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A sweet celebration full of love, laughter… and maybe just a little bit of ribbon curling!

The bridal shower is a cherished tradition—one where we “shower” the bride-to-be with love, laughter, and a few kitchen gadgets she didn’t know she needed.

While some bridal shower traditions have stayed the same over the years, others have evolved in fun and meaningful ways. If you’ve been asked to plan an LDS bridal shower (or have volunteered—bless you!), here’s everything you need to know to pull off an unforgettable event the bride will treasure.

Who’s in charge of the bridal shower?

Traditionally, it’s the maid of honor who takes the lead—planning, hosting, and covering the cost of the bridal shower. That said, in many Latter-day Saint families, the mom of the bride, sisters, or close friends all love to pitch in. It doesn’t have to fall on one person’s shoulders.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Heavenly Father didn’t mean for anyone to go it alone—and that includes bridal shower planning!

Choosing the perfect location

The home of the maid of honor is still a popular choice, but it’s not the only option. These days, you’ll also find bridal showers at restaurants, gardens, tea rooms, and even hotel lounges. In some cases, you might reserve the cultural hall or Relief Society room at your local meetinghouse.

Wherever you host it, the most important thing is this: Does it feel warm and welcoming for the bride and her guests?

Should it be a surprise?

Ah, the classic surprise shower! It’s a cute idea and can be a lot of fun—but not every bride loves to be caught off guard. If she thrives on spontaneity, go for it. If she’s more reserved or prefers to feel prepared, let her in on the plan. The goal isn’t to startle—it’s to celebrate!

When to host the shower

You’ve got a little wiggle room here. LDS bridal showers are usually held 1–2 months before the wedding, but any time between the engagement and the big day works.

Just make sure there’s time for her to write thank-you notes without feeling rushed!

Who should be invited?

The bridal shower is more intimate than the reception. You’re inviting the bride’s closest friends, sisters, sisters-in-law, aunts, cousins, and mother figures. It’s not necessary (or even wise) to invite every female wedding guest.

Try to keep the guest list under 40. If the bride has several friend groups or a big extended family, it’s completely appropriate to host two smaller showers—one for family, one for friends.

And one more note: Everyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding reception or open house.

What’s new in bridal showers?

If you haven’t been to a shower in a while, you might be surprised by a few fun twists! Here are some popular modern options:

• Destination Showers – Think a weekend at a spa, a cozy retreat, or even a mini cruise. These require a little more planning (and a heads-up for the bride), but can be a wonderful bonding experience.

• Couple’s Showers – Why should the groom miss out on the fun? Couples showers are more like relaxed parties, with both men and women in attendance. It’s a great choice for co-ed friend groups or close-knit families.

• Theme Showers – A little creativity goes a long way. Build your theme around the bride’s favorite book, vacation spot, movie, or hobby. (A Jane Austen tea party? Yes, please!)

What happens at the shower?

Every bridal shower is different, but here’s the usual flow:

• Light refreshments – Whether it’s a full luncheon or just finger foods and punch, there’s usually something to nibble on.

• Games and activities – These are especially helpful if not all the guests know each other. From word games to memory challenges to “How well do you know the bride?” quizzes, there’s plenty of fun to go around.

• Gifts and giggles – The bride will unwrap presents, usually while the maid of honor or someone close to her keeps track of who gave what (so thank-you cards are a breeze later).

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just add a few thoughtful touches, and let the love do the rest.

Shower Her with Love

At the end of the day, a bridal shower isn’t about fancy decorations or perfect party favors. It’s about gathering the people who love the bride and reminding her how cherished and supported she is as she steps into this next chapter.

And that’s something worth celebrating—with confetti, cupcakes, and lots of hugs.

Want the Ultimate Bridal Shower Planning Checklist?

Our Latter-day Saint Bridal Shower Planning Guide is packed with everything you need—from timelines and invitation wording to budget tips, decor ideas, and done-for-you game printables. It’s like a maid-of-honor in your pocket!

Get the Bridal Shower Planning Guide now