What is a Wedding Shower, Anyway?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor starters, a wedding shower is simply a celebration that takes place in the months before exchanging vows. Think along the lines of a brunch, tea party, or some other sort of party that happens before the big day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traditionally, wedding showers have been called bridal showers and have been exclusively for, you guessed it, the bride-to-be. But, if a coed situation is more your speed or there\u2019s no bride involved at all, a wedding shower might be just the thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wedding showers are a chance for family members, friends, and others on the guest list to shower one or both of the soon-to-be-weds with love. You\u2019ll make fond memories that will last a lifetime, and maybe even receive a few thoughtful wedding gifts before saying \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different Types of Showers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou might be wondering: Are there any differences between a wedding shower and a traditional bridal shower? And what about a couple’s shower? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you and your partner are both the guests of honor, a couple\u2019s shower and a wedding shower are basically the same, just with different names. Like one name better than the other? Call it that. The important thing is that you are happy, excited, and comfortable \u2014 that\u2019s the idea of a wedding shower in general. You make the rules! <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/What-is-a-Wedding-Shower-3-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAs for the differences between a bridal shower and a wedding shower, the best way to think of it might be in terms of vibe. Bridal showers have gotten a bad rap for being stuffy, pastel-colored, exhausting events. A guest list of female friends and bridal shower games such as toilet paper wedding dresses often come to mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Couples have started to have more fun with planning this pre-wedding party. Think fewer tea cakes and more cocktails \u2014 but, of course, the two aren\u2019t mutually exclusive. Remember, you and your partner are in charge when it comes to the vibe of your wedding shower. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All About Timing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve mentioned a lot of events that take place from the moment of engagement all the way through the honeymoon. Most are pretty distinct, but two that often create the most confusion are the engagement party and wedding shower. Let\u2019s break them down!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An important differentiator for engagement parties<\/a> is timing. In addition to being exactly what it sounds like \u2014 a party to celebrate a couple’s engagement \u2014 this is typically the first pre-wedding soiree a couple will enjoy. This party can happen as early as the proposal! If you\u2019re confident the answer will be \u201cyes,\u201d the big moment can end with a gathering of all your closest family and friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor those who are feeling a little more cautious going into the proposal, an engagement party can also happen a few weeks or months after the engagement, but usually still well in advance of the wedding. Delayed timing is also a safe approach if you want your soon-to-be spouse to have more input in planning the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While engagement parties happen within a few months of popping the question, showers should happen within a few months of the wedding. Two or three months prior to the big day is customary \u2014 it\u2019s not so close that wedding guests experience deja vu when they get to the reception, but not so far off that they\u2019re still thinking about the engagement party, either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who\u2019s on the Guest List<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs always, this is about what makes you and your partner happy, so invite whoever you want to invite. Close friends, close family, not-so-close family members, loved ones \u2014 the number of guests is up to you. As it\u2019s customary to bring gifts to a wedding shower, it might be helpful to keep in mind that the number of RSVPs will translate to the number of thank-you notes you\u2019ll need to write. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because a shower typically happens close to the big day, you may also want to limit your guest list to those who received wedding invitations. That will help avoid hurt feelings. \u201cGood enough to come to the shower, but not the wedding,\u201d is the last thing you want to hear before you exchange vows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, if you\u2019re having a small ceremony and reception, a wedding shower is a great way to include folks who won\u2019t be there to watch you say \u201cI do.\u201d As with everything, just be tactful about how you communicate that message. Weddings can be expensive, and most everyone will understand that. A little note that communicates the intimacy of the ceremony but a desire to still celebrate your love will go a long way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organizing (and Paying For) a Wedding Shower<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get this out of the way first: You will not typically host your own wedding shower. Wedding planning takes up enough time as it is, from booking your vendors to making sure your wedding website<\/a> is always up-to-date. Let someone else throw you this party. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTraditionally, it\u2019s customary for the maid of honor to take on the responsibility of hosting and paying for the event. But why not use this opportunity to get the entire wedding party involved? (It\u2019s probably more cost-effective, too!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Involving the whole group means more minds who can help remember special things about your relationship and create an event that truly celebrates your time as a couple. But remember that more people also means more opinions, which can sometimes be tricky. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for what you need and to nudge for simplicity, if that\u2019s what you want! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That also goes for expenses. If the vibe is more upscale, having more people involved can offset those costs. But if you\u2019re more into backyard barbecues, let your loved ones know before they start spending on an over-the-top affair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the easiest ways to create confusion that might result in mismatched expectations is a failure to communicate or to let people act on assumptions alone. There\u2019s a big difference between being demanding and being communicative, and the latter is one of the most helpful things to be during this time! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Party Time: Wedding Shower Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
