 | Low: $10-$15 per person |
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 | Medium: $15-$40 per person |
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 | High: $40-$150 per person |
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| Typical costs: | - A bridal shower can cost $10 to $15 or less per person for simple refreshments at the host's home followed by a low-key activity. Ideas for food include: a light spread with dips and hors d'oeuvres, a dessert buffet, a gourmet picnic lunch of sandwiches and salads, or even elegant pizzas. The Food Network has more ideas and recipes. Ideas for activities include: putting together favorite recipes brought by each guest to create a personalized cookbook for the bride-to-be, having a scrapbooking session or playing traditional shower games. TheKnot.com has a guide to games.
- A typical bridal shower can cost $15 to $40 per person for a lunch or party in a private room at a mid-range restaurant, followed by an inexpensive activity. Food ideas include: high tea, brunch at an inn, lunch at an Italian restaurant, aThai restaurant or a French bistro, or a seafood feast. Activity ideas include taking jewelry-making lessons, attending a journal making class or going to a paint-your-own pottery studio.
- A more elaborate bridal shower can cost $40 to $150 per person and up for an elaborate meal and/or a fairly expensive activity -- or both. Food ideas include a catered party with a spread of elegant hors d'oeuvres, or a multi-course luncheon at a country club or a brunch at a restaurant in an elegant hotel.
- Activity ideas include getting manicures or pedicures at a spa, taking a themed cooking class or having an outdoor adventure. TheKnot.com has a guide to adventure activities for showers.
What should be included: | - The host of a bridal shower usually purchases invitations, food, beverages and favors.
Additional costs: | - Some hosts provide favors for guests and prizes for winners of games. Favors and prizes can cost anywhere from $3 to $30 or more each. Gifts and favors tend to follow the theme. For example, a gift for a garden-theme shower might be terra cotta pots filled with seed packets and garden tools and for a kitchen-themed shower, a pretty recipe box and cards. Beau-coup.com offers bridal shower favors and gifts.
- If hosting a large, upscale shower at home or outdoors, it might be necessary to rent flatware, stemware, tables, chairs and possibly even a tent.
Shopping for a bridal shower: | - It is becoming more common to throw a shower that centers on homemade gifts. Examples include asking each guest to bring a favorite recipe, a piece of relationship wisdom or even a scrapbook page about the bride-to-be and her fiance.
- TheKnot.com offers a 10-step guide to shower planning.
- Hosts usually choose a theme for the bridal shower and ask guests to bring a gift that relates to the theme. Possible themes include kitchen, garden or lingerie. BridalGuide.com offers a guide to showers that includes theme suggestions. And Brides.com has a primer on choosing a shower style.
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Article updated July 2007 |
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| bridal shower budget |
| Amount: $0.00 total |
| Posted by: Cookie in Providence, RI. | Posted: December 12th, 2007 10:12AM |
| Type: | Number of Guests: 40-50 |
Hello,
I recently had to step down as maid of honor due to the financial costs of the shower that the maitron of honor had accumulated. I first off have to mention that when I was asked to be in the wedding, I was not told that I would be the maid of honor in addition to the existing maitron of honor. This was mentioned to me in a casual manner later on. Is it common for there to be both?
