What Is a Reasonable Budget for a Bridal Shower? (2024)

Bridal showers are a pre-wedding celebration where guests "shower" the bride-to-be with gifts, love, and attention. It's about having fun, being with friends and family, and enjoying delicious food.

But how much does a bridal shower cost, and who pays for it? That's the big question.

Fortunately, this post provides some answers. You'll learn how much each element of a bridal shower typically costs, showing you how much people need to spend on it.

What Is a Reasonable Budget for a Bridal Shower? (1)

Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?

Traditionally, the maid of honor hosts and pays for the bridal shower. However, nowadays, this responsibility can fall to anyone associated with the bride, such as the bride's mother, sister, aunt, or even just a friend.

The host should discuss the event with the bride to establish her wishes, create the budget and build a guest list. They should also remember that the bridal shower is fundamentally about the bride, and the setup is different from a wedding, where the couple themselves pay.

How the host arranges finances is a personal decision.

How Much Does a Bridal Shower Cost?

The cost of a bridal shower depends on several factors, such as:

According to CostHelper, a bridal shower costs $15 to $40 per person. That works out at $300 to $800 for a 20-person party but can go as high as $150 per person or $3,000 for a 20-person shower. Based on these estimates and an average bridal shower guest list of 35-50 people, a reasonable budget for a bridal shower is between $350 and $7,500.

How Much Does Each Element Of A Bridal Shower Cost?

How much your bridal shower costs depends on how much your host spends on each element of the day.

Bridal Shower Venue

The venue is one of the most significant expenses of a bridal shower. According to Tagvenue, bridal shower venues can cost anywhere from $65 to $3,900 daily.

The Warehouse by David Alan offers a bridal shower venue for parties of varying sizes and tastes. It is in New Jersey and has state-of-the-art sound and lighting, traditional surroundings, and customizable décor options. It also comes with an on-site coordination and planning team to manage every aspect of the day, ensuring things run smoothly.

Bridal Shower Catering

Food is another significant expense of a bridal shower. According to Discover, wedding catering prices range per person, depending on various factors such as location, menu type, and service style. For example, a buffet-style catering service would cost less than plated meals.

However, you'll need to spend more at a bridal shower if you want guests to have the best experience. A budget of $30 to $100 per person is reasonable. This would make the average cost of catering for thirty-five guests around $1050-$3500, or $1500-$5000 for fifty guests.

The Warehouse is part of the David Alan Caterer's Group, meaning we offer highly qualified chefs and an extensive menu collection. With us, diners can enjoy various entrées, hors d'oeuvres, and delicious desserts, all made according to their dietary requirements.

Bridal Shower Decorations

Decorations can add flair and personality to your bridal shower, making it a special event. Zola estimates that couples need to spend between $200 and0 $3,000 on wedding ceremony decorations and between $1,000 and $15,000 for the reception. Assuming the costs transfer to bridal showers, you can expect to pay upwards of $1,000.

However, when you come to The Warehouse, we include them in the package and put them up for you. Tell us what you require, and we will do the rest.

Bridal Shower Entertainment

Lastly, you'll want to consider entertainment costs. Entertainment can make your bridal shower more fun and memorable.

Bridal shower entertainment typically costs the same as regular entertainment. For instance, hiring a DJ in a major metro is $1,600 to $2,200. Again, you can approach a team member and get more information on the prices you are likely to pay.

Have Your Bridal Shower At The Warehouse by David Alan

For hosts, arranging these elements is complicated. That's why The Warehouse does it all for you. We care for the venue, food, décor, and entertainment, wrapping it up into a single, affordable package. Plan your next event today.

What Is a Reasonable Budget for a Bridal Shower? (2024)

FAQs

What Is a Reasonable Budget for a Bridal Shower? ›

That works out at $300 to $800 for a 20-person party but can go as high as $150 per person or $3,000 for a 20-person shower. Based on these estimates and an average bridal shower guest list of 35-50 people, a reasonable budget for a bridal shower is between $350 and $7,500.

How much does the average person spend on a bridal shower? ›

If you're going all out with an elaborate bridal shower, you could be talking $40 to $150 or more (gasp!) per person. Even a small, elaborate bridal shower (think 15 guests) could cost between $600 and $2,250—and that's before invitations, decorations and cake.

