A Kentucky Derby shower is a type of party or celebration that typically takes place in the Spring around the time of the Kentucky Derby. It is a fun way to celebrate the excitement of the Kentucky Derby and to get in the spirit of the annual horse race.
The party usually includes decorations in the classic Kentucky Derby colors of pink and green. They generally have the traditional Mint Juleps served and foods such as fried chicken, jambalaya, and biscuits.
The dress code is typically formal, with guests wearing stylish clothes, often with a fascinator or hat. There are also often activities such as betting pools, games, and races with wooden horses to choose your favorite winner.
A Kentucky Derby shower is a great way to celebrate the upcoming race in an elegant and festive way.
Why do they call a bridal shower a shower?
The term ‘shower’ within the context of a bridal shower is thought to have originated in the 1890s in the United States. It is believed that attending a gathering in honor of the bride-to-be was seen as a way to ‘shower’ her with gifts.
This term was originally used to describe an event hosted by friends of a bride-to-be, who would obtain gifts to present to her. The gifts were intended to help the bride-to-be get ready for her new life in her married home.
The tradition of bridal showers is believed to have come from Europe, where in medieval times, brides were encouraged to carry certain items with them on their wedding day for good luck, such as a flat iron, red garters, a spoon, and a broom.
To help the bride gather all of these items, friends and family of the bride would also give her gifts to help cover both the cost of these items as well as other items she may need to begin her new home.
Today, bridal showers have evolved to include a variety of different events and games, while still offering the traditional approach of presenting the bride-to-be with gifts. Thus, the term ‘shower’ continues to be used to describe the events, as it was originally used to refer to the gifting aspect of this traditional ritual.
How long do you have to stay at a bridal shower?
How long to stay at a bridal shower will ultimately depend on the bride’s wishes and the timing of the event. Generally speaking, bridal showers can range from a couple of hours to a full day, allowing guests to mingle, eat and celebrate the bride-to-be with gifts and activities.
If the bridal shower is being held in the morning, guests may stay for two to three hours and most mid-day to late afternoon showers may last anywhere from two and a half to four and half hours depending on how many games and activities are planned and how much time is devoted to eating.
Evening showers may last anywhere from three to five hours. It is appropriate to stay for the entirety of the bridal shower unless you must leave. A quick departure can be uncomfortable for the bride, so it’s polite to stay at least an hour or two before leaving if necessary.
What should you not do at a bridal shower?
At a bridal shower, there are a few things you should avoid in order to ensure that everyone has a great time. Here are some things you should not do:
1. Don’t be late. Try to arrive at the bridal shower on time so as not to disrupt the flow of the event.
2. Don’t bring other people with you. Unless they are invited, do not bring strangers or kids to the bridal shower.
3. Don’t bring inappropriate gifts. A bridal shower is a time to congratulate the bride, so selecting funny, cheeky or rude gifts is not appropriate.
4. Don’t overindulge in alcoholic drinks. While it is fun to celebrate, it is important to stay sober and respectful.
5. Don’t forget to thank the host. When the party is winding down, don’t forget to thank the host for putting on a lovely bridal shower.
6. Don’t forget to mingle. Bridal showers involve socialising, so make sure to chat with other guests.
7. Don’t monopolise the bride. The bride should be able to spend quality time with her guests, so try not to take up too much of her time.
Are bridal showers intimate?
Bridal showers are typically a smaller event than weddings, filled with close family and friends to celebrate the marriage of the bride-to-be. While the size of the guest list for a bridal shower can vary depending on the preference of the bride and her family, generally bridal showers are kept on the more intimate side.
This allows for more meaningful conversations and a relaxed atmosphere to mingle and have fun. The events can also be tailored to reflect the personal preferences of the bride, and might include fun games or discussion starters to get everyone talking.
While some bridal showers might get a little bigger, they usually remain an intimate affair to help make the bride-to-be feel special on her special day.
Does everyone get invited to the bridal shower?
No, not everyone is always invited to the bridal shower. Generally, the bridal party (bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc. ), the mother and grandmothers of both the bride and groom, and any close female relatives and friends of the bride are invited to the bridal shower.