You might be wondering: Are there any differences between a wedding shower and a traditional bridal shower? And what about a couple’s shower? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you and your partner are both the guests of honor, a couple\u2019s shower and a wedding shower are basically the same, just with different names. Like one name better than the other? Call it that. The important thing is that you are happy, excited, and comfortable \u2014 that\u2019s the idea of a wedding shower in general. You make the rules! <\/p>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAs for the differences between a bridal shower and a wedding shower, the best way to think of it might be in terms of vibe. Bridal showers have gotten a bad rap for being stuffy, pastel-colored, exhausting events. A guest list of female friends and bridal shower games such as toilet paper wedding dresses often come to mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Couples have started to have more fun with planning this pre-wedding party. Think fewer tea cakes and more cocktails \u2014 but, of course, the two aren\u2019t mutually exclusive. Remember, you and your partner are in charge when it comes to the vibe of your wedding shower. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All About Timing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve mentioned a lot of events that take place from the moment of engagement all the way through the honeymoon. Most are pretty distinct, but two that often create the most confusion are the engagement party and wedding shower. Let\u2019s break them down!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An important differentiator for engagement parties<\/a> is timing. In addition to being exactly what it sounds like \u2014 a party to celebrate a couple’s engagement \u2014 this is typically the first pre-wedding soiree a couple will enjoy. This party can happen as early as the proposal! If you\u2019re confident the answer will be \u201cyes,\u201d the big moment can end with a gathering of all your closest family and friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor those who are feeling a little more cautious going into the proposal, an engagement party can also happen a few weeks or months after the engagement, but usually still well in advance of the wedding. Delayed timing is also a safe approach if you want your soon-to-be spouse to have more input in planning the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While engagement parties happen within a few months of popping the question, showers should happen within a few months of the wedding. Two or three months prior to the big day is customary \u2014 it\u2019s not so close that wedding guests experience deja vu when they get to the reception, but not so far off that they\u2019re still thinking about the engagement party, either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who\u2019s on the Guest List<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs always, this is about what makes you and your partner happy, so invite whoever you want to invite. Close friends, close family, not-so-close family members, loved ones \u2014 the number of guests is up to you. As it\u2019s customary to bring gifts to a wedding shower, it might be helpful to keep in mind that the number of RSVPs will translate to the number of thank-you notes you\u2019ll need to write. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because a shower typically happens close to the big day, you may also want to limit your guest list to those who received wedding invitations. That will help avoid hurt feelings. \u201cGood enough to come to the shower, but not the wedding,\u201d is the last thing you want to hear before you exchange vows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, if you\u2019re having a small ceremony and reception, a wedding shower is a great way to include folks who won\u2019t be there to watch you say \u201cI do.\u201d As with everything, just be tactful about how you communicate that message. Weddings can be expensive, and most everyone will understand that. A little note that communicates the intimacy of the ceremony but a desire to still celebrate your love will go a long way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organizing (and Paying For) a Wedding Shower<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get this out of the way first: You will not typically host your own wedding shower. Wedding planning takes up enough time as it is, from booking your vendors to making sure your wedding website<\/a> is always up-to-date. Let someone else throw you this party. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTraditionally, it\u2019s customary for the maid of honor to take on the responsibility of hosting and paying for the event. But why not use this opportunity to get the entire wedding party involved? (It\u2019s probably more cost-effective, too!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Involving the whole group means more minds who can help remember special things about your relationship and create an event that truly celebrates your time as a couple. But remember that more people also means more opinions, which can sometimes be tricky. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for what you need and to nudge for simplicity, if that\u2019s what you want! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That also goes for expenses. If the vibe is more upscale, having more people involved can offset those costs. But if you\u2019re more into backyard barbecues, let your loved ones know before they start spending on an over-the-top affair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the easiest ways to create confusion that might result in mismatched expectations is a failure to communicate or to let people act on assumptions alone. There\u2019s a big difference between being demanding and being communicative, and the latter is one of the most helpful things to be during this time! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Party Time: Wedding Shower Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
