What to Wear to a Bridal Shower as a Guest—Your Etiquette Questions Answered

A bridal shower (also known as a wedding shower or couple's shower) is a moment to celebrate the couple's upcoming nuptials with close friends and family. Guests bring gifts, play a fun game or two, and mingle with the couple and their friends and family. But as far as your outfit is concerned, you might be wondering what to wear to a bridal shower as a guest. Wedding showers are a fun, relaxed event leading up to the big day, and what you wear will likely depend on a few factors, including the dress code, the venue and the weather or season.

Want to learn more about what to wear to a bridal shower as a guest? You've come to the right place. Below, we break down what bridal shower guest attire is and how to choose an appropriate, stylish outfit that's ultra-special for the occasion. Then, we're sharing the best places to shop for bridal shower guest attire for men and women.

In this article:

• What to Wear to a Bridal Shower as a Guest
• How to Choose Your Bridal Shower Guest Outfit
• Where to Shop for Bridal Shower Guest Attire

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower as a Guest

You've asked—and we've answered. We're diving into the top questions about how to dress for a bridal shower and what is considered appropriate for the celebration. Read our expert tips to get started.

Katerina Kutas Photography

What is Bridal Shower Guest Attire?

Think of bridal shower guest outfit as one you might wear to a fancy brunch or luncheon. Bridal shower guest attire can include short, midi and maxi dresses, or jumpsuits and dressy separates, including tops and blouses, trousers, jeans and skirts. Basically, your wedding shower look should be less risqué than what you might wear to a bachelorette party, but not as formal as your outfit for the rehearsal dinner or the actual wedding day. Bridal shower attire should be elevated and make you feel like the best version of yourself (so skip the athleisure or anything that feels too casual).

Can You Wear White to a Bridal Shower as a Guest?

In most cases, you do want to avoid wearing white to a bridal shower as a guest (unless specifically stated in the invite). Why? It's traditional for the bride, or the couple, to wear white at the bridal shower. This also includes pastel shades, like blush or soft blue, that can be photographed as looking white. All other colors—like bold, bright colors and prints—are fair game.

How to Choose Your Bridal Shower Guest Outfit

We're sharing our helpful tips on what to wear to a bridal shower. That way, you can show up to your upcoming event appropriately dressed and ready to participate in the exciting wedding shower festivities.

Check the Dress Code

If there is a dress code stated on the invitation or wedding website, let that be your guide. If the bridal shower attire isn't mentioned or otherwise feels vague, don't hesitate to ask for additional details from the couple. And, if you're torn between something more casual (like a sundress) or something more formal (like a cocktail dress), always choose the fancier option. In our opinion, it's better to be slightly overdressed than undressed for wedding-related events. In some cases, the bridal shower will have a theme (think: whimsical garden, Bridgerton tea party, Harry Potter, etc. ), and you can riff off that theme for your outfit inspiration.

Check the Venue

Next, you'll want to keep in mind the location of the wedding shower. For example, what you wear to a bridal shower at a wine tasting will differ from what you wear to a bridal shower at a painting class. Use the venue to guide your outfit choice, as you might want to dress more formally or casually depending on the activity you'll be doing or location the event is at.

Check the Weather

The weather, season and climate should also play into your outfit selection. Is the venue outdoors or indoors? Is the event in the summer or winter? Think about the materials you'll feel the most comfortable in for the weather and season; opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics for summer showers, and thicker materials for cold-weather events. Additionally, think about what accessories may be appropriate for the time of year. A winter event might call for some warm accessories (a hat, gloves, scarf), while on the flipside, you might want to pack a jacket and an umbrella for an outdoor spring event to account for the occasional rain shower.

Nicole Gatto Photography

Where to Shop for Bridal Shower Guest Attire

Ready to start your search for bridal shower guest dresses and guest attire? Check out our list of some of our favorite retailers and brands that carry fashionable and occasion-worthy outfits for every wedding shower theme and vibe.

• Nuuly: What about renting your bridal shower guest outfit? That way, you can rock a fashionable outfit without the high price tag. Thanks to Nuuly, you can rent pieces from trendy brands like Anthropologie, ASTR The Label, Urban Outfitters, Hutch, Halston and more. Simply subscribe to rent any six styles, every month, for $88/month. Bonus: Use the code "THEKNOT20" to save $20 off your first order!

• Nordstrom: With over 300 locations across the United States, you can easily shop in person if browsing online isn't your ideal way to shop. Nordstrom offers a variety of styles, from more casual bridal shower guest attire to formal options. Shop for: Anyone.

• Anthropologie/BHLDN: BHLDN, Anthropologie's wedding brand, also has abundant bridal shower options. You might associate BHLDN with their gorgeous gowns, but this retailer also has lots of more casual options. Browse an extensive collection of pretty frocks, jumpsuits and separates, plus complementary accessories to complete your bridal shower look. Shop for: Women.

• Reformation: Calling all cool girls. Reformation is the go-to for flirty wedding guest dresses, jumpsuits and separates that are effortlessly chic, always on-trend and also sustainably made. Check out their weddings section for a well-curated selection of looks that work for a variety of wedding-related events. Shop for: Women.

• Banana Republic: Banana Republic is a one-stop-shop for elevated bridal shower outfits for men and women. You'll enjoy scrolling through their collection of luxurious silk dresses, blazers, pantsuits, button-downs and more. Best of all, Banana Republic carries standard, tall and petite sizes. Shop for: Anyone.

• ASTR The Label: ASTR The Label has become one of our favorite shops for casual and dressy dresses for all of your wedding guest needs, from the bridal shower to the wedding day. With their filters, you can narrow your search by length, neckline, color and more. We're huge fans of their cropped sweaters, whimsical floral frocks and sleek midis. Shop for: Women.