A bridal is a bride, or someone who is preparing to be married. The word may also be used to describe a dress, hairstyle, or accessory worn by a bride, or the ceremony itself.
Bridal showers are a fun and festive way for friends and family of the bride to get together before her big day. Guests can celebrate the bride by taking part in a variety of activities, including games and crafts. A cake or dessert bar is another popular feature. This can be a great opportunity to try some of the bride’s favorite recipes and flavors.
If the party is held in a garden or outdoor space, consider adding flowers for an extra dose of romance. Creating a flower station where guests can create their own bouquets is another creative idea. It’s a great activity that also doubles as a unique photo op!
While a shower is usually more informal than a wedding, some guests might feel uncomfortable opening gifts in front of strangers. To make the situation more comfortable for everyone, turn this portion of the event into a game. Rather than having the bride open her gifts, have each guest fill out a game card with questions related to the bride. Then, have guests swap cards for grading and shout out their guesses as the bride’s answers are revealed. This game is sure to bring on loads of laughs and some genuine “Aha!” moments.
The word bridal is often used to refer to a bride’s dress, especially one that has an elegant and romantic silhouette or a lace or tulle design. A mermaid dress, for example, is typically more formal and fitted, with a curved silhouette that hugges the curves. Other types of bridal dresses include tea-length dresses, which have a hemline between the knee and mid-calf, as well as sheath gowns, which are form-fitting from top to bottom.
Choosing the right outfit to wear to a bridal shower is an important task for any future bride. While selecting a bridal dress that’s flattering and fits the theme of the event is key, it’s also important to consider comfort. Especially since the event will likely involve mingling and/or standing for long periods of time, it’s smart to choose an outfit that will be comfortable throughout the duration of the party. For this reason, Bay Area stylist Abby Young recommends avoiding anything too tight or overly flashy, as well as light shades of other colors that can look white in photos.
Depending on the time of year and location, the bride might want to opt for a light and airy lace dress. Strappy, midi, or halter-neck options are ideal, and can be paired with sandals or flats depending on the venue and atmosphere of the party. If the weather is warm, a spring-inspired frothy floral pattern or pleated jacquard can also be a good choice.