7 months before the wedding, the maitron of honor had estimated the costs to be around $300 per bride's maid (of which there are 6), and this would not include all of the details to complete the event. I was told that the bride was expecting something "big". The guest list was being estimated at 40-50 people. Is this normal? When all is said and done, I estimated a total of $400 to be a part of this bridal party. Due to a difficult and demanding financial year, I was not prepared for the financial responsibilites of the shower. And so I had to step down, or not pay a few bills. Was I wrong in doing so? |
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| Bridal Shower budget |
| Amount: $300.00 total |
| Posted by: Bridesmaid in CHICAGO, IL. | Posted: February 23rd, 2008 06:02PM |
| Type: Bridesmaid | Number of Guests: 40-50 |
Why cant people work together and consider all the aspects involved before saying yes to stand up? Everyone wants to be in the pretty dress and be an "oh so special" maid of honor but then when it comes down to everything else that this honor entails, they complain and freak out and seriously upset the bride, groom and the other bridemaids! Then they do things cheaply and its embarrassing. Ladies, think about this BEFORE you say yes and if you cant afford it, decline politely and just be a good guest and enjoy the festivities. |
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| can't get blood from a stone |
| Amount: $0.00 total |
| Posted by: Happily Married in Warwick, RI. | Posted: March 20th, 2008 11:03AM |
| Type: bride | Number of Guests: 30 |
It's true, when you agree to be in a wedding you have to expect to shell out a little money- but often the dress and shoes and travel expenses to the wedding already strain the attendants enough. My MOH threw me a beautiful shower at her home, in her average sized backyard. She rented a tent, tables and chairs, but made all the food herself and decorated beautifully. She didn't charge the other girls in the party money but asked them to bring balloons or flowers. Granted, not everyone has the time or inclination to cook and host at their home, but there are other options. What's most important is celebrating this time in the bride and groom's life, not showing off with luxurious extravagances. I preferred to have my good friends stand up with me on my wedding day with a few bucks left in their pockets and happy to be there instead of insisting on people doing things they couldn't afford. Trust me, what you remember is the fun you had, not what type of favors you gave out or that you had the most expensive flower in your centerpiece. |
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| Bridal Shower Cost |
| Amount: $300.00 total |
| Posted by: Bridesmaid and soon to be bride in Toledo, OH. | Posted: May 13th, 2008 04:05PM |
| Type: bridesmaid | Number of Guests: 40-50 |
CHICAGO-- I totally agree with you! When you are asked to be apart of such a special day it is an honor. There is nothing worse than cheap being the theme of any event! Above all else, leave the bride alone! It should be a surprise- a nice surprise!
Also, I'm glad to see Cookie from RI, crumbled! |
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| Bridal SHower Budget |
| Amount: $150.00 total |
| Posted by: a user in Rockalnd ct, NY. | Posted: May 13th, 2008 07:05PM |
| Type: Bridesmaid | Number of Guests: 32 |
I am actually the bride and I asked each of my 7 girls if they could afford my wedding and overpriced shower (coordinated NOT hosted by my mother--the control freak) I am not in a financial place to afford much these days but I offered to help the girls and even pay for their dresses if need be. One of my bridesmaids can't afford to pay for the shower and this is understood. I am grateful to have such wonderful friends who knows their friendship is much more important to me than money! *I did have 2 friends choose not to be in the weddign due to finances and they did not want me to pay their part so they gracefully bowed out which I totally respect them for! |
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| Bridal Party From Hell |
| Amount: $1,230.00 total |
| Posted by: Aggravated & Annoyed by Stupid People in Undisclosed, NH. | Posted: August 27th, 2008 05:08PM |
| Type: Outside/ Tent | Number of Guests: 50 |
I'm the maaitron of honor in a wedding and 1/2 the wedding party is absolutely crazy! First the total spent includes a catered lunch which the mother of the bride insisted on paying. Each bridesmaid was only asked to pitch in $90. From the start they were non-responsive and univolved. They finally chimed in about 2 weeks before hand. Now of course I just kept the ball rolling with what I was doing because I wasn't going to let them ruin this day for my friend of 10 years. When they did chime in I sent a list of a few minor items still outstanding which they picked from. After the shower I sent receipts and info for all the other items such the tent rental, decorations, cake, favors etc and I got - I never agreed to pay you any $$ and I will not pay you any $$.
