What to Wear to a Bridal Shower

Summer is prime wedding season, so your calendar is likely littered with save the dates for tons of matrimony-related events. All wedding festivities come with a whole set of unwritten rules, which can make choosing what to wear on these occasions difficult for some women. You want to be respectful of the bride as well as stylish, but it’s often difficult to find an outfit that suits both sides of this fashion dilemma. Bridal showers are a traditional pre-wedding affair, and they can range from relaxed and casual to formal and upscale. Discover how you can stay chic and comfortable and follow proper wedding guest etiquette with this guide on what to wear to a bridal shower:

A woman in a fitted green dress with sheer sleeves stands confidently in a bright, modern room.

Don’t Wear White to a Bridal Shower

While it’s widely known to skip this crisp color on the actual wedding day, some women don’t realize that it’s best to avoid wearing it to all pre-wedding events. Whether you’re attending the bridal shower or bachelorette party, let the bride-to-be be the only woman in white. Also, you may want to err on the side of caution when considering off-white hues like cream and ivory. To avoid offending the bride, just skip these colors altogether.

Strike Balance Between Casual and Formal

Whether the bridal shower is at a country club or the mother of the bride’s living room, strike a balance between relaxed and formal. You don’t want the outfit to be as casual as jeans or as business-like as a skirt suit. So, go with a flirty sundress, and let the shoes follow the venue’s vibe. For example, if you want to make your ensemble more relaxed, don a pair of flats or summer sandals. To dress the look up a bit, wear your sundress with a pair of pumps or wedges. You’ll capture the fun, summer atmosphere while dressing appropriately for the occasion.

A woman poses confidently in a vibrant, patterned dress with yellow sandals, against a blue background and greenery.

Wear Pants to a Bridal Shower

If you’re looking for a bit more coverage and want to skip the skirt, you can opt for a pair of patterned pants instead. Of course, you want to avoid the overly casual style of denim. However, many pants have lightweight, fun fabrics that can work for settings such as a bridal shower. Either a colorful pair of capris or a bold palazzo pant will create visual interest and keep you comfortable.

Don’t let fashion concerns keep you from wearing a fabulous outfit. Use these tips to select the perfect ensemble for your next bridal shower.