Bridal showers are a lovely tradition, but you need to keep some etiquette rules in mind. Here are the dos and don'ts: RSVP promptly to show gratitude and help the bride plan accordingly. It's okay to skip the bridal shower if you're not invited to the wedding. Stick to a gift budget. Save the gag gifts and provocative lingerie for the bachelorette party. 

Mixed-gender showers are becoming a thing, so be prepared for an invitation to a couple's shower. Watch out for red flags, and use your judgment. Remember these tips, and you'll be the perfect guest at the next bridal shower you attend. Celebrate love in all its bridal shower glory!

RSVP Promptly

When it comes to bridal showers, being prompt with your RSVP is a must. Show your appreciation for the bride's generosity by responding to her invitation as soon as possible. Don't make her wait and wonder if you'll be attending.

And if you're unsure of your availability, try to sort it out quickly. No one wants to be left hanging in suspense, especially when there's food, refreshments, and entertainment involved. By promptly responding, you'll not only make the bride's life easier, but you'll also ensure your spot at the event. So, don't keep the bride waiting and RSVP now!

Don't Feel Obligated To Go If You Are Not A Wedding Guest

Attending a bridal shower can be exciting, especially when you have a personal connection to the bride. But what if you receive an invitation to a bridal shower and you're not even invited to the wedding? Awkward, right? Well, you don't have to feel obligated to go. It's considered tacky for the bride to invite you in such a situation. 

Let's be honest, no one wants to be part of a "gift grab" where the bride is more interested in what she can get from you rather than your company. It's perfectly acceptable to politely decline the invitation with a simple "will not attend." You don't have to explain yourself or feel guilty about it. Unless it's an office bridal shower where you want to show support for your coworker, there's no need to go out of your way for a bridal shower where you're not even invited to the wedding. 

Save your time, energy, and gift-buying prowess for those occasions where you're truly celebrated as a guest. Remember, it's always better to take the high road and prioritize your comfort and well-being. So, let go of that guilt and enjoy your free time doing something you truly love.

Stick To A Gift Budget

Bridal showers can be a bit awkward when it comes to gifts. You see, the bride and groom will typically have a wedding registry where they ask for large household items, while the bridal shower is meant for smaller items. So what's a guest to do? Well, set a budget for yourself, of course! Don't feel pressured to spend beyond what you're comfortable with. 

Remember, the registry is just a suggestion, not a set of rules. If the bride has already asked for all kinds of extravagant stuff on top of her wedding registry, feel free to just give her a gift certificate for a humble amount in a pretty card. Trust me, she'll appreciate it. Because let's be real, who wants two sets of matching cutlery anyway?

Don't Confuse A Bridal Shower For A Bachelorette Party

The bridal shower is a time-honored tradition where friends and family gather to celebrate the bride-to-be's impending nuptials. It's refined, much like a baby shower, but with champagne. RSVP promptly, stick to a gift budget, and know the difference between a bridal shower and a bachelorette party. If you're asked to pay for your meal, decline the invitation. Huge bridal showers can be overwhelming, so trust your gut and decide if you want to attend.

Go With The Flow On Couple’s Showers

Couple’s showers, huh? Well, it seems like the times they are a-changin'! No longer are bridal showers limited to just the ladies. Now, you may find yourself invited to a couple’s shower where both men and women are welcome. So, what should you expect at one of these blended affairs? 

Well, picture a lovely brunch or luncheon with a mix of guests, where everyone gets to interact and have a good time. It’s like a baby shower but with bubbly. Just remember, even though it's a more casual event, it's still advisable to bring a gift for the happy couple. So, prepare yourself for a delightful gathering with both the bride and groom, and enjoy the festivities!

Don't Ignore Red Flags

Now, let's talk about the red flags to watch out for when it comes to bridal showers. First and foremost, if the invitation states that you'll have to pay for your meal, consider it a major red flag. It's like being invited to a party and then being told to bring your food, talk about tacky! Save your money and decline the invitation, trust me, your bank account will thank you. Another red flag to be wary of is an overly large bridal shower. 

I'm not saying big parties are generally bad, but when it comes to bridal showers, it's all about creating an intimate and meaningful connection with the bride. If the guest list is longer than the waitlist for a popular club on a Saturday night, it's probably a sign that the focus is more on the gifts than the celebration itself. 

So, my advice to you is to be on the lookout for these red flags. Remember, bridal showers are supposed to be a special and joyous occasion, not a subtle blackmailing technique or an overcrowded event where the bride barely has time to say hello to each guest.

Conclusion

Be aware of the rules of bridal shower etiquette to avoid any social blunders. RSVP promptly, politely decline if you're not a wedding guest, stick to your budget when buying gifts, don't confuse the event with a bachelorette party, and pay attention to red flags on invitations. Remember to enjoy the bridal shower and congratulate the bride with style!