What to Wear to a Bridal Shower as a Guest

While all pre-wedding festivities are important, the bridal shower may be the most sentimental. It is a ladies-only gathering in honor of the soon-to-be-bride, filled with guidance, legacy, and presents for the soon-to-be-wed couple. Several servings of laughs, touching accounts, and memories are had.

Preliminary, if you have been invited to participate in a colleague’s bridal shower, which is a demonstration of appreciation level of identification with the guests of honor, they’re inviting you to close to the heart. With that in mind, we doubt you’ll need to go on a full purchasing spree, yet you’ll want to don attire that mirrors the occasion, venue and theme while still reflecting your distinct identity.

To get her insights on how guests should attire for bridal showers, we reached out to style advisor Lena Qureshi, the founder of Solae & Vine, a sustainable pleasure company renowned for its intricately handcrafted attire. Her tips apply to everyone—yes, even members of the wedding party.

General Guidelines for Guest Attire

Lena directs us to begin with general fashion standards: “Don’t dress too revealing, excessively sparkly, or very official. The purpose is to commemorate, not outshine, she explains. You want to opt for outfits that are suitable, pleasant, and easy to put on.

Which means no white, no tremendous phenomenal gowns, and no nearly transparent or limited.

How to Select an Outfit as a Guest of Bridal Shower

To make the best decision, Lena states you should consider three factors dress code, venue, and seasonality. These will serve as the basis for your outfit selection and provide some assurance that you are adequately clothed.

Respect the Dress Code

If the host has issued a dress code in the invitation, would do well to follow it. For something slightly more relaxed, Lena recommends a loose sundress, a matching set, or a flowy top with a midi skirt or trousers. If it’s a fancier event, she suggests dressier options such as a refined jumpsuit or chic midi dress.

In the majority of cases, however, you won’t be told to adhere to one strict dress code. That’s where a bit of style intuition comes into play. “Think about what you would wear to a chic brunch or a casual cocktail party,” Lena suggests. Bridal showers are usually laid-back, so it’s OK to show your personality in what you wear — just make an effort to look polished.

And if you're unsure? “Consider what’s typical attire for the guest of honor,” she suggests. Do they tend to be more formal or informal in the way they plan things? If that doesn’t clear things up, touch base with a mutual friend and compare notes.”

Consider the Venue

Half the fun is where, not just what. No matter if it’s a restaurant, a backyard or a country club, you will want to tie your outfit into the setting. For instance, if the shower is outside, put on an appropriate outfit that is cool enough if it’s warm and warm enough if it’s chilly.

Also, keep shoes in mind. “As far as formality ranking, I’d go backyard, country club, restaurant,” Lena says. “If you’re walking on grass, don’t wear high heels. You certainly don’t want your heels to dig into the grass during photos.”

Dress for the Season

As with any event, the weather needs to play into your look. “No, but winter showers do,” Lena explains. “In the summer, shorter midi dresses or skirts are ideal.”

Color also plays a role. Spring and autumn showers lend themselves to seasonally inspired palettes, so consider whether your colours are in tune with the mood of the hour. More importantly, you don’t want to be tugging at layers or overheating under the sun and missing all the fun.

What the Bridesmaids Should Wear to a Bridal Shower

Contrary to the wedding day, you are not typically obligated to dress your bridesmaids in matching attire for the bridal showe. Unless the guest of honor has asked for a specific theme, dress-code-fearing bridesmaids parties can navigate the age-old debate over what to wear to a bridal shower just like any other guests.

Regardless, if you’re unsure, it’s wise to check in with the host. A quick text asking for advice is a nonverbal way to say you’re into making the day’s vision happen — and helps you feel secure in your decision.