Weddings often involve several events before the actual ceremony, such as bridal showers and bachelorette parties. Many people confuse these two events with each other, but they are significantly different. The team at City Hall Wedding is here to talk about a bridal shower vs. a bachelorette party and their differences.
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Bridal Shower vs. Bachelorette Party
The main difference between bridal showers and bachelorette parties is the scope and purpose of the celebration. Below is a list defining the key areas where these two types of celebrations differ from one another.
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Time
One of the main differences is the time when the events happen. Some people might try to schedule them one after another, but the bachelorette party typically occurs a few months before the bridal shower and the wedding ceremony. The bridal shower usually happens a few weeks before the wedding. You want to have enough time between the two, so you don’t overwhelm yourself or your guests with too many wedding events one after another.
It helps to plan the events as early as possible to avoid scheduling conflicts. Depending on each venue, you might have to schedule well in advance to lock in a suitable time. Bachelorette parties often last longer than bridal showers as well. A bachelorette party can last an entire weekend, while a bridal show might only take up a few hours.
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Invitation List
Most brides have an overlap between their bachelorette party and bridal shower guest lists, but they often are not identical. The bachelorette party will most likely have your wedding party, a handful of extra guests, and your closest friends to round out the event. Bachelorette parties can get a little bit crazy, so you might not want to invite your grandmother or your future mother-in-law.
Bridal showers are more open and include bachelorette guests in addition to family, relatives, and in-laws. Generally, bridal shower guest lists are larger than those for bachelorette parties. In both cases, the guests at your bachelorette party and bridal shower should also be on the guest list for your wedding ceremony.
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Activities
Another significant difference between bridal showers and bachelorette parties is the activities. Bachelorette parties are supposed to be a final hurrah before you get hitched and are known for their potentially raunchy activities and themes. Bachelorette parties might involve drinking games, funny gifts, and copious amounts of partying. Think of it this way—you probably wouldn’t invite your mother to a bachelorette party.
Bridal showers, in contrast, are more sophisticated and less party focused. Bridal showers have tamer events, and the day consists of gift-giving, games, snacks, and maybe some light champagne or mimosas. You probably won’t need to recover from a hangover after your bridal shower.
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Vibes
A huge difference between the two is the attire and vibes. Bachelorette parties are supposed to be big, blowout party events, complete with little black dresses, hotels, bar hopping, and (possibly) limousines. The bachelorette gathering is basically a big extended party that is supposed to be about fun and excitement.
Bridal showers, on the other hand, are more laid back and have a more relaxed atmosphere. Venues for bridal showers include spas, brunches, luncheons, and backyard cookouts. Regarding attire, bridal showers have more casual day wear rather than flashy getups for bachelorette parties.
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The Hosts
Fortunately, brides-to-be will only have to do a little bit of planning for these events. Generally speaking, the maid-of-honor and your bridal party do most of the work setting up your bachelorette party. This makes sense because these people are probably close friends and are more able to plan a fun night out.
In contrast, the bride’s family often takes the helm in planning bridal showers. In either case, the bride definitely has some say in what goes on in both events, but the maid-of-honor often keeps certain parts of the bachelorette party secret from the bride to surprise them.
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Expectations
Last but not least, the expectation of the bride differs between a bridal shower and a bachelorette party. The point of a bachelorette party is to enjoy your last few months as a single woman before you tie the knot with your spouse. Your guests will expect you to play games, have drinks, and stay up late while you hit up the town.
With a bridal shower, the expectations are less fun and more formal. Guests will expect the bride to make the rounds, say their greetings, open gifts, and send thank you cards. In either case, guests and planners should handle the costs—the bride shouldn’t have to pay anything.
Bridal Shower vs. Bachelorette Party FAQ
Below are some of the most common questions we receive about bridal showers vs. bachelorette parties and other pre-wedding events.
Is an Engagement Party the Same as a Bridal Shower?
No, engagement parties are not the same as bridal showers. Engagement parties typically happen shortly after engagements and involve both soon-to-be-newlyweds. Guests lists for engagement parties include friends and families from both spouses.
Is the Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party First?
We get asked a lot, “what comes first bridal shower or bachelorette party?” Generally, the bachelorette party happens a few months before the wedding, while the bridal shower happens a few weeks before the wedding. However, you can ultimately schedule them whenever you want.
Do I Have to Have a Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party?
Nope, you don’t have to do any of these events if you don’t want to. After all, it’s your wedding celebration, and you can schedule whatever events you want. If you are not feeling it, don’t let tradition bully you into choosing between a bridal shower and a bachelorette party.
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