I will admit I shouldn't have assumed that they knew what proper etiquette is but how about offering something. THEY SUCK! |
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| Bridal shower costs |
| Amount: $600.00 total |
| Posted by: Lily in Williamsburg, VA. | Posted: June 7th, 2009 07:06AM |
| Type: 2pm heavy hours d'oeuvres | Number of Guests: 22 RSVP yes (9 maybe), 50 invited |
I planned for 30 because there were so many maybes. I did it at my house and spent nearly $300 on an amazing cake, fruit basket, small sandwiches, pickles and chips. Also had spiked lemonade and drinks and spent $65 on drinks. I made favors myself and those are not included in the cost. I bought dollar store decorations and balloons. $26 per person if planning for 22 people, $19 pp if all 30 showed up. I planned it by myself and then split costs with mother-in-law and my Mom. |
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| Over the Top Bridal Shower |
| Amount: $75.00 total |
| Posted by: Was it a wedding or a cash grab? in Toronto, Other. | Posted: June 16th, 2009 12:06PM |
| Type: Bridal | Number of Guests: 120 |
My daughter and I just attended the daughter of a friend (not a real close one but a friend) this past Sunday. The shower was held at a banquet hall. It was a sit down luncheon with 6 courses, there were waiters walking around with trays of mixed drinks. There was red and white one on each table. A three tier cake. 2 tables full of Italian pastries and clear containers in which all the quests were told to fill and take home with us. On the way out the door the bride to be handed us each a lovely pink box decorated with a printed thank you note from her. I had no idea that I would be attending such an elaborate affair for a wedding shower. My envelope contribution which I felt was more than fair for a shower gift left me feeling nassiated the rest of the evening. My daughter says she felt the same. This friend used to send a joke or two daily and I have not heard from her. Should I call her? Should I offer more money at least to cover what my daughter and I ate? I feel so sick inside. I should also mention the bride is italian and she is marrying an italian. Also, the printed shower invitation said Monetary gifts preferred. So i knew to give a card with money. |
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| Where southern meets northern |
| Amount: $500.00 total |
| Posted by: Maxed out in Detroit metro area, MI. | Posted: July 16th, 2009 07:07AM |
| Type: Bridal | Number of Guests: 50 or more |
The bridesmaids are planning to host a shower for $15 per person, with invites, followed with prizes, brides gift, and favors. I have been in a wedding before (another out of state wedding) which didn't cost this much. I have never been to a shower where bridesmaids had to pay for a luxury luncheon at a resturant. Where I come from (in the south), close relatives hosted it at the house which made it feel intimate and informal. I can't believe by the time I am done paying for hotels, dress accessories, gifts, travel, etc. that I'll be maxed out in credit card debt! Weddings today get too out of hand! |
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| Bridesmaid HELL |
| Amount: $0.00 total |
| Posted by: kris in atlantic city, NJ. | Posted: January 18th, 2010 05:01PM |
I think that spending a large amount of money on just the shower is out of this world ridiculous. It should be about being surrounded by loved ones and receiving gifts to honor your upcoming marriage...not expensive luncheon's with open bar and lavish decor.....its not the wedding its just the bridal shower!!!! When did it become a second wedding? And why should the bridesmaids be responsible for paying for such a thing. And to the idiots who badmouthed people who don't decline invites to be in the bridal party due to financial difficulties - you obviously have very few brain cells capable of thinking outside the box for a second to know that it isn't that cut and dry! |
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| Expectations |
| Amount: $300.00 total |
| Posted by: mell 28 in houston, TX. | Posted: February 2nd, 2010 07:02AM |
| Type: wedding | Number of Guests: 50 |
