Bridal shower

Bridal shower

Bridal Shower

A Bridal Shower is a pre-wedding celebration in honor of the bride that traditionally is an opportunity for guests to give her gifts to help set up her new home. It is a custom that originated in the 1890s and is today most common in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

History

The custom of the bridal shower is said to have grown out of earlier dowry practices, when a poor woman's family might not have the money to provide a dowry for her, or when a father refused to give his daughter her dowry because he did not approve of the marriage. In such situations, friends of the woman would gather together and bring gifts that would compensate for the dowry and allow her to marry the man of her choice.

Modern Bridal Showers

In the modern era, the bridal shower is typically hosted by the maid of honor, bridesmaids, or the bride's close female friends or relatives. The location of the event is often someone's home, but bridal showers can be held at restaurants, spas, or other locations. The guest list may include anyone the bride wants to have at her wedding, and it's common for both female and male friends and family to attend.

The primary activities at a bridal shower include gift giving, playing themed games, and enjoying food and beverages. The gifts given at a bridal shower are typically items that the bride can use in her new home, and are often items listed on a gift registry created by the bride and groom.

Themes and Types of Bridal Showers

There are several different types of bridal showers, including kitchen, lingerie, and travel-themed showers. The theme of the shower will often dictate the type of gifts the bride receives. For example, at a kitchen-themed shower, guests might bring cooking utensils, cookbooks, or gourmet ingredients.

See Also

• Wedding
• Bachelorette party
• Engagement party