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 |  | Low: $10-$15 per person |  | Medium: $15-$40 per person |  | 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[1] 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[2] 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.
Related articles: Bachelorette Party, Rehearsal Dinner
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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[3] 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[4] 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[5] offers a guide to showers that includes theme suggestions. And Brides.com[6] has a primer on choosing a shower style.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: 70s gal in woodstock, IL. | Posted: October 2nd, 2018 12:10PM |
| Type: general shower | Number of Guests: 40 |
I was asked to be MOH and other bridesmaid was out of town. She agreed to be financial co-host. Offered bride shower for 12-15 people. She said she would invite 40. My small house could barely accommodate. Other bridesmaid was too busy with the parties for out of towners to help me so I opened my home, set up tables for 40, decorated, did all the shopping, all the cooking, all the figuring every single thing out and was then left to do ALL THE CLEANUP myself because they all had to leave early to get to the next event for out of towners. I have never felt the same about this friend. it was 18 years ago and I am just heartsick about the way it altered my trust in her. BTW it was her 2nd wedding at age 50. |
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| Posted by: a user in Detroit, MI. | Posted: August 2nd, 2017 04:08AM |
I offered to help the MOB throw a bridal shower for her daughter. She let the daughter plan what she wanted and I was not included in anything. When I offered suggestions they were shot down. Then they just expected me to write a check for what they spent. It was 1,300 for the hall alone and I have already spent 300 on top of that on my own. Really do people understand budgets!! and taking advantage of a very nice gesture. |
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| Posted by: Mama Mary in Seattle, WA. | Posted: March 11th, 2017 09:03AM |
| Type: Bridal Shower | Number of Guests: 40 |
I have been asked to take on the Bridal Shower of a dear sweet friend who is a second daughter to me. I have been an event coordinator for many years and gladly said yes. I decided that it would be at my home and would host the entire thing. My idea is to make everything from scratch, but to be sure that it's food the bride likes and to be very transparent about what my boundaries are up front. That is a must. I know that I will have to incur costs, but I set my own budget and let the bride know in advance what I am able to do and what I am not. I am in control of my own party, as it should be. I let her know here is what I can do and she either agrees or not. If she does not, then I can bow out. However, we do not have to be extravagant to enjoy each other's company; with some flowers from the market at $5 per bouquet and good healthy food, and a game - decided by one of the bridal party guests, along with great friends and family, the shower will be wonderful! |
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| Posted by: Maryanna in Columbus, OH. | Posted: November 15th, 2015 06:11AM |
| Type: general | Number of Guests: 42 |
We were told in advance of hour planning that the bride likes real glitzy things (translated: expensive). Yes my cost includes a lovely shower group from the ten hostesses, but I think this is obnoxious. None of the hostesses seemed to flinch when they heard the price, but frankly, I wish I had not been given the "honor" of being a hostess. I love the bride's mother but hardly know the bride. Now I have to buy a gift. |
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| Posted by: Sad Sister :-( in Grand Island, NE. | Posted: September 10th, 2015 03:09PM |
I am the MOH for my sisters wedding this coming October. She has invited over 100 people to the bridal shower!!! How can I tell her that I cannot afford the reservation her friends have recently told me I need to fork up let alone feeding them all??? Please help!!! |
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| Shower |
| Amount: $2,000.00 total |
| Posted by: BC222 in Byron, IL. | Posted: June 4th, 2015 06:06AM |
| Type: Bridal Shower | Number of Guests: 40 |
As the bride, aware of financial constraints and valuing the people I asked to join me on my big day,I paid for the venue (350), decor/flowers, favors (160),dessert (150). My mother agreed to pay for food and drinks which will cost her about 900. I asked the maids to purchase a 10 dollar door prize (we each did), and come up with games. One maid made potted plant prizes for games, the other made the games and the third made a cute display piece which I loved! I do not think it cost any of them more that 40 or 50 dollars,and I spent about 1100. If you want something extravagant you should foot the bill! I am holding the shower at a conservatory,mob and maids listed as hosting |
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| Posted by: Nyoka in Toronto, Other. | Posted: November 1st, 2014 04:11PM |
| Type: | Number of Guests: 35 |
Male MOH for cousins wedding. High Tea at a high end historical hotel in a major city. It's not a bad price when I think about it. $45 a head includes tea, sandwiches and deserts including a private room. In that same budget were custom save the dates, thank you cards and invitations to the bridal shower. Haven't purchased flowers or favours yet but that shouldnt be too costly. |
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| Posted by: Unbelievablely Annoyed in South Florida, FL. | Posted: October 28th, 2014 12:10PM |
| Type: Bridal Shower | Number of Guests: 10-15 |
I stepped down as MOH b/c I was asked to host the bridal shower at a spa for the ENTIRE bridal party plus guests. The estimate was over $5000. The reason I was asked to foot for the bill b/c I was the only one in the bridal party that has a job, the rest were college kids and unemployed. My mother offered to host the party at our house, pay for the food and favors, etc and it was bluntly declined. So I walked away from the whole ordeal. I still talk to my friend once a year, but the bond is forever broken. $$ is the root of all evil. |
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| Posted by: Southern Hospitality in Jacksonville, FL. | Posted: May 19th, 2014 11:05AM |
| Type: Bridal Shower | Number of Guests: 30 |
I am the MOH, and am responsible for throwing a bridal shower for bride. Is it ok for me to ask if any of the other bridesmaids would want to co-host. I wanted to ask for $75-$100 each. She has 8 bridesmaids and only half will be going to the bachlorette which will cost us $500. I don't know the proto call if its ok to ask for monetary help. |
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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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External Resources: | - www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/index.html
- wedding.theknot.com/bridesmaids-mother-of-the-bride/bridal-shower-ideas/articles/a...
- www.beau-coup.com/bridal_shower_favors.htm
- wedding.theknot.com/bridesmaids-mother-of-the-bride/bridal-shower-ideas/articles/b...
- www.bridalguide.com/
- www.brides.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-showers-parties/2006/12/all-about-you
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