For those who are feeling a little more cautious going into the proposal, an engagement party can also happen a few weeks or months after the engagement, but usually still well in advance of the wedding. Delayed timing is also a safe approach if you want your soon-to-be spouse to have more input in planning the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While engagement parties happen within a few months of popping the question, showers should happen within a few months of the wedding. Two or three months prior to the big day is customary \u2014 it\u2019s not so close that wedding guests experience deja vu when they get to the reception, but not so far off that they\u2019re still thinking about the engagement party, either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who\u2019s on the Guest List<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs always, this is about what makes you and your partner happy, so invite whoever you want to invite. Close friends, close family, not-so-close family members, loved ones \u2014 the number of guests is up to you. As it\u2019s customary to bring gifts to a wedding shower, it might be helpful to keep in mind that the number of RSVPs will translate to the number of thank-you notes you\u2019ll need to write. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because a shower typically happens close to the big day, you may also want to limit your guest list to those who received wedding invitations. That will help avoid hurt feelings. \u201cGood enough to come to the shower, but not the wedding,\u201d is the last thing you want to hear before you exchange vows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, if you\u2019re having a small ceremony and reception, a wedding shower is a great way to include folks who won\u2019t be there to watch you say \u201cI do.\u201d As with everything, just be tactful about how you communicate that message. Weddings can be expensive, and most everyone will understand that. A little note that communicates the intimacy of the ceremony but a desire to still celebrate your love will go a long way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organizing (and Paying For) a Wedding Shower<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get this out of the way first: You will not typically host your own wedding shower. Wedding planning takes up enough time as it is, from booking your vendors to making sure your wedding website<\/a> is always up-to-date. Let someone else throw you this party. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTraditionally, it\u2019s customary for the maid of honor to take on the responsibility of hosting and paying for the event. But why not use this opportunity to get the entire wedding party involved? (It\u2019s probably more cost-effective, too!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Involving the whole group means more minds who can help remember special things about your relationship and create an event that truly celebrates your time as a couple. But remember that more people also means more opinions, which can sometimes be tricky. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for what you need and to nudge for simplicity, if that\u2019s what you want! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That also goes for expenses. If the vibe is more upscale, having more people involved can offset those costs. But if you\u2019re more into backyard barbecues, let your loved ones know before they start spending on an over-the-top affair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the easiest ways to create confusion that might result in mismatched expectations is a failure to communicate or to let people act on assumptions alone. There\u2019s a big difference between being demanding and being communicative, and the latter is one of the most helpful things to be during this time! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Party Time: Wedding Shower Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
Let\u2019s get this out of the way first: You will not typically host your own wedding shower. Wedding planning takes up enough time as it is, from booking your vendors to making sure your wedding website<\/a> is always up-to-date. Let someone else throw you this party. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditionally, it\u2019s customary for the maid of honor to take on the responsibility of hosting and paying for the event. But why not use this opportunity to get the entire wedding party involved? (It\u2019s probably more cost-effective, too!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Involving the whole group means more minds who can help remember special things about your relationship and create an event that truly celebrates your time as a couple. But remember that more people also means more opinions, which can sometimes be tricky. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for what you need and to nudge for simplicity, if that\u2019s what you want! <\/p>\n\n\n\n That also goes for expenses. If the vibe is more upscale, having more people involved can offset those costs. But if you\u2019re more into backyard barbecues, let your loved ones know before they start spending on an over-the-top affair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the easiest ways to create confusion that might result in mismatched expectations is a failure to communicate or to let people act on assumptions alone. There\u2019s a big difference between being demanding and being communicative, and the latter is one of the most helpful things to be during this time! <\/p>\n\n\n\nParty Time: Wedding Shower Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/What-is-a-Wedding-Shower-2-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n