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If you’re in the process of planning a bachelorette party for your best friend, you may be wondering what the difference is between a bachelorette party vs bridal shower.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between these two types of parties and help you determine how to plan a great one for each.
What is a Bachelorette Party?
A bachelorette party traditionally celebrates a woman’s last days of being single. It is often held in the months leading up to the wedding and is typically more wild and outrageous than a bridal shower.
The guest list for a bachelorette party usually includes the bride’s closest friends, family members, and potentially female friends of the groom.
The venue for a bachelorette party is typically a bar, club, or restaurant. However, some women prefer to have a more low-key celebration and will opt for a private home or Airbnb.
Gifts for a bachelorette party are not required but are often given to the bride as part of her “last night out.” Keep reading this post for more gift ideas!
What is a Bridal Shower?
The purpose of a bridal shower is to celebrate the bride-to-be and her upcoming nuptials. This party is more focused on giving the bride gifts she will need in her home with her new spouse.
The guest list for a bridal shower typically includes the bride’s family members, friends, and wedding party members. This may be an opportunity to invite both the bride and groom’s female family members, especially if they were not invited to the bachelorette party.
The venue for a bridal shower can be anything from a private home to a banquet hall. Often times it will be either at the mother of the bride’s or one of the bridesmaid’s homes. More venue options are mentioned in this post!
Gifts for a bridal shower can range from practical items like kitchen appliances and bedding to more personal items like spa treatments and jewelry.
It is common for the bride to make a gift registry for the shower in order to give the guests ideas of gifts she may need or want.
Other Wedding Events
What is an Engagement Party?
An engagement party is a celebration of a couple’s upcoming nuptials. It is typically hosted by either the bride or groom’s parents and attended by family or friends.
The purpose of the party is to celebrate the happy news and to give the guests an opportunity to offer their congratulations and best wishes to the couple. Gifts are not necessarily required, however, a bottle of champagne or wine is a great option to bring.
Sometimes engagement parties are held right after the proposal (as a surprise after party) or they can be held in the weeks following, as a larger more organized event.
What is a Wedding Shower?
A wedding shower is similar to a bridal shower however it includes both the bride and groom and is typically a co-ed event. The shower is usually hosted by a member of the bridal party, or the bride or groom’s parents.
The activities and games are less focused on the bride, and catered to both men and women. Gifts are typically household items for the bride and groom’s presumed joined residence.
What is a Rehearsal Dinner?
A rehearsal dinner is a party typically hosted by the parents of the bride the night before the wedding. It is an opportunity for the families and wedding party to come together and celebrate the upcoming nuptials.
The rehearsal dinner is usually held at a restaurant or private home and can be as formal or informal as you like.
Gifts are not typically given at this event. This is for the bride, groom, and families to wine and dine with their guests instead.
It is typical for the bride, groom, and parents to pay for the meals of the guests. More information on who pays for what wedding event is mentioned further down in this post.
What is a Gift Opening?
A gift opening is an event that is held the day after the wedding with the purpose of the bride and groom opening their wedding gifts together in front of their guests.
It is typically held the morning after the wedding at the groom’s parents’ house. Since the bride’s family typically hosts the rehearsal dinner, the gift opening generally is at the groom’s family home.
The event is usually held in the late morning and early afternoon, as a come-and-go event for the guests who attended the wedding. Lunch and drinks are typically served at this event, and often times leftover wedding cake!
What is the difference between a Bachelorette Party vs Bridal Shower?
Bachelorette Parties and Bridal Showers are two different and separate events. Neither are required as part of the wedding festivities but are two of the most common events.
In general, the purpose of a bachelorette party is to celebrate the bride’s last days of being a single woman, and the focus is on a fun and party atmosphere.
The purpose of the bridal shower is to prepare the bride for marriage by gifting her necessary household items and providing marriage advice.
More of the differences between a bachelorette party vs a bridal shower is continued in the post below.
Who is invited to a Bachelorette Party vs Bridal Shower?
The bachelorette party is typically attended by the bride’s female friends. This can range from a smaller party with only the bridesmaids, to a larger get-together with many of the bride’s friends, cousins, and groom’s female friends and family.
If the party is local, often these will include larger guest lists. If it is a destination bachelorette party trip, then often this will be a smaller guest list.
The bridal shower is typically attended by both the bride and groom’s female friends and family members.
Depending on the relationship, often the bride will invite the girlfriends and wives of the groom’s friends as well.
