Bridal Shower Etiquette

Traditionally, you give gifts to the BP before the wedding, as a thank you for the support/help/parties.

Where I am from, you do not give the host a gift at the party. I think I've seen one or two people suggest that is traditional in their area, but it is not universal.

I always give hostess gifts. We gave a nice bottle of wine or a gift card to a favorite restaurant. But I’m from the south where it’s traditional to bring a gift if someone hosts you in any way, even if someone invites you over for a dinner party.

View Quoted Comment My shower is being held at my home. My MOH had originally rented a small hall, but it was canceled due to COVID-19. So she is just taking care of all of the decorations and games/prizes. Then the other 2 BM are helping with the food and RSVPs

I for sure have all mine that hosted mine a gift

I definitely gave gifts to the hosts of my shower. It is common practice where I am from

You could probably just get them a bottle of wine and call it a day but I think that's the point of the gifts you give just before the wedding...to thank them for all they did.

I would definitely give a hostess gift. My mom hosted our shower and we got her a gift card to her favorite nail salon.

View Quoted Comment That's what I thought too, but didn't want to come off as rude

I honestly wouldn't recommend to give just certain girls who helped out at the bridal shower because you don't know how your other bridesmaids will feel and you don't want to offend them. I also feel that you might not know why they are not participating as much and its hard to say with the pandemic going around. At the end of the day you chose your bridal party and they all deserve a kind gesture normally given the day of the wedding during the dressing time as a thank you for being a part of your big day and standing by your side on one of the biggest moments of your life. As for the hostess that is normally your MOH but I would say a simple toast of gratitude and wait to give her a gift the day of the wedding or even after. If you choose to give her something more that's okay to but just not that all the other Bridesmaids will see and get offended if they didn't. I am choosing to give my bridesmaids a gesture during the bachelorette night, day of wedding, and also a brunch after the wedding to thank them for being with me every step of the way before my engagement, during, and my wedding day.

I think traditionally you give all of your ladies a gift prior to the wedding. I will be giving my ladies a gift box filled with goodies at the rehearsal dinner (FH is doing the same for his guys), and I will add a couple extra items in my MOH's box to make it a little more special since she is the one who will be taking the lead on planning the shower and bachelorette party.

Traditionally, you give your bridesmaids a gift at the rehearsal dinner or a bridesmaid luncheon the week of the wedding and that is their thank you for all of their help. You don't need to give a hostess gift to them at every single shower and pre-wedding event or you would go broke.

I gave my hostesses gift at the shower. It was hosted by two of my friends and both of our moms. I got one friend a monogrammed blanket and the other a print of her first dance lyrics. Both moms got photo books of our engagement pictures.


All of them went above and beyond (all had to travel in, etc) so I wanted to be sure and show my appreciation.

I'm personally just planning on giving all my bridesmaids gifts prior to the wedding as my way of thanking them for everything they have done and contributed for my wedding. Do what you feel is right. If you want to do a bit extra for the ones who did more thats your choice.

You definitely need to write a thank you note. You may give a little hostess gift if you want, but when it is bridal party, many just give a particular person a larger individual gift at the end, rather than 2 smaller gifts.

Some do, some don't. I personally didn't but told my girls their wedding gifts would be large to make up for everything.

Also, we went downtown shortly after the shower for my bachelorette weekend and I really didn't want to bog them down with more stuff.