What The Heck To Wear To a Bridal Shower (For Guests!)
I have probably been to like, 50 bridal showers at this point in my life (okay, slight exaggeration, but I'm probably not too far off)! So I definitely can help you out if you are wondering what to wear to a bridal shower as a guest.
So if you just received your bridal shower invite and are in panic mode about what to wear- I got you! I'm going to take you through the do's and don'ts of bridal shower dress code and some chic bridal shower outfit ideas to inspire your next bridal shower look.
The Do's and Don'ts of Bridal Shower Guest Outfits:
DO check the invitation for clues to a theme or dress code. If it's a casual bridal shower being hosted in someone's backyard, or a garden party theme at a country club or upscale venue; you're going to want to know these things before choosing an outfit! (I'll be sharing some outfit inspo for common bridal shower themes below!)
DON'T wear white. That is for the bride. End of story, no debate here, unless the bride has specifically asked you to wear white, DO NOT DO IT!
DO consider your role and relationship with the bride. If you're one of the members of the bridal party or someone who will be helping set up the party before guests arrive, you'll likely want to wear something that is easy to move around in or bring a change of clothes!
DON'T dress like it's the bachelorette party. Oftentimes a bridal shower is a classy occasion with a lot of family and old-lady types in attendance. Keep it respectful, and keep in mind that some venues (like country clubs) may have strict dress codes in place. True story my sister showed up to set up my bridal shower at a country club in ripped jeans (she planned on changing after setting up) and they would not let her in because her jeans were ripped!
DON'T forget to bring a purse. Not just because it's a cute and useful accessory, but also because oftentimes the "what's in your purse" game is played at these things and I would hate for you to miss out on a chance to win a prize!
25+ Wedding Shower Outfit Ideas for Guests To Inspire You
So let's dive into these bridal shower outfit ideas that will be sure to help you figure out what the heck to wear as a bridal shower guest! I have organized these by type of bridal shower to make it easy for you to find your ideal outfit for any type of event you may be invited to this wedding season!
When it's a themed shower:
Of course there are more themes than this, but these are some popular bridal shower themes that would actually influence your outfit choice. So if you're invited to a shower with one of these themes, make sure you're wearing the right outfit to embrace the theme (and support the bride during one of her most memorable wedding events)!
Garden Party
A garden party theme is the perfect occasion to bust out the floral prints! You can't go wrong with a simple floral dress paired with a strappy heel for a simple but on-theme look.
Tea Party
A tea party or high tea theme bridal shower is the perfect excuse to wear a fun skirt and top combo while you sip your tea and watch the bride open her gifts.
Bridgerton Theme
A square neckline maxi dress hates to see you coming if you're invited to a Bridgerton themed bridal shower. These are the perfect looks for this Netflix series themed party.
Barbie Theme
A Barbie theme or a pink dress code is a pretty easy one to dress for thankfully! You can easily embrace the event's theme without necessarily having to buy something new. Unless you have a pink aversion or just like to shop and find an excuse to buy a new outfit for every social event you're invited to (Hi, I'm guilty)!
When it's at a nice venue:
A fancy country club or restaurant is going to a require that you level up your bridal shower outfit. No baggy jeans, here please! These are the perfect bridal shower outfits for guests that are a little bit more elegant to match the fancy venue.
Wear a dress!
When it comes to wearing a dress for a more upscale bridal shower, you don't want to overdo it and look like you're attending the wedding day in formal attire! But something like these options are the perfect balance between elevated but subdued.
Opt for a skirt
A longer skirt is always a safe bet at a country club. These looks I put together are great for attending the bride-to-be in your life's big day.
A chic jumpsuit look
I love a jumpsuit for a bridal shower outfit! It's so easy to throw it on and look instantly chic. This look is the perfect outfit for attending a wedding shower in style.
A pants option
If you're not a dress/skirt/jumpsuit girl, you can also totally rock a nice pair of trousers like this and look totally appropriate at a nicer venue.
When it's a casual get-together:
Some brides are laidback and just want to have a great time with their close friends and family in a low key setting like their backyard or a casual barbecue joint. I still think it's a good idea to skip the ripped jeans, but I'll share some more casual looks that are perfect for attending her casual, but still special day.
A casual dress look
Love a good casual dress option! This dress is perfect because you can dress it up or down depending on how fancy you need to be. Definitely a versatile piece that makes choosing your outfit easier.
Casual and Cute in a Skirt
You can totally rock a skirt for a casual bridal shower. I often do, and find it's way more comfy than pants.
Black Jeans Chic
I would definitely stick with a black pair of jeans if you're going to opt for a jeans option. I love this look here that would be perfect for a shower in a casual setting.
Laidback jumpsuit look
I also love a good jumpsuit option that doesn't feel overly dressy like this denim jumpsuit outfit idea!
When it's cold outside:
We can't all be Summer/early Fall brides. (It's hot and expensive. Trust me I got married on a Saturday in the middle of summer when it was 110 degrees out!) So oftentimes you'll get invited to a bridal shower during the colder months of the year. Here are some stylish bridal shower guest dresses and outfits that work for a cold weather shower.
Related: 14 Chic Winter Date Night Outfits You’ll Want to Copy
Sweater dresses for the win!
You can’t go wrong with a chic sweater dress look for a winter or late Fall baby shower. Here are some chic options I came up with to inspire your look.
Related: 12 Chic Gucci Tights Outfit Ideas
Sweater + Skirt + Boots = A Winning Winter Combo
An easy outfit formula I like to rock to special occasions in the winter is pairing a sweater, a skirt, and boots. The skirt and boots can definitely be of varying lengths based on what you have in your closet and your own personal style. See the cute ideas I came up with below for inspiration.
When it's hot outside:
Spring and summer showers are definitely popular because they are peak wedding season! So this category is stacked with some different looks that work perfectly for a warm weather bridal shower.
Stay Cool in a Linen Jumpsuit
I love rocking a chic linen jumpsuit to a bridal shower. It’s not too fancy, but not too casual and perfect for the warm weather.
Rock a Blazer
I think a blazer outfit is always so fun! It’s the perfect look for a late Spring or early Summer bridal shower and you can dress it up a little more with heels and a nicer bag if you need it for a fancier venue.
Rompin’ Around
How do we feel about rompers? I have owned this one for years and I still wear it religiously to summer parties and yes, bridal showers! It’s the perfect little thing to throw on that feels stylish, comfortable and easy to dress up or down.
You’ll Be The Best Dressed Guest!
With these outfit ideas and styling tips for inspiration, there’s no way you won’t be the best dressed bridal shower guest! I hope these ideas help you feel more confident picking out your bridal shower outfit.
How many showers do you have line up this wedding season? Let me know in the comment section below!
Loved these ideas? Save one of these images on Pinterest to refer back to later!
