The bridal shower tradition dates back to Brussels, Belgium around 1860, but it continues to be a popular celebration today. Bridal showers are traditionally a gift-giving party in honor of the bride before her wedding. Primarily a U.S. and Canadian practice, bridal showers are generally given by the maid of honor and bridesmaids. It is usually attended by women, though in more recent years, couples may attend a “jack and jill” shower together. Regardless of who attends, the shower is intended for guests to give gifts for the home or primarily for the bride since the groom generally doesn’t attend. Shop for unique bridal shower gifts at AdvantageBridal.com.

A bridal shower is usually celebrated  4-6 weeks before the wedding day.  The word “shower” comes from the Victorian times when dowries were going by the wayside because money was scarce. Oftentimes, a parasol was put in the packages for the bride and groom.  Loosely, it was intended as a pun for “showering” the couple with gifts instead of a dowry as used to be the custom.

Bridal showers have taken on many meanings over the years. One of the most lasting meanings of a bridal shower is that it is a time when the female members of the bride’s family show the bride how her role will be in her marriage.  This role is thought to be more of an homage to the mothers and grandmothers rather than a reflection of how the bride will actually behave in the marriage.

Regardless of it’s history, bridal showers are fun to plan and to attend!  And for your bridal shower needs, Advantage Bridal is here to help!  We have everything you could ever need for planning and hosting a bridal shower.  Check out our large selection of bridal shower invitations, bridal shower favors, and bridal shower games. Don’t know where to start? Give us a call! We have many bridal shower ideas that are easy to use and work for all types of personalities.