See below for our favorite bachelorette and bridal shower invites:
Bachelorette Party – Tropical Theme
Bachelorette Party – Neon Electric Theme
Bachelorette Party – Last Disco Theme (this is perfect for a Mamma Mia Bachelorette Party!)
Bachelorette Party – Simple Pink and Gold Theme
Bridal Shower – Brunch and Bubbly
When do you have the Bachelorette Party vs Bridal Shower?
The bachelorette party is typically held 3 months to 4 weeks out from the wedding. This is also very dependent on the time of year of the wedding, and what the bride wants to do for the bachelorette party.
For example, if the wedding is in the late fall or winter, but the bride wants a bachelorette party at a beach or lake, then the party may be held more than 3 months before the wedding.
Bridal showers are typically held 6 weeks to 2 weeks before the wedding. Sometimes, if planning timelines are tight a bride might have both the bridal shower and bachelorette party on the same day, with one held in the afternoon and the other in the evening.
Who pays for a Bachelorette Party vs Bridal Shower?
Typically, the bachelorette party is paid for by the bridesmaids and the guests at the party. There are different schools of thought however on whether the bride contributes or not.
In our experience, if this is a destination bachelorette party that includes flights and hotels over multiple days, the bride should be expected to pick up the tab on her portion of the transportation and lodging.
This then makes it easier for everyone to afford to come, and treat the bride to the food, drinks and activities.
If the party is local and only for a night or two, the bridesmaids should expect to cover the cost for this. See the post for how to crowdfund your bachelorette party to reduce the costs for the bridesmaids.
The bridal shower is always hosted and paid for by the bridesmaids and/or the bride’s family members. This really depends on how involved the bride’s family wants to be in the planning. If they are not planning to be one of the hosts for the shower, the default payee would be the bridesmaids.
Who hosts a Bachelorette vs Bridal Shower?
The bridesmaids will almost always host the bachelorette party. The party may be at a hotel, restaurant, bar, or Airbnb, however, the bridesmaids will be the ones who plan the itinerary, organize the activities, plan the meals, and invite all the guests.
The bride may have input or be totally surprised, however, the bridesmaids will still do all the execution of the event.
The bridal shower is hosted by either the bridesmaid, the mother of the bride, or both. As mentioned above, this depends on how involved the bride’s family would like to be. If the mother of the bride is not interested in planning, the default would be for the bridesmaids to host.
What venue do you use for a Bachelorette vs Bridal Shower
The bachelorette party can take place in a variety of venues, depending on what the bride and her friends want to do.
Some popular choices include going out for drinks and dinner, renting a house or Airbnb for a weekend, doing a spa day, or going on a trip.
If the group wants to stay local, popular choices include restaurants, bars, and hotels (maybe a penthouse suite!). Often bachelorette parties will get a private area or room at the establishment. Sometimes groups will also take advantage of drink specials or party packages that are offered.
If the group is looking to take a trip, some popular destinations include Las Vegas, New York City, Miami, Nashville, Napa Valley, and Cabo San Lucas.
The most common venue to have a bridal shower is in the home of one of the bridesmaids or the mother of the bride. This option is popular because it is often more affordable, easy to plan, and more comfortable than external venues.
Another popular place to have a bridal shower is at a restaurant. This is a good option if nobody’s home lends itself to hosting larger groups. Consider doing a brunch with mimosas, or even a high tea for a more elegant option.
If you need to plan for a large group with lots of friends and family, check out your neighborhood community hall. These are often low-cost and come with tables and chairs that can easily be set up beforehand.
What activities are at a Bachelorette Party vs Bridal Shower
At a bachelorette party, typical activities include drinking games, going out to eat, and getting ready together before going to a club or a bar.
If it is a destination, it is also common to take in the well-known activities of the city. For example, going to a Cirque de Soleil show in Las Vegas, Broadway in New York City, or the country bars in Nashville.
It is also customary for the bachelorette party to have a theme, which the guests could dress up for or decorate to match. Some fun ideas for bachelorette party themes are boho bridal, beach bach bash, cowgirl/western, disco, or glamour gals.
A bridal shower is a more low-key event and typically includes 2-4 light-hearted (and G-rated!) games, gift giving and opening, and light refreshments and drinks. The shower can also have a theme such as floral, or tea party.
Some fun bridal shower games include the Would She Rather game, Make a Wedding Dress from Toilet Paper, and Celebrity Couples Matching.
You can also include other fun activities like everyone writing marriage advice down for the bride, or the guests all sharing how they each know the bride and a special story connecting them.