In response to everyone's post....Yes it is an honor to be considered a Bridesmaids. But a bridesmaid should also be chosen by the bride because she considers this person a special person. And therefore, it should be an honor for the bride to have her close friends with her. A bride should have an idea of her friends' financial constraints and should let them know, in advance, what her expectations are as far as type of showers, bachelorette party, etc. Etiquette states Maid of Honor pay for wedding shower. If she needs to ask for financial assistance (which these days is normal) from the bridesmaids, she needs to keep the cost at a minimum. I had no idea I would be having to pay $400 for a dress,$100 for a catered bridal shower, and $300 for bachelorette party (for one day only, in town). |
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| Don\'t look a gift horse in the mouth |
| Amount: $900.00 total |
| Posted by: mom and maid of honor in Crown Point, IN. | Posted: February 4th, 2010 08:02AM |
| Type: sit down luncheon | Number of Guests: 40 |
If the maid of honor and her mother offer to pay for the shower and let the maids plan the rest of it, be thankful and accept this gift graciously. You have no idea what a blessing it is to be able to plan a lovely shower and not have to pay for it. |
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| Upcoming Bridal Shower |
| Amount: $0.00 total |
| Posted by: Lisa Ramirez in Barrie, Other. | Posted: May 11th, 2010 07:05PM |
| Type: pink, black & white colour theme | Number of Guests: 28 |
I am the mother of the bride. The maid of honor said, as its customery, that she would give the shower, but could she do it at my place. I agreed, but since have only spoken to her 2x and nothing came of it but empty promises. I am now doing most everything and paying for everything and can never get it touch with the MOH. Is it wrong for the mother of the bride to give the shower? No bridesmaids have stepped up either. But the bride (my daughter) is also having a bachelorette party for a wknd. Whose suppose to pay re the bridal shower? Why do i get stuck totally with this responsibility and how should i resolve it??? |
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| should i? |
| Amount: $500.00 total |
| Posted by: Lana in saint louis, MO. | Posted: June 3rd, 2010 01:06PM |
My best friend from college is getting married in her hometown in June '11. I am not the MOH (there are actually 2 MOHs *her bffs from childhood.) The bride & i both live in in the same city, and I am her best friend here... should i plan a shower for her in our city so she can invite her co-workers and friends from around here or should i just let the MOHs take care of it and invite them to cleveland? |
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| cost of a co-ed shower |
| Amount: $0.00 total |
| Posted by: gloriac in Houston, TX. | Posted: July 15th, 2010 10:07PM |
| Type: shower | Number of Guests: 50 |
We have not had the shower yet but I have a question that I cannot seem to find an answer to. I was hoping someone can help me out. There are 7 of us giving my cousin a co-ed shower and we are having issues with the hostess gift. When you host a shower should you even give a gift from all the hosts, like we buy them something big. If so what should the price be. Three of the girls want to buy a gift that cost $450 and the others think that is way to much. Thats over $60 just for their gift. We have to pay for food, invitations, decorations and some drinks, its a BYOB. I figured 7 of us at $50 each, we would be spend a total of $350 on the shower. The other 3 think we should be spending about $100 per person. I just want others opinions. |
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| North Jersey Bridal Shower |
| Amount: $1,500.00 total |
| Posted by: Ellen Jackson in Paramus, NJ. | Posted: August 25th, 2010 11:08AM |
| Type: Expensive! | Number of Guests: 60 |
I am a bridesmaid in a wedding in North Jersey. It is commonplace for each bridesmaid to spend $500 each on just the shower!! That does include a cash gift, but does not include travel expenses, a dress, shoes, hair, makeup and wedding gift. Is this normal? The maid of honor says that's what it costs in North Jersey. Why can't we throw this at someone's house or a hall? She says that's not the brides style! Will someone please help me convince the maid of honor that we can do this for less. Please give me suggestions that will convince the maid of honor to lower the cost....Anyone please help!!!
Thank you!