Who normally pays for a bridal shower? ›

In short, the host is the one who pays for the bridal shower—or at least some of it. Most commonly, this is the maid of honor, but the couple's relatives, friends or even the to-be-weds themselves can all pitch in to cover the cost of the wedding shower.

What is a good amount to give for a bridal shower? ›

The Average Cost of a Bridal Shower Gift

According to Opperman, bridal shower gifts tend to be less expensive than wedding gifts. "Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says.

How do you throw an inexpensive bridal shower? ›

From hosting in your living room to DIY party favors, here are 9 ways to plan a bridal shower on a budget:
  1. Host at home. ...
  2. Work with a co-host. ...
  3. Send online invitations. ...
  4. Keep the guest list small. ...
  5. Get creative with decor. ...
  6. Keep the appetizers simple. ...
  7. Organize a potluck. ...
  8. Plan games for entertainment.
Apr 19, 2022

How many hours is a typical bridal shower? ›

Bridal showers typically last 2-4 hours and are not considered an all-day event. Although, depending on the type of shower you are hosting the time can vary. Most showers will either take place in the morning and serve as a brunch, or in the afternoon served with lunch or finger foods.

What food to serve at a bridal shower? ›

Fabulous Bridal Shower Finger Foods
  • Crescent Vegetable Appetizers. Quick & Easy Crab Dip. Veggie Dippers. Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches.
  • Veggie Crescent Cups. Flower Fruit Kabobs with Luscious Fruit Dip. Watermelon & Blackberry Bites. ...
  • Mini Rainbow Fruit Kabobs. Fruit Jersey Cake. Balsamic Fruit & Cheese Kabobs.
May 19, 2023

Who should not host a bridal shower? ›

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Nancy is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.

What does a maid of honor pay for? ›

"We often see the maid of honor assist in covering the cost of the bridal shower (often in conjunction with a family member of the bride), covering her own costs and some of the costs of the bride for the bachelorette party (in conjunction with the rest of the bridesmaids), her own travel to and from the wedding, a ...

Does the mother of the bride plan the bridal shower? ›

Traditionally, the mother of the bride doesn't host the bridal shower (the maid of honor typically assumes the chief shower-planning role), however, your daughter will likely want you to be a part of the celebration.

Is 50 enough for a bridal shower gift? ›

If you attend the bridal shower and the wedding, you are expected to buy a separate gift for each event. The Knot suggests an attendee should spend between 50 to 75 dollars on a shower gift.

Is it OK to give money as a bridal shower gift? ›

Giving a cash gift is usually fine at either the shower or the big day, but actual gifts are typically the preference—especially if the bride is opening presents for guests to see. Gift cards are especially suitable for showers, while cash and checks are more common at weddings.

How much should each bridesmaid spend on bridal shower? ›

These pre-wedding celebrations can be a significant financial commitment. Bridal showers typically cost bridesmaids around $50 to $150, depending on the chosen venue, decorations, and activities.

How to make a simple bridal shower? ›

  1. Create a shower budget.
  2. Pick a date.
  3. Create the guest list.
  4. Select a bridal shower theme.
  5. Choose a location.
  6. Send invitations.
  7. Choose the menu.
  8. Pick your bridal shower decor.
May 23, 2023

How do you host a simple bridal shower? ›

From the food, drinks, music, favors and decor, pick a theme that you can realistically execute. Before committing to a theme, make out a sample menu, think through favor ideas and determine the cost of what must be purchased. Once all of the bridesmaids and MOBs agree, then you're ready to divide and conquer.

How do you plan a simple bridal shower? ›

Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Bridal Shower
  1. 8 Tips On Planning The Perfect Bridal Shower. Decide On The Budget. Set The Date. Compile The Guest List. Choose The Bridal Shower Venue. Decide On A Theme. Plan The Menu. Send Out The Invitations. Decide On The Grooms Role.
  2. Host An Unforgettable Bridal Shower At Galuppi's.
Feb 22, 2024

What is the average wedding gift amount? ›

Key takeaways. The average wedding gift is $100 per wedding guest. But many factors can nudge that gift amount up or down. Make sure you aren't giving more than you can afford.

Do you give a gift if you throw a bridal shower? ›

Traditionally, hosts of the bridal shower will also give the bride a gift. If you're hosting a shower alone (which is quite rare), a small, personal gift would be more than appropriate.

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