Bridal Shower Etiquette: Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?
Planning a bridal shower is an exciting part of the wedding journey. It provides a chance to celebrate the bride-to-be with close friends and family. However, with the excitement often comes the question of who covers the expenses. Whether you’re planning a bridal shower or just curious about the responsibilities, here’s a look at the traditional guidelines and modern approaches to covering costs for the bridal shower. Also, learn tips for planning a beautiful bridal shower with Charleston wedding rentals from CHEERS. Traditional Etiquette: Who Pays for the Bridal Shower? Traditionally, the maid of honor and bridesmaids were expected to cover the bridal shower costs, from the venue to food, drinks, and decorations. Sometimes, close family members like the bride’s mom might contribute, especially for larger or more formal events. The bride isn’t expected to contribute, as the shower is a gift from her friends and family. Guests and other family members who attend aren’t responsible for any costs either; they just come to celebrate and bring a gift. Modern Showers: How Payment Has Changed Today, the approach to paying for bridal showers is much more flexible. While the maid of honor and bridesmaids may still host, it’s common for costs, like bridal shower event rentals, to be shared among a larger group, including family members or even the bride, if she has specific requests. Some showers, especially themed or destination events, may involve everyone pitching in to cover expenses. This allows for more creativity and less pressure on any one person since the financial responsibility is shared more evenly among close friends and family. What’s the Average Cost of a Bridal Shower? The average cost of a bridal shower is usually between $50 and $100 per person. The final price depends on the venue, food, and décor. Hosting at a fancy location with catering will fall on the higher end of this range, while a smaller, casual gathering can keep costs lower. The average cost of a wedding in Charleston, SC, is between $35,310 and $43,156 for 100 to 150 guests. A bridal shower is much easier to manage and budget, especially if you plan around the event’s size and style. Tips for Throwing a Beautiful Bridal Shower: Budget Considerations When planning a bridal shower, knowing what elements to budget for is important. From selecting the space to personalizing the event with décor and table settings, can influence the final cost. Here’s a breakdown of what to keep in mind for a beautiful and well-planned bridal shower: Choose the Right Space Choosing the right venue sets the tone for the bridal shower and helps you plan your budget. Whether you’re hosting at a restaurant, backyard, or rented hall, the space will influence how many tables you’ll need for seating, food displays, and gifts. Round tables create a cozy atmosphere for a smaller, more intimate gathering, while banquet tables work well for larger groups. If you’re outdoors, you might want to add a lounge area with cocktail tables and comfortable seating for a relaxed vibe. The table styles shape the look and affect your budget for rentals and décor, so plan accordingly based on the shower’s size and theme. Dinnerware and Cups Wedding rentals, such as dinnerware, cups, and utensils for an upscale bridal shower, are a great way to achieve a polished look without purchasing each item. Renting lets you choose pieces that perfectly match the event’s theme or wedding colors. If you’re going for a classic, elegant setting, consider pairing gold flatware with white plates featuring scalloped edges. You might choose blue and white patterned dishes and colorful glassware for a more playful shower. With rentals, you can create a beautifully styled table without the commitment of purchasing, making it both practical and stylish. Food and Drinks The key to a great bridal shower is delicious food and drinks! When planning your budget, decide on the menu and the types of drinks you’ll offer to help estimate costs for both the meal and refreshments. The menu should be based on the time of day and type of shower you’re throwing. For a brunch shower, serve mini quiches or fruit skewers on floral-themed salad plates. An afternoon event might feature tea sandwiches and charcuterie on sculpted side plates. For an evening gathering with a full meal like gourmet sliders or stuffed pasta shells, you will need full-size dinner plates. For drinks, rent a personalized bar in a fun color like pink or white. Serve cocktails like mimosas, rosé spritzers, or iced tea cocktails—perfect for planning a summer wedding bridal shower. Fun Extras To Personalize the Shower Add fun extras to the bridal shower to make the event feel more personal and memorable. These creative touches help set the shower apart and offer a unique experience for everyone attending. Consider including: Plan a Memorable Bridal Shower Planning thoughtfully and using quality rentals can create a memorable bridal shower that honors the bride and ensures everyone has a wonderful time. Ready to start planning? Discover our range of elegant tableware, furniture, and unique décor to make your bridal shower unforgettable. Contact us today to explore how we can help bring your vision to life with the perfect event rentals in Charleston, SC.