were "asking for gifts" on the bride's behalf.

Although this rule still affects some wedding customs, it has gradually become less rigid.

Modern Bridal Shower Etiquette: Anyone Close to the Bride Can Host

The rules of wedding etiquette today are way more relaxed. The main consideration is who is willing to party with the bride and give her support. So, anybody from the next list can throw a party:

  • Maid of Honour: She’s still one of the most frequent hosts. It’s her decision to either plan the whole thing or just let others do it while she takes care of everything.
  • Bridesmaids: These ladies very often look after the expenses and take care of the event’s decorations and everything else. In some cases, they even share the host position with the maid of honour without her taking charge.
  • The Bride’s Mother or Mother-in-Law: This was the no-go area of the hosting world. Just as moms are now often times hosting or co-hosting, it’s not completely outrageous and very common.
  • Close Friend or Group of Friends: In case the wedding party members are very distant or have very thin wallets, a local buddy might do the job.
  • Bride and Groom's Brothers and Sisters: Sisters (or even brothers!) very frequently are the one/s who throw the bridal shower, mainly if it is a family-oriented party.
  • Aunts, Cousins, or Extended Family Members: Family-hosted showers are loving, religious, and less expensive—especially when large numbers of guests, who all belong to the same community, or customs are involved.
  • Workplace Colleagues: On occasion, the office employees gather for a tiny, informal celebration of the bride. This is not meant to replace the family and friends gathering, but rather to make the already existing party more enjoyable.

Having More Than One Bridal Shower, Is It Okay?

Yes, for sure.

In fact, it happens that brides with two or even three showers, especially under the following circumstances, are quite common:

  • Families residing in different cities
  • A big guest list
  • Brides have various social groups
  • Separate the office party from coworkers

The only rule:

Limit the invitations only to those who belong to the shower(s) where the invited guests are.

Workers, for example, should not be compelled to take part in a family shower unless they are on extremely close terms with the bride.

Is it the bride who must arrange her bridal shower?

In a sense, No.

It is relatively considered a poor etiquette for the bride to be the host of the event, although the shower is gift-centered.

However, she can:

  • Communicate her choices
  • Give a list of invites
  • Say something about the food or the theme
  • Help with the registry
  • Proposing a date that is suitable for everyone

But the host(s) should be responsible for the planning, payments, and invitations.

Who Pays the Bridal Shower?

The cost is covered by the host or the group of hosts. The costs can be:

If there are several people, it is common for them to divide the costs among themselves.

Note: It is very alright for mothers or close relatives to give monetary support, even if they are not primary planners.

What If No One Is Host for the Shower?

It is not common; however, it does occur especially in case of small wedding parties or friends living far apart.

The options are:

  • A mother or aunt volunteering to host
  • A brother or sister taking over
  • A group of friends organized something informal
  • The bride decides to forgo the shower

The bride should not request someone to host, but if the subject arises, she can clarify her position regarding the shower.

Also Read: Wedding After Party: Ultimate Guide!

Conclusion

The straightforward response to the question of “Who throws the bridal shower?” today is: A person or group of people who care about the bride and want to celebrate with her.

The hostess can be the maid of honor, bridesmaids, a relative or a very good friend, but whoever the host is, they should be the most enthusiastic one who is going to organize a fun, unique, and unforgettable party. If the shower is like the bridge and serves its purpose of uniting people, you have done it right.

FAQs About Bridal Shower Hosts

1. Is it okay if the bride’s mom or mother-in-law hosts?

Yes, it is fine. The etiquette rule that “family shouldn’t host” is long gone. Mothers hosting is very frequent nowadays and often makes planning much easier.

2. Can a bride have more than one shower?

Yes, a bride can have more than one shower, and many brides do! It’s pretty much standard to have a family shower, a friends’ shower, and perhaps even a small one for coworkers. The only thing to be careful about is making sure that no one feels obliged to attend more than one event.

3. Who pays for the bridal shower?

The bridal shower costs are covered by the host. When there are joint hosts, they usually share the cost.

4. Should the bride help plan the shower?

She is not to be the planner nor the payer, but she can contribute in a very useful way, for example, providing the guest list, the type of atmosphere she likes, or the things that she will not accept. Other than that, she simply gets to come and have fun.