What Do I Bring to a Bridal Shower? – Gift Tips & Etiquette

​Bridal showers can be both exciting and, let’s be real, a little stressful. There are a lot of questions to ask, especially when it comes to gifts. Do I need to bring a gift to a bridal shower? What if I already bought a wedding gift? Should I buy from the registry? If this is your first bridal shower or even your 20th, here are some helpful bridal shower gift tips and etiquette for you.

1. Bring the gift!
Unlike wedding gifts which you can send to the couple at any time, it is good etiquette to actually bring your gift to the bridal shower. The bride will be opening the gift at the shower and you’ll want to see her reaction!

And yes, it’s also good etiquette to buy both a bridal shower gift and a wedding gift. However, if you don’t have a large budget, don’t fret! You can split your budget between the bridal shower and wedding, or even give a DIY gift at the shower.

2. Buy from their registry
The bridal shower is the perfect time to buy from the registry. Since bridal gifts don’t have to be as large or extravagant as a wedding gift, feel free to buy some of the smaller and simpler items off of the registry such as a set of ceramic bowls or dish towels. Registries often have a “Most Wanted” category so you’ll know what’s a necessity versus what’s just for fun. Make sure to also check what’s already been purchased by others so you don’t get a repeat!

3. Sentimental value
If you’d rather stray away from the registry, gift the bride with something of sentimental value! If the couple has a specific song that’s meaningful to them, frame a print of the song’s lyrics. Put together a photo album with photos of some of their milestones or special moments together. Personalize home goods such as a cutting board or hand towels with their last name engraved or embroidered on it. You know the couple well and they’ll appreciate any extra thought and effort you put into a gift.

4. Go in with friends
Worried about money? Get a few friends to chip in together for a bigger gift or gift card. This would be a great time to purchase a kitchen appliance that might be a bit expensive for one person to purchase, but is no problem for a group of people! Chances are, the appliances on the couple’s list are some of their “most wanted” options, so you’d be gifting them something they actually need and will use!

5. Themed gifts
Make sure to check the invitation to see if the shower has a theme. If there is one, bring a gift that correlates to the theme. For example, if the party is a “stock-the-bar” shower​, bring a bottle of your favorite alcohol or another bar-related gift. As always, if you’re unsure about the theme or what type of gifts to bring, ask the host! They’ll often be more than happy to help answer any questions.

We hope this helps you navigate buying a gift for the bride-to-be. No matter what you get, remember that what means the most to the bride is that you’re there celebrating the journey with her, so don’t stress too much about getting the “perfect” gift.

​People who read this also enjoyed Gifts for Your Groom!

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