Bridal Shower ·

Who Throws the Bridal Shower?

by Bethany Wysolmerski

Bridal Shower Hosting 101

If you're wondering who throws the bridal shower, you're not alone. This is one of the most common questions brides and their loved ones have early in the planning process. Traditionally, the responsibility fell to the maid of honor or close friends—but today, there’s much more flexibility.

In this post, we’ll break down who plans the bridal shower, what hosting involves, and how modern etiquette has evolved to make the experience more collaborative and fun.

Table of Contents

Traditionally, Who Throws the Bridal Shower?

Traditionally, the maid of honor or bridal party takes the lead on throwing the bridal shower. This etiquette emerged to avoid the impression that the bride’s family was “asking for gifts.” In this classic setup, the bride’s friends handle the planning, decor, and hosting.

Typical traditional hosts include:

  • Maid or Matron of Honor
  • Bridesmaids
  • Close friends of the bride

Modern Hosting Etiquette

In today’s world, things are more flexible—and more inclusive. Anyone who loves the bride can plan the shower, as long as they’re also invited to the wedding. Hosting duties now often fall to:

  • Siblings or cousins

 

The key is that someone takes initiative and the bride is comfortable with the plan.

Can the Bride Host Her Own Shower?

Technically, yes—but it’s not recommended. Hosting your own shower can appear gift-grabby, even if that’s not your intention. If you’re a bride who loves party planning, try this instead:

  • Work behind the scenes with a friend or sister to plan your dream vibe
  • Offer to help with decor or guest lists, but let someone else be the official host

Can Family Members Host the Bridal Shower?

Absolutely! Although traditional etiquette once discouraged it, modern standards embrace family hosting.

Here are some common examples:

  • A mother of the bride hosts a family-focused shower
  • Sisters or cousins team up to plan a fun brunch event
  • Future in-laws host a separate celebration for their side

Just be sure there’s communication between groups so the bride isn’t overwhelmed with multiple events or overlapping guests.

Co-Hosting: A Growing Trend

Co-hosting is one of the most popular solutions for bridal shower planning. It allows costs and responsibilities to be shared, and it brings more creative energy to the table.

Popular co-hosting combos include:

  • Maid of honor + bridesmaids
  • Friend + sibling
  • Mom + cousin or aunt
  • Two best friends

This approach is especially helpful if some hosts live far away or can’t take on the entire event solo.

Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?

Traditionally, the host (or hosts) cover the cost of the event. This includes:

  • Venue rental (if applicable)
  • Food and drinks
  • Decor and favors
  • Games, prizes, and printed materials

If there are multiple hosts, costs can be split evenly. In some cases, family members may also offer to contribute financially, especially for larger or more formal showers.

What Are the Host’s Responsibilities?

Throwing a bridal shower involves more than just sending invites. Here’s what a typical host might do:

  • Choose the date, time, and location
  • Coordinate with the bride on the guest list
  • Send invitations
  • Decorate the space and set the mood
  • Plan a menu (DIY, catered, or potluck)
  • Organize games or activities
  • Keep things moving on event day
  • Document the day with photos or videos

If you’re hosting, don’t forget to include meaningful touches—like personalized napkins or favors—to make the day extra memorable for the bride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who usually throws the bridal shower?

The maid of honor, bridesmaids, or close friends most commonly throw the shower, but family members and co-hosts are now just as common.

Can the mother of the bride host the shower?

Yes! It’s become completely acceptable for moms to host or co-host bridal showers.

Is it okay to have multiple showers?

Definitely. Just make sure different guests are invited to each one to avoid overlap and gift fatigue.

Can men attend a bridal shower?

Yes—especially for co-ed showers. Just be sure the bride is comfortable with the guest list and event style.

Should the groom attend?

Some grooms make a brief appearance at the end for gift opening or a toast. Others skip the event entirely. It’s up to the couple’s preference.

Make the Shower Shine with Rubi and Lib

Whether you're the maid of honor, the bride’s sister, or her best friend since kindergarten, hosting a bridal shower is a special honor. Let us help you make it extra meaningful with personalized bridal shower decor that tells the bride’s story in style.

At Rubi and Lib, we specialize in helping you celebrate life’s most memorable moments with personalized wedding and party decor designed to reflect your unique style. From custom cocktail napkins and frosted plastic cups to bar signs and party favors, our curated collections are created to elevate your celebration and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party, baby shower, or birthday bash, our products add a thoughtful, stylish touch that turns an ordinary gathering into an unforgettable event. Many of our designs feature custom illustrations—including pet portraits—so your decor feels as one-of-a-kind as your story.

As a women-owned small business, we’re passionate about making the ordering process seamless and enjoyable. Every item is crafted with care and attention to detail, and most of our products are made in the USA. We believe celebrations should feel personal, joyful, and stress-free—that’s why we’re here to help you create meaningful moments, one custom detail at a time.

Explore our best sellers, discover customer favorites, or reach out for something truly unique. At Rubi and Lib, your celebration is our inspiration.

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