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Part of
Favors and Gifts
In this section
Bridal Shower Gift Etiquette 101
Gifts for the Bride
What to Write in a Bridal Shower Card
Favors for the Guests
Gifts for the Host
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The Ultimate Guide to Bridal Showers
By
and
Melanie Rud
Melanie Rud
Melanie Rud is a freelance beauty writer, editor, and expert living in Chicago. Prior to moving to Chicago, she held beauty editorial positions at Shape, Good Housekeeping, and Health.
Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on October 04, 2024 02:37PM
In This Article
What to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Brides
The bridal shower is where the bride will be, well, showered with gifts, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to treat your guests to something special. They’ve come from near and far to celebrate you as the blushing bride-to-be, so it’s nice to show a token of appreciation.
A small, thoughtful bridal shower favor can go a long way toward showing gratitude, and who doesn’t love to leave a party with some goodies? “Bridal shower favors are not required, though they are a nice thank you for your guests,” says Sarah Miller, an event director with Paulette Wolf Events. We love tiny treasures; some you can buy in bulk, and others are inexpensive enough to buy individual items. And, if you’re a bride looking to spare no expense, there are bridal shower gifts on our list that scream quiet luxury.
Beauty Themed Favors
Beauty favors are always a welcome treat for bridal shower guests. Pamper your guests with something small like luxe lotions or nail products that would work for everyone if you’re putting together bridal shower favor bags or boxes or neutral colors that might appeal to everyone’s tastes.
Sweet Treats
Delicious treats like gourmet chocolates, candies, or bite-sized baked goods are welcome additions to a bridal shower favor gift bag. Have fun with your sweet choices, and consider tying them into your wedding’s theme and aesthetic.
Bulk Items
If you have a large wedding party and bridal shower, buying shower favors in bulk is an ideal option. Just because something comes in bulk doesn’t mean it’s not special or chic. Our editors found unique and charming shower favors you can buy in large batches for all your special guests.
Splurges
For the bride who spares no expense, these splurge-worthy favors are guaranteed to impress. They’re also ideal for intimate bridal parties and members of your crew who are particularly dear to you.
What to Look for in Bridal Shower Favors
- Size of the Favor: If guests are traveling in from out of town for the shower, it's essential to keep the size of the bridal shower favors small—or choose something they can use during the event, which is where beauty picks can come in.
- Price Per Shower Favor: You don't need to spend much money to give your friends and family excellent bridal shower favors. Small items like hair ties and lip balms can cost as little as $2 to $5 per favor. It's beneficial to keep the costs down if the guest list is sizable—if you're having a small shower, you may be able to splurge a bit more for guests.
- Wedding Theme and Location: Having a destination wedding? Consider travel-themed bridal shower favors. It's a gift that's both fun and practical, says Miller. You can also think about the color palette and overall vibe of your wedding and find a gift that fits that theme.
FAQ
How much should you spend on bridal shower favors?
The first thing to remember is that it’s the thought that counts. The amount you spend on bridal shower favors depends on several factors. First, consider your budget; you don’t need to overspend to get lovely favors for your guests. You’ll also want to think about how many people will be attending. If there are many guests, you’ll want to keep the price per bridal shower favor as low as possible, and should consider buying in bulk. For more intimate gatherings with a few close friends, you might want to splurge on shower favors to get something they’ll use and enjoy for a long time.
Who hosts the bridal shower?
“Traditionally, the bridal shower is hosted by the maid of honor and bridesmaids,” explains Miller. “However, as brides and weddings have gotten less traditional, family members, close friends, and neighbors can host a shower; brides can even have multiple showers hosted by different groups,” she says.
Why Trust Brides
Brides Associate Commerce Editorial Director Jill Di Donato specializes in bridal gifting as well as the most popular beauty and fashion products on the market. She tests out hundreds of gift ideas every month to curate the most elegant bridal picks.
Brides contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites.
For this article, we interviewed Sarah Miller, an event director with Paulette Wolf Events in Chicago.