Who Traditionally Pays for the Bridal Shower? (2024)

One of the most exciting things about getting married (aside from the actual wedding day, of course) is the string of celebrations that follow the ring—especially the bridal shower. This event is a special moment dedicated to brides and their forthcoming nuptials, and is a fête many individuals look forward to having as it brings together an intimate group of close family and friends. Often hosted by the maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or a close friend, bridal showers are one of the few pre-wedding events where the guest of honor can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy a celebration of love. That being said, we can't deny that there are some challenges associated with planning this affair, like figuring out who bears the financial burden.

While most traditions surrounding bridal showers are well-known (like bingo and designing a wedding dress out of toilet paper), the etiquette rules about who traditionally pays for this event are less than familiar—specifically since modern couples are ditching tradition and opting for celebrations that are unique to them. So if you're currently asking yourself, "Who's financially responsible for the bridal shower?," we tapped several wedding planning experts to help answer your question. Plus, we provide a few tips on how to save money when organizing this occasion. Read on for more.

Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?

According to standard etiquette practice, a bridal shower is paid for by the person hosting the event, who, in most cases, is the maid of honor. However, in today's modern-day age, it’s becoming quite common for the bridal party, mother-of-the-bride, and even the bride to chip in depending on who can afford what. AJ Williams, founder and creative director of AJ Events, has even seen an increase in male best friends and individuals who aren't in the wedding party contribute to this event.

The Average Cost of a Bridal Shower

The average cost of a bridal shower will vary based on the type of event you choose to host. Are you throwing this celebration in a restaurant or someone's home? How many guests do you plan to invite? How much food do you plan to serve? All of these factors will contribute to the overall costs, in addition to expenses associated with décor, flowers, favors, props or prizes for games, and invitations. If you need an exact number, however, expect to pay an average of $50 to $100 per person if hosting a bridal shower at a venue. Of course, your expenses will likely be lower if you opt to throw a DIY celebration at home.

Jamie Chang, wedding planner and creator of Passport to Joy, encourages hosts to be mindful of unexpected costs that can creep into their budgets, as well. For example, if you're having the shower catered or at a restaurant, taxes and tips are commonly left out of the initial invoice, so be mindful of those costs during the initial planning stages. Williams also recommends considering alcohol as a separate portion of your budget altogether. “Your food budget will vary depending on the type of shower you're doing (a seated brunch versus finger foods versus a light luncheon), but in general, alcohol expenses tend to stay the same,” she says.

How to Save Money on a Bridal Shower

Need help hosting a bridal shower on budget? Here are four expert-approved tips to know.

Have a Conversation With the Bride

If you're planning a bridal shower for the bride, chances are you know the guest of honor fairly well—but it’s important to really know how they'd like their shower to look and feel. Specifically, Chang notes that it's essential to have a conversation with the bride before planning this fête, as you may find out that many of the activities and expenses associated with a traditional shower do not apply (the guest of honor may not care for games or might prefer to have an intimate picnic as opposed to a large-scale lunch).

Don't Overthink Expectations

Those planning an event often get caught up in the experience they think people are anticipating (like having an Instagram wall or a bottomless Bloody Mary station), which causes them to quickly blow their budget out of the water, says Keith Willard of Keith Willard Events. To avoid this, stick to the basics and the confines of your budget; you can easily host a beautiful celebration without all of the extra add-ons. Remember, most people attend an event with a very simple bottom line: “I’m going to be fed and, hopefully, they will give us wine.” Start there, Willard says, and don’t "What if?" yourself to death.

Need practical advice? For brunch, Willard recommends the basics: eggs, bacon, or a protein of some sort, some breakfast bread, and juices. For lunch, a salad with a protein followed by sweet bites is perfectly sufficient. Throw in a bottle of wine or two or a welcome glass of Champagne, and that should do the trick. If, and only if you have additional funds, go ahead and add on that Bloody Mary bar.

Know Your Flowers

Floral centerpieces are always appropriate, but Willard warns that the cost between an orchid and a hydrangea is dramatically different, so it pays to know what you’re asking for. Hydrangeas, for example, are usually very affordable and provide both beauty and volume. Candles are also a great way to elevate the ambiance without having to spend a lot of money—even in daylight, a flickering candle will provide visual warmth that can make all the difference in your décor.

Consider the Size of the Venue

Most hotels and event spaces often provide 72-inch rounds, which is a lot of space to decorate. When a table has a lot of white space, it can look sparse and come across as cheap, Willard says. By going with a smaller table size, you can get away with a smaller centerpiece, and it costs a lot less to decorate it. The same goes for the venue or location in which you host the shower: The smaller the venue, the more filled and exciting it will look during the event and in photos.