Who is in Charge of Hosting the Bridal Shower?
So, who hosts a bridal shower?
One of the most thrilling aspects of getting married—besides the actual wedding day, of course—is the series of celebrations that follow the engagement, especially the bridal shower.
Bridal showers are cherished pre-wedding traditions that celebrate the bride-to-be and her upcoming nuptials.
This event is a special occasion dedicated to brides and their upcoming nuptials, eagerly anticipated by many, as it brings together a close-knit group of family and friends.
Typically organized by the women in the bride’s side of the family, bridal showers are one of the few pre-wedding events where the guest of honour can unwind and revel in a celebration of love.
However, it’s essential to recognize that planning a bridal shower can present its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to who hosts it and typically covers the costs.
These gatherings often raise questions about hosting responsibilities, financial aspects, guest lists, and the bride’s involvement in the planning process.
We will guide you through the key elements to ensure a seamless and enjoyable shower experience.
We will be looking at answering the following questions:
-
Who pays for a bridal shower
-
How to Ask Someone to Host a Bridal Shower
-
Responsibilities of the Bridal Shower Host
-
Who is invited to a bridal shower
These are all great questions that brides often ask.
Fortunately, we will answer them.
So, who is responsible for throwing a bridal shower?
Before we begin discussing who hosts a bridal shower, we wanted to take a moment to invite you to like our Facebook Page here! We also use affiliate links in our blog posts, meaning we can make a commission if you use any of our affiliate links.
Be sure to check out the printable wedding shop for wedding planning checklists, worksheets, and free resources.
You can also check out and grab this epic Bridal Shower Printable Planner right here to get you started with your wedding shower planning.
Why host a bridal shower?
A bridal shower was primarily done back in the day to honour the bride-to-be and provide support as she transitions into married life.
This pre-wedding gathering allowed friends and family to “shower” the bride with gifts, heartfelt wishes, and love.
Traditionally, it focuses on gift-giving to help the couple establish their new household, while also serving as an opportunity to build excitement and anticipation for the upcoming wedding.
It’s as simple as that.
These days, couples often live together and have most of the household items.
Most are choosing to skip the bridal shower as they find them irrelevant; however, it is still a nice touch to get together with the ladies to mingle and celebrate the upcoming wedding.
Who Hosts the Bridal Shower?
In modern times, it is very common for close friends, bridesmaids, the maid of honour or family members to take on the responsibility.
The rule is that the bride’s closest female relatives host the bridal shower.
Think of mom, grandma, sisters, cousins, and any other relative.
Here are a few common scenarios:
- Family Members: A mother, sister, or aunt should consider hosting, especially if they have a close relationship with the bride.
- Friends: A close friend who isn’t in the bridal party may also step up to host, particularly if they have a knack for party planning.
- Maid of Honour: As the bride’s trusted confidante, the maid of honour often leads the charge in organizing the bridal shower with the help of the family members (who pay). She, however, does not need to host it.
- Bridesmaids: Sometimes, the entire bridal party collaborates, making the planning process more manageable and inclusive. Again, they do not have to.
Ultimately, the host is someone who knows the bride well and is enthusiastic about celebrating her special day.
As a bride, speak to your family members to see who is willing to host your bridal shower.
Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?
In 2025, the responsibility of paying for a bridal shower should not always fall on the host.
Life is expensive as it is.
Don’t expect people to fork out thousands of dollars on the bridal shower unless they can afford it.
Brides these days often don’t even have bridal showers due to the associated expenses.
If you are a bride and would like to host a bridal shower, there’s nothing wrong with doing so yourself, provided the budget allows for it.
The real question here is who pays for the bridal shower?
The simple answer—The Host!
The host traditionally carries the financial responsibility of a bridal shower.
As I mentioned, we still need to stick with modern times.
There are modern variations to approach this question:
- Host Pays: The host covers all expenses, including venue, food, decorations, and entertainment.
- Group Contribution: It is increasingly common for the hosting duties and costs to be shared among the bride’s closest family members and friends.
- Bride’s Family Contribution: The bride’s family should offer to cover the majority of the costs, if not, all of it.
If the bridal party is planning, they should obtain funds from the bride’s family to cover these costs and NOT be expected to spend out of pocket (unless they are financially capable).
