Wedding season is upon us, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably received at least one invitation to a bridal shower. As fun as these events can be, they can also put a strain on your wallet. Luckily, with a little bit of planning and creativity, you can throw a memorable bridal shower without breaking the bank! In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about planning a bridal shower on a budget!

- Who usually plans the bridal shower?
- How do you plan a simple bridal shower?
- What should a bridal shower consist of?
- What is the order of a bridal shower?
- Do bridal showers need favors?
- How far in advance should a bridal shower be?
- Are most bridal showers on Saturday or Sunday?
- What is the average cost of a bridal shower?
- What should you not forget when planning a bridal shower?
- Do brides open gifts at a bridal shower?
- Does the mother of the groom attend the bridal shower?
- What time of day is best to host a bridal shower?
- Conclusion
Who usually plans the bridal shower?
Traditionally, the maid of honor or the bridesmaids are responsible for planning the bridal shower. However, anyone close to the bride can plan the shower. This can include family members, friends, or even coworkers.
How do you plan a simple bridal shower?
Here are some tips for planning a bridal shower on a budget. I used all of these tips when I planned my sister’s bridal shower and it was a hit! I wrote another blog post with all of the steps I used to plan it.
- Choose a theme that is easy to execute and doesn’t require a lot of expensive decorations.
- Host the shower at someone’s home instead of renting out a venue.
- Make your own decorations and favors instead of buying them.
- This is what I did for my sister’s shower and it was a hit! I made a TikTok video showing how I made the favors here.
- Opt for simple, homemade food instead of catering.
What should a bridal shower consist of?
Bridal showers typically consist of the following:
- Games and activities: Bridal shower games are a popular way to entertain guests and break the ice.
- Food and drinks: Guests are usually treated to light refreshments and drinks.
- Gifting: Guests typically bring gifts for the bride-to-be.
- Favors: Some hosts choose to give guests small gifts as a thank-you for attending.
What is the order of a bridal shower?
The order of events at a bridal shower can vary, but here is a general timeline:
- Greeting guests and introductions
- Food and drinks
- Games and activities
- Gift opening
- Favors and thank-yous
Feel free to adjust this order to fit your theme and budget!
Do bridal showers need favors?
Favors are not a requirement for a bridal shower, but they can be a nice touch. Here are some ideas for affordable and meaningful favors:
- DIY soap or candle kits
- Personalized cookies or chocolates
- Seed packets or small plants
- Customized drinkware or coasters
How far in advance should a bridal shower be?
A bridal shower is typically held a few weeks to a few months before the wedding. It’s best to coordinate with the bride to find a date that works for her schedule.
Are most bridal showers on Saturday or Sunday?
Bridal showers are typically held on a weekend day to accommodate guests’ schedules. Saturdays and Sundays are both popular choices, but the best day will depend on the bride’s schedule and preferences.
What is the average cost of a bridal shower?
The cost of a bridal shower can vary widely depending on factors such as the location, number of guests, and type of food and drinks served. However, it’s possible to throw a lovely bridal shower on a budget of around $100-$200.
What should you not forget when planning a bridal shower?
Here’s a checklist of important details to consider when planning a bridal shower:
- Guest list and invitations
- Theme and decorations
- Food and drinks
- Games and activities
- Gift opening logistics
- Favors and thank-yous
- Timing and scheduling
Do brides open gifts at a bridal shower?
Gift opening is a longstanding tradition at bridal showers, but it’s not required. Some brides choose to open gifts privately after the shower, while others opt for a “gift-free” shower altogether. If the bride does choose to open gifts at the shower, it’s a good idea to designate a specific time for this activity so guests know what to expect.
Does the mother of the groom attend the bridal shower?
It’s becoming more common for the mother of the groom to attend the bridal shower, especially if she is close to the bride or if the groom’s family is helping to fund the wedding. However, this ultimately depends on the preferences of the bride and the host.
What time of day is best to host a bridal shower?
The time of day you choose to host the bridal shower can have a big impact on your budget. Brunch and afternoon tea showers can be more affordable than hosting a full meal. Here are some ideas:
- Brunch: A morning shower with light breakfast foods like bagels, fruit, and pastries.
- Afternoon tea: A midday shower with tea sandwiches, scones, and tea or lemonade.
- Dessert party: An evening shower with a dessert bar or cupcakes and champagne.
Ultimately, the best time of day will depend on the bride’s schedule and preferences.
Conclusion
Planning a bridal shower on a budget can be a fun and rewarding experience. With a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can create a memorable event that the bride-to-be will cherish (without breaking the bank). Just remember to focus on the love and excitement of the occasion, and everything else will fall into place. If you want to see the step by step of what I did to plan one, check out my blog post here. Happy planning!
And remember, you’ve got this!