Stressed Out |
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| Bridal Shower and no thankyou |
| Amount: $200.00 total |
| Posted by: Kt84 in springfield, MO. | Posted: October 2nd, 2010 02:10PM |
| Type: Small | Number of Guests: 25 |
I was told that I could throw the bridal shower and that the bride wanted me to throw it. I am from st. louis and thought that her church would be perfect for the bridal shower. No one rsvped and no one said they were not comming. The bridesmaids did not want to help unitll they heard us ask for money. But everything was bought. I was not told I couldnt ask the other bridesmaid for money. Everyone ended up mad at me and I wasnt even the maid of honor. It was incrediably rude and the bride did not thank me fo it at all or her mother. So rude, we are not friends today. |
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| no idea |
| Amount: $0.00 total |
| Posted by: a user in raleigh, NC. | Posted: February 24th, 2011 12:02PM |
| Type: bridal shower | Number of Guests: 100 |
moh is not including any of the bridesmaids in the planning of the shower....not letting us contribute to any ideas...what the f!!! |
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| Bridal Shower |
| Amount: $400.00 total |
| Posted by: Ronnielouie in Cleveland, OH. | Posted: March 21st, 2012 02:03PM |
| Type: Jewelry Party | Number of Guests: 18 |
Jewelry Party to make jewelry as their favor and as their activity. The party room, supplies and instruction supplied by the facility. MOB funded the cost of jewelry supplies. She did not act as host because that is not proper. MOH and Bride's "aunt" provided refreshments and beverages, including wine.rnrnGuests , which included all of the bridesmaids, were not expected to contribute to the cost of the shower. Cost per person around $ 26.00. Their contribution was a gift and their company.rnrnNot sure why this has to get complicated. |
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| selfish bride |
| Amount: $900.00 total |
| Posted by: done with crazy bride in rochester, NY. | Posted: July 31st, 2012 11:07AM |
| Type: bride from hell | Number of Guests: 90 |
My daughter was asked to be the MOH in her friends wedding. My daughter is a college student and does not work and her dad and i feel that her friend is using her. My daughter saved money thay she got so she could pay for her dress and shoes, both costing $500. Now she was told that her
share of the bridal shower will be $400 bc the bride wantes only the best! The bride is only 20 and has no
understanding about money. Then my daughter was also tols that the cost for hair, makeup and nails will be another$300.....where is the understanding that my daughter does not havethis kind of money. |
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| Bridial party\\\'s cost |
| Amount: $40.00 total |
| Posted by: Mom of Bride in nyc, NY. | Posted: August 27th, 2012 08:08AM |
| Type: bridal shower/restaurant | Number of Guests: 30-40 |
Holy smokes, It is totally insane what people expect from the wedding party as far as money is concern. I have seen it from my friends children. I am giving my daughter her shower at a restaurant. I will foot the bill, if I couldn't I think of another plan, but never make you poor girls who have no money pay!!! Who cares what the "proper way is".As for you young women, I would make it clear to the bride when she ask you to be in her wedding party that "you love her as a friend and are thrilled and honored that she asked you, but that she has to realize you are in school, or just started a job, or living home with parents......money is an issue with you right now, however your feelings for the bride are the same regardless if she chooses not to have you in the wedding party due to your budget limitations |
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| I think it's too much |
| Amount: $260.00 total |
| Posted by: Trying to be accomodating in Pittsburgh, PA. | Posted: January 14th, 2013 04:01PM |
| Type: lunch at an Italian restaurant | Number of Guests: 80 invited |
The bride wants to invite 40 women to her shower, and it is customary to invite all adult women that are invited to the wedding. Many will most likely not attend the shower. However, the future MIL has added to the list to make it 80 invited, and the bridesmaids are expected to pay for all wardrobe (including jewelry, shoes, salon), shower, and bachelorette party. We have told the bride that she is not being sensitive to our financial constraints, but since future MIL gave $9,000.000 toward the wedding itself, bride is letting her invite as many people as she wants to the shower on the bridesmaids' dimes (we were not consulted on this). The food alone is estimated at $225.00 per bridesmaid; we still have to pay for the decorations, prizes, gifts, favors, etc. Then we have to pay for the bachelorette party (in the evening right after the shower) which will include a $20.00 dinner and $40.00 theater ticket each, and then drinks afterward. That's a lot of money for future MIL's guests. |
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