A traditional bridal shower is a women-only shower where only women from family, friends, and neighborhood are invited. This is usually a surprise to the bride. This type of shower is usually thrown in a home and can range from serving snacks or brunch to a full course meal. Earlier, bridal showers tended to be much more intimate than the showers these days. Therefore, bridal shower planning becomes an important aspect for throwing such a party.
Gift-giving is the core activity of a traditional bridal shower. The bride spends some quality time with her friends and family as well as plays a few games and opens the bridal shower gifts the guests have given her. This custom of bringing gifts to help the couple with furnishing is a long-lasting tradition which is still going strong today. Though it is evolved with times, the base is same. At a traditional bridal shower, the wishing well and the bride’s bonnet are time-honored traditions.
The bridal shower ideas date back to 16th – 17th century in Holland. A wealthy Dutch girl wanted to marry a poor miller and her dad did not approve her choice. He held back the dowry in order to persuade her to marry a wealthy suitor. When the villagers came to know, they came together and showered the girl with gifts enough to set up a new household. Seeing this, her father relented and approved their union.
This trend originated in 1890s, when it was popular in the upper middle class; mostly the couple’s female family members used to participate. Later, it became more common to include bride’s friends in these celebrations. The bridal shower tradition has developed its own customs. Since the purpose of this event is to bring the gifts, it was considered rude for family members to host this event. However, now-a-days, the mother and the sister of the bride do host these events. Traditionally, the maid or matron of honor hosted the bridal shower. She had the full responsibility to plan and execute the same.
This has always been a tradition where any person who is out of the bride’s family throws a simple party and invites all the women relatives and congratulates the bride with huge numbers of gifts, blessings and hearty wishes.
For planning a traditional bridal shower, you can go for traditional invitations, decorations, etc. You can also hand out favors which have some traditional significance. Themes such as Kitchen, Bed, and Bath or Victorian Elegant Theme lend a traditional feel to the event.
You can assign the dress code as well. Drapery from Tudor period or French traditions such as Poisson d’Avril is also an instant hit!
The basic thing to remember is, keep everything right from invitations to food, traditional. The mantra is Go Retro!!