Depending on the size of the bridal shower, some additional family and friends of the bride may be invited as well. The decision of which guests to invite is usually made by the hosts of the shower, which are typically people close to the bride.
Ultimately, it is up to the hosts to determine who they would like to invite and the bride should trust their judgement.
What is a reasonable budget for a bridal shower?
The answer to this question really depends on the size and scope of the bridal shower you have in mind. Generally speaking, the average cost of a bridal shower can range from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on the scope and number of guests.
It’s important to factor in the cost of food, decorations, party favors, and any other services or materials necessary for the event. Before setting a budget for the bridal shower, consider the size of the guest list, any buffet-style catering, if any, and the type of decorations that will be used.
Once you have a good idea of what you want to include, you can start looking into prices for those items and come up with a reasonable budget. Additionally, be sure to factor in tips for the caterers and other people who may be providing services for the bridal shower.
Planning wisely and being mindful of your budget can help ensure that your bridal shower is both stylish and affordable.
How much should you spend on bridal shower favors?
When it comes to bridal shower favors, the amount you should spend will depend on several factors. First, take into account the size of your bridal shower and the number of guests who will be in attendance.
If you will be hosting a smaller gathering of 20 people or fewer, a few inexpensive options will likely suffice. Additionally, think about your budget. Favors don’t need to break the bank, although you want them to be thoughtful and memorable.
If your budget is tight, consider making your own favors or buying small, budget friendly items such as cupcake charms, key chains, or seashells. If you have a bit more to spend, select items that will actually prove to be functional and useful, such as tote bags, kitchen accessories, monogrammed towels, or wine glasses.
Another option is to give edible gifts like candies, jams and jellies, chocolate truffles, homemade cookies, popcorn bags, or nuts. Any of these options are sure to put a smile on guests’ faces as they depart your event.
Does the maid of honor pay for anything?
Yes, the maid of honor typically pays for several aspects of the wedding. These might include her bridesmaid dress, any beauty treatments that are associated with the wedding, any wedding shower or bachelorette party associated with the wedding, and even some of the wedding gifts.
While the bride and groom, family, and friends will usually chip in with some of the costs, it’s not uncommon for the maid of honor to pay for certain things. Additionally, if a bridal party member is acting as a wedding planner or coordinator, they may also incur certain costs which they would be expected to pay.
How are wedding costs typically split?
Typically, the costs of a wedding are split between the couple getting married and their respective parents. While the couple may pay for the majority of the wedding, their parents can help to offset the financial burden by contributing to certain costs such as the venue, catering, photography, music, and other areas.
The couple may also consider setting up a budget and assigning each cost to one party or another. Some couples may decide to go the traditional route and have the bride’s family pay for one portion of the wedding while the groom’s family pays for the rest.
Another option is for the two families to evenly split the costs, which could be fairer especially if their financial abilities are equally matched. Additionally, the couple may opt to pay for the entire wedding out of their own pockets.
This is becoming increasingly popular among couples, with many feeling that the entire responsibility for the wedding should not fall solely to either the bride or the groom’s family.
In the end, no matter which option the couple chooses for splitting the costs of their wedding, it’s important to agree on the budget and spending from the start to avoid any hurt feelings.
How much money should bridesmaid contribute to bridal shower?
The amount of money a bridesmaid should contribute to a bridal shower depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, the more involved the bridesmaids are in helping plan and organize the shower, the more financial contribution might be expected.
Additionally, the amount of money a bridesmaid or bridesmaids can comfortably contribute should also be taken into account. It is also generally assumed that any co-hosts of the bridal shower would contribute financially alongside the bride, who may also be expected to contribute to their own shower.
Ultimately, bridesmaids should check in with the bride or any other members of the bridal party in order to discuss their individual financial contributions.
Is 4 months before a wedding too early for a bridal shower?
No, 4 months of planning before the wedding is actually a great amount of time for planning a bridal shower. This is enough time to choose a venue, send out invitations, select a menu and any activities for the shower, and purchase decorations or other supplies.
It’s even enough time to plan a destination shower, if that’s something you’re interested in. Additionally, planning things in advance can help reduce the stress of the event, giving you time to make sure that everything goes smoothly on the day of the shower.