What To Wear to An Indoor Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are increasingly popular among brides-to-be and their friends, less formal than a wedding but not as full-on as a bachelorette party. But while a bridal shower may be more relaxed, it doesn’t mean you can’t bring your fashionista flair to the occasion.

As we enter the fall and winter months, we look at the perfect guest outfits with our guide on what to wear to an indoor bridal shower.

Bridal shower dressing etiquette

A bridal shower should be a joyous, celebratory event for the bride-to-be and everyone on her guest list. To help you to start planning your outfit, here’s your essential bridal shower dressing etiquette:

Stick to the dress code

Use this as your guide if there’s a dress code for the bridal shower. This is the bride-to-be’s event, and you want to show your support and avoid a fashion faux pas!

If you are in any doubt as to the dress code, always ask. You don’t want to risk your bridal shower outfit going off-piste.

Dress for the venue

The venue listed on the bridal shower invitation will also influence your final style. The idea is to dress to match the environment and tone of the platform as well as the time of year. So, if it is a proper location, such as an upscale bar or fine-dining restaurant, high-end designer fashion will ensure you rise to the occasion. However, for more casual venues, being overdressed could leave you feeling a little out of sync.

Set the right tone

You should feel comfortable, gorgeous, and carefree in your bridal shower outfit. If you are unsure what level to pitch your outfit planning, or there is no dress code, it is always a good idea to opt for clothes suited to an elegant, upmarket brunch. But whatever you do, don’t try to outdress the bride-to-be, as she needs to be the show’s star.

Keep accessories simple

The more relaxed nature of a bridal shower means you don’t have to go over the top to look amazing. The trick to bridal shower chic is to keep your accessories simple. Avoid over-the-top jewelry, skyscraper heels, or over-stuffed handbags. Delicate necklaces, simple dangling earrings, and wedge heels all add to that elegant and sophisticated look you are trying to achieve.

Don’t wear white!

Regarding bridal shower outfits, white should be the exclusive territory of the guest of honor. Brides-to-be traditionally opt for white for their pre-wedding celebrations and the big day itself, so avoid wearing white or pale pastel shades that may compete.

How to dress for any bridal shower

With our guide to dressing etiquette, we’ve put together some stunning outfit inspirations for various indoor bridal showers.

The formal bridal shower

A more formal bridal shower commands a more ‘put together look. Bridal shower venues such as country clubs or luxury hotels allow you to opt for lux fabrics, tailored styles, and designer heels that make you feel extra special. A chic knee-length evening dress could also be the order of the day. To put your look together, you could consider the following:

• A cocktail dress with designer detailing
• A well-cut slim trouser suit, with a silk camisole and tailored jacket
• Wide-leg pants in a lux fabric teamed with a sequinned top

Accessorize your formal bridal shower look with stilettos, statement jewelry, and a coordinating clutch bag for an eye-catching look.

The casual bridal shower

Daytime bridal showers tend to be more laid-back so you can drop the formal look for something more fun and unstructured. The venue may also dictate practicalities in your final outfits, such as cover-ups and easier-to-wear shoes.

For the perfect combination of style and casual, your bridal shower outfit could include the following:

• A mid-length or maxi wrap dress
• A tailored shirt dress
• A fun jumpsuit in floral or jewel-colored fabrics

Accessorize your casual bridal shower outfit with fine jewelry, a statement belt, wedges, or knee-high boots.

The restaurant’s bridal shower

Your bridal shower outfit choice will depend on the time of the event and how formal the restaurant is. For an evening get-together at a chic restaurant, follow the lead for a more formal event, although you can soften the formality of your look by opting for flowing fabrics and floral patterns. Outfit ideas for a restaurant bridal shower include:

• A sleeveless sheath or column dress with a boat neck
• Slouchy silk pants and cashmere jumper
• Halter-neck or off-the-shoulder maxi-dress

Keep your accessories simple – although you could add a slick of bright lipstick or a bold clutch bag to keep your look fun and not too formal.

Final word

A bridal shower is the start of your bride-to-be’s celebrations, so always have the guest of honor in mind when dressing for the event. But working to the dress code doesn’t mean you can’t bring your energy and personality to the day.

Dressing your best in an outfit that makes you feel great means you can get into the bridal shower spirit and help your friend celebrate. That is an excellent reason to pop open the champagne!