22 Seasonal Ideas You'll Want to Copy for Your Fall Bridal Shower (2024)

FAQs

What is the theme for bridal shower in October? ›

Embrace the quintessential autumn flavors with a “Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice” fall bridal shower theme. The theme pretty much lays the foundation for some fun pumpkin themed decor and treats.

For more formal affairs, she advises guests to lean into fancy styles, like midi dresses and pantsuits, without going over the top. For guests who don't have a specified dress code to follow, opt for pieces that you would wear to a nice brunch or an elegant social gathering.

The standard amount to spend on a bridal shower gift is around $50-$75. If you're invited to a bridal shower but not particularly close with the bride, expect to spend at least $25.

According to standard etiquette practice, a bridal shower is paid for by the person hosting the event, who, in most cases, is the maid of honor.

So when's the best time to throw a bridal shower? Tradition (and Emily Post) states that the bridal shower should take place between two weeks and two months before the wedding.

Throw a long overcoat or trench coat on top of your outfit for a chic way to avoid the cold. Go for autumnal colours, like brown, tan, or burnt orange. Or, pick out a fun pattern, like plaid. Trench coats look great with almost any outfit: jeans and a T-shirt, a mini dress, or even a romper.

Let the bride-to-be wear white.

It's a subtle way to let her shine on her big day. Personally, I would even steer away from creams and ivory as well. Nude shades and white dresses with colorful prints are fine, but solid whites should be reserved for the star of the show: The Bride.

Rich, darker colors like deep emerald green, black, navy, and burgundy are all appropriate options, but hues like rose, blush, and lavender can make for stunning fall wedding guest options, too–as long as your dress feels, well, dressy.

ALWAYS THINK OF THE BRIDE — IT'S HER DAY!

White is not always right! It seems obvious, but it must be said: steer clear of wearing white or anything close to white. The traditional hue is reserved for the bride-to-be. Save that little white dress for another non-wedding related event.

Who should not host a bridal shower? ›

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Nancy is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.

Winter Bridal Shower Outfits

In winter, you can opt for longer dresses and long sleeves. If you don't want to opt for a dress, a chic pants-length jumpsuit is a perfect choice. Winter is also a great time for heavier fabrics, like jacquard and sweater fabrics; sweater dresses can keep you cute and cozy.

Key Takeaway: The host is the one who usually pays for the bridal shower. However, if needed, others can help, too. The planning process can be a beautiful collaboration between the maid of honor, the bridesmaids, the bride's mother, and the groom's mother. And yes, even the bride can join in if she wants!

The Average Cost of a Bridal Shower Gift

According to Opperman, bridal shower gifts tend to be less expensive than wedding gifts. "Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says. "However, the amount you want to spend is up to you."

A bridal shower should be an event for those closest to the bride, both in relationship and location. I'm often asked how many guests should be invited to a shower, and I usually recommend keeping it to around 25 guests if possible. Everyone wants to see their gift opened and the reaction on the bride's face.

An October bride will be pretty, coquettish, loving but jealous. A November bride will be liberal and kind, but sometimes cold. A December bride will be fond of novelty, entertaining but extravagant.

DECIDE ON A WEDDING SHOWER THEME

While you don't have to have a theme for the bridal/wedding shower, you want to at least coordinate your colors and general style. Themes are such a festive way to celebrate. You can go for something more understated and classic, or something over the top.

"Typically, the first formal pre-wedding event is your bridal shower, and this is a great party to own the tradition of the bride in white," Fritz says.

But themes can be a fun way to personalize a shower—in this case, the hostess narrows or custom-designs the focus of a shower (often after discussions with the bride or the bridesmaids regarding the wedding couple's needs) to a certain theme.