Silly question --- What exactly is a bridal shower?

I know this is kinda a silly question, but what exactly happens at a shower?


Is the point just to get everyone together and get more gifts? (Are the gifts symbolic or real registry gifts, what range is considered approp.?)

Who pays for the shower (ie split the bill at the end/ the bride/MOB?)
(I sound so selfish to throw a shower to just get gifts + I feel kinda bad making people shell out more $$ (BM especially).

Who's invited? - Is it only women, is it for all ages, is it for both sides (bride and groom's), is it only the people invited to the wedding?

Who plans it and when does it take place?

I'm out of things to ask about it - but just answer anything you can think of

A shower is given to 'shower you with gifts'.
Usually the gifts are from your registry, although some people give things that they think you'll find useful. A typical shower gift I would say is around 50 dollars, but that also depends on the person.

Depending on the situation and the financials of the involved people I've seen showers paid for in different ways...
mother of the bride pays for it all
sister(s) of the bride pay for it all
all the bridesmaids chip in

Many times it is a surprise for the bride, or she is told of the date and the details are held back. As the bride, you do not throw it for yourself!!!

Usually its only woman, however I have heard of men and woman being invited which is nice because some of the gift then tend to be geared towards the groom (power tools and electronics).

The person or people paying for it plan it and it usually takes place a couple of months before your wedding.

hope this helps, Laura.

thanks for the reply

...so are all the women at the wedding invited, or only the select few?
Is there a certain age group (like friends only) or is it relatives and FI's female friends as well?

not every woman who is invited to the wedding is invited to the shower. All the woman in your family is a safe bet, and all your friends, but probably not your FH friends wives.

Does that make sense?