And we should NEVER assume anyone’s financial capability, regardless of lifestyle.
When costs are shared, clear communication and a budget plan are essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure everyone is comfortable with their contribution.
Who Attends the Bridal Shower?
Please DO NOT invite people who will not be invited to the wedding to the bridal shower!
This is unethical and extremely rude.
I suggest reviewing your wedding guest list, which you created with your partner, and identifying who from the list you would like to invite to your bridal shower.
The guest list for a bridal shower typically includes the bride’s closest friends and family members.
Here’s a breakdown of who is usually invited:
- Bridesmaids/MOH: As key members of the bridal party, bridesmaids are essential attendees.
- Close Friends: Friends who have shared significant moments with the bride are often invited.
- Family Members: Immediate family members, such as mothers and sisters, are typically included on the list, along with other close relatives like aunts and cousins.
- Groom’s Family: Inviting the groom’s mother, sisters, and close female relatives is common to help foster bonds between the two families.
Remember, the guest list should reflect the bride’s preferences and be limited to those who are invited to the wedding.
It is also courteous to consult the bride when finalizing the list to ensure no significant relationships are overlooked.
Is the Bride Part of the Planning Process?
Traditionally, the bride is not involved in the planning process, allowing her to be surprised and enjoy the event without stress.
However, modern practices allow for varying levels of involvement:
- Input on Guest List: The bride often provides feedback on the guest list to ensure all her essential relationships are represented.
- Theme and Preferences: Some brides may express preferences regarding the shower’s theme or activities, ensuring the event aligns with their tastes.
- Minimal Involvement: Most brides prefer to leave the details to the host, enjoying the event as a guest of honour.
The key is open communication between the bride and the host, ensuring the bride’s wishes are respected while maintaining the element of surprise.
Responsibilities of the Host:
Here are 10 key duties that a host should consider:
- Budget Planning
- Selecting a Date and Venue
- Theme and Decorations
- Creating the Guest List (consult the bride)
- Sending Invitations
- Organizing Food and Beverages
- Planning Activities and Games
- Coordinating Gift-Giving
- Hosting and Welcoming Guests
- Handling Logistics and Cleanup
Responsibility of the bride:
- Be sure to sign up for a registry
- Get your bridal shower outfit
- Be sure to get a gift to thank your host(s)
- Send thank you cards/notes to the guests
- Enjoy your day
How to Ask Someone to Host a Bridal Shower
If no one has offered to host your bridal shower, you can either plan it yourself or ask if someone would be willing to take on those responsibilities.
Start by selecting a person who is close to you and has previously expressed enthusiasm for the wedding.
Begin by having a heartfelt conversation with them, clearly expressing your appreciation for their support and sharing why you think they would be the perfect host.
Be sure to discuss your preferences and ensure the potential host is comfortable with the responsibilities involved.
Offer your assistance in planning and organizing the event to ease any concerns they might have.
Finally, express gratitude for their consideration, reinforcing how much you value their involvement.
Be prepared to pay for it, either half or all of it, if they are not financially capable of doing so.
Now you know who hosts bridal showers!
Bridal showers are a fun occasions that honour the bride-to-be.
Whether you’re hosting or attending, understanding the roles and responsibilities can enhance the experience for everyone involved.
From choosing the host and managing finances to crafting the guest list and planning, each aspect plays a crucial role in creating a memorable day.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the bride feels loved and celebrated as she embarks on her new journey as a married woman.
Grab our bridal shower planner to help keep things organized.
Read next:
- Elegant bridal shower tea party
- Pretty In Pink Bridal Shower Ideas
- 9 Cute Spa Bridal Shower Ideas
- Bridal shower sandwiches
- Winter-Themed Bridal Shower Ideas
- Bridal Party Group Chat Names
- 18 Creative & Tasty Bachelorette Party Drinks
- Who am I bridal shower Printable game
- 15 Wedding & Bridal Shower Printable Games
- Pink Wedding Cupcakes and Cake Ideas
Check out our wedding printable shop for more checklists, printables and everything you need to plan a wedding.
Follow us on Instagram for all the best wedding tips! And do not forget to join our new Facebook group dedicated to brides!