What is the attire for a Bachelorette Party vs Bridal Shower
The attire for a bachelorette party is very dependent on what type of theme, venue, location, and vibe the bachelorette party is planned to be.
If it is a weekend in the woods at a cabin, it’s likely to be more relaxed and casual (potentially opt for group matching sweatsuits?). If the party is in Las Vegas, the attire will likely be cocktail dresses, high heels, and great hair and makeup.
For most parties, there is usually at least one night to dress up fancy where the group will wear all black and the bride in classic white. Regardless of the theme, make sure to have the bride bring a few white outfits along so she can always stand out and shine.
A few of our favorite bachelorette party outfits are below:
Bachelorette Party – Bandeau Fringe White Jumpsuit
Bachelorette Party – Classy Satin Off the Shoulder Mini Dress
Bachelorette Party – Long Sleeve Sequined Mini Dress
Bachelorette Party – Sequin Cowl Neck Mini Dress
Bachelorette Party – Corsette Body-Con Midi Dress
For the bridal shower, this is usually more of a daytime, classy look. Opt for a pretty sundress, cute blouse, and skirt, or a jumpsuit. Keep it simple with low heels or flats.
For the bride, she should again come dressed in white. This could be any type of classy and casual white outfit that she feels comfortable in.
See some suggested options below!
Bridal Shower – White Lace Off the Shoulder Midi Dress
Bridal Shower – Satin Garden Midi Dress
Bridal Shower – Folklore Tiered Dress
Bridal Shower – Cute Poplin Mini Dress
Bridal Shower – Halter Swing Mini Dress
What type of gifts for a Bachelorette Party vs Bridal Shower
When it comes to bachelorette party gifts, it is not necessarily required for each guest to bring gifts for the bride, however, it is nice for the hosts to plan for cool prizes or mementos for each guest to take home at the end of the weekend.
See this post for some unique party prizes for every type of bachelorette party.
As one of the bachelorette party activities, a fun game is for each guest to bring a pair of panties for the bride. This can be turned into a drinking game with the bride having to guess who gave her each pair, and taking a shot with every wrong answer!
For a bridal shower, gifts are typically more traditional. Some popular gift ideas include kitchen items, bedding, frames, or home decor.
Other options are to get more personal gifts for the bride like spa packages or a beautiful robe or pajamas.
The bride will most likely register for gifts before the shower, so make sure to look closely at the registry to see what the best option would be. If there is no registry, a gift card to a popular home goods store is a great option.
Other Frequently Ask Questions on Bachelorette Party and Bridal Showers
How much do you spend on a bridal shower gift?
There is no specific amount to spend on a bridal shower gift, however most common would be between $50-$100.
If there are pricier gifts on a registry, consider pooling funds with a few other guests to buy something special!
Do you host the bridal shower or the bachelorette party first?
Because the bridal shower is typically held closer to the actual wedding day, usually the bachelorette party happens first. However, there is no rule on this and either event can be held first or second.
Can you combine the bachelorette party and the bridal shower?
These parties are not usually combined, however, they can be held on the same day! Consider hosting a bridal shower brunch or luncheon, and then regrouping the guests later that evening for the bachelorette party.
This is a good option when there are limited weekends available to host all the wedding events.
How much do you spend on a bachelorette party?
This is very dependent on the type of bachelorette party and the location. If the party is only one night and local, it will cost a lot less than a weekend destination bachelorette trip.
Because the bride will likely have expectations of what she will want for her bachelorette party, it is a good idea to have a conversation before committing to attending the party to ensure everyone is all on the same page about the costs.
To help pay for the bachelorette party, see this post on how to help crowdfund the costs.
Do you need to have a Bachelorette Party and Bridal Shower theme?
Themes are not required for either the bachelorette party or the bridal shower. If you were to do a theme for one of them, it is more common to have one for the bachelorette party.
This can be a fun way to get everyone excited and on the same page for the upcoming activities.
Conclusion
Bachelorette parties and bridal showers are different events with different purposes, guest lists, activities, venues, and timelines. However, as a bridesmaid do not put too much pressure on yourself while planning these events.
As long as you make the day special for your bride, you have succeeded!
Other Related Posts:
Brook is an expert in the field of all things bridal party. She has been fortunate to be a bridesmaid more times than she can count. From her experience as a bridesmaid and a bride, she has become well versed in all the work that goes into being part of the bridal party. This blog was started in order to provide many different ideas, guides, and advice on how to be the most fantastic bridesmaid, and help to plan the perfect bridal shower and bachelorette party.