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Dress Coding: Bridal Shower Attire

May 7, 2012 at 6:00am by Lauren Conrad


Whether you like it or not, wedding season is upon us. With weddings come bridal showers along with a whole slew of related events. After a recent shower I attended for one of my good friends I realized that many of the girls in my group didn't know what to wear to the occasion. Questions such as "Can I wear white or cream?" became the centerpiece of conversation leading up to the shower. This got me thinking that many of you might find yourself wondering the same thing so I thought I'd do a blog about it. As with all things, there are some general rules of thumb when it comes to dressing for a bridal shower. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Let the bride-to-be wear white. It's a subtle way to let her shine on her big day. Personally, I would even steer away from creams and ivory as well. Nude shades and white dresses with colorful prints are fine, but solid whites should be reserved for the star of the show: The Bride.

  2. Stay away from red. It may seem trite, but red is considered to be a "vulgar" hue associated with adultery. Not exactly appropriate for celebrating your friend's upcoming nuptials. Red is also a "look-at-me" color. Again, let the bride bask in the spotlight. Save your LRD for that hot date you have planned...and wear that LPD instead.

  3. Try not to wear black. This is a completely personal opinion, but I wouldn't recommend wearing black to a bridal shower. It reminds me of mourning. Instead, wear a pretty color or print to show optimism for your friend's new beginnings.

Well that's it for bridal shower wardrobe etiquette! Now for the fun part... Here are my top picks on what to wear to a bridal shower:

If you're the bride-to-be, wear white. I like both of these little numbers...

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tbd:Amazon:photo

Theyskens' Theory Dystie Dress

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tbd:Amazon:photo

J.Crew Eyelet Dress


If you're attending a shower, try one of these paired with a nice cardigan and heels or pretty flats...

YLpKGCGcmMVzOdpT9BsnRlIM.jpeg:Amazon:photo

tbd:Amazon:photo

H&M Short Dress in Mint


1pxCIq6k3opx7Juqs2HyoJLZ.jpeg:Amazon:photo

tbd:Amazon:photo

LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Hi-Low Dress


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tbd:Amazon:photo

H&M Powder Pink Lace Dress

JNnNhstcwvKYqckUHfSc6JTD.jpeg:Amazon:photo

tbd:Amazon:photo

Anthropologie Macquarie Dress

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tbd:Amazon:photo

Vanessa Bruno Silk Dress

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tbd:Amazon:photo

LC Lauren Conrad Polka-Dot Pleated Dress

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tbd:Amazon:photo

Anthropologie Burgeoning Hypericum Dress (This is the dress I actually wore to my friend's bridal shower.)

Which dress is your favorite?

Also, if you have any fun game ideas for bridal showers, let me know in the comments below!

As far as what to wear on the big day, be sure to check out my wedding attire style guide!

XO Lauren

FIj1gZsnnnUTc1pwTCkOiilu.png:Amazon:photo

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    60 comments

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    • Kristen Moreno
      Kristen Moreno
      May 16, 2013 at 8:29am
      0 0
      These are all gorgeous! But I sometimes feel strange wearing white to a wedding :/

      Hey Guys, check out my Beauty Review Accounts:

      Instagram: YourBeautyFix
      Blog: http://yourbeautyfixreviews.blogspot.com/
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    • Paulina Mo
      Paulina Mo
      May 16, 2013 at 7:31am
      0 0
      Super cute and girly! love that last dress!

      ~Pau
      my fashion blog: www.lilbitsofchic.com
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    • Meredith
      Meredith
      Dec 10, 2012 at 12:34pm
      0 0
      I love the light pink H&M dress! I am a March bride and have been thinking about what to wear to my upcoming shower! Thanks for the cute suggestions! I would love to read your suggestions for the bridal shower games!
      Thanks :)
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    • Noelle O Riordan
      Noelle O Riordan
      Sep 5, 2012 at 3:09pm
      0 0

      What is everyones opinion on wearing a long nude dress to a black tie wedding? Would match it with bold colour accessories eg, red lipstick, black shoes etc.

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    • tina john
      tina john
      Aug 30, 2012 at 9:20pm
      0 0

      I'm totally feeling this post! I definitely need a new necklace storage. I also need a good place to hang my bags and purses..still looking for one! Any ideas?


      fashion photographers

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    • Bridgette
      Bridgette
      Aug 21, 2012 at 3:51pm
      0 0

      Check out my blog http://fashionbybridgette.blogspot.com/

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    • crazygurl
      crazygurl
      Jun 1, 2012 at 5:22pm
      0 0

      The LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Hi-Low Dress is sooo cute! <333

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    • paola nvr
      paola nvr
      May 24, 2012 at 8:57pm
      0 0

      My favorite dress is LC Lauren Conrad Polka-Dot Pleated Dress is soo pretyy!

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    • Susie Leckie
      Susie Leckie
      May 17, 2012 at 11:21am
      0 0

      hey Lauren! this is a really great post, but i have another issue coming up in June! my boyfriend is taking me back to Indiana where all his family lives (his mom is one of 10 brothers / sisters - eeeek!) and his cousin who is our age, 24, is getting married and invited us to the wedding. i need some help getting a dress because i don't want anything too flashy or expensive because they aren't into name brand clothing as much. obviously i do not want to steal from the bride either but it's a June wedding in the afternoon so i want something that will br bright and cheery and stand out! do you have any advice or does anyone else? maybe someone who has been back to the midwest, i would love just any advice!


      thanks!!



      susie x X

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    • Sara Neely
      Sara Neely
      May 14, 2012 at 10:50pm
      0 0

      My favorite dress is the Macquarie Dress from Anthropologie. It touches on so many trends for spring- it's floral and has pastel colors. It doesn't hurt that it's from my favorite store either!

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    • soupforthegirlysoul
      soupforthegirlysoul
      May 10, 2012 at 5:34am
      0 0

      great tips! these dresses are beautiful!


      http://www.soupforthegirlysoul.blogspot.com

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    • Linh Ly
      Linh Ly
      May 9, 2012 at 1:28pm
      0 0

      i love the h&m pink lace dress and your LC polka dotted dress! love it love it! bridal showers are a great place to wear a flirty, girly dress without having to worry about looking sexy! = )


      follow me at http://befashionfit.blogspot.com/

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    • Lizzie
      Lizzie
      May 9, 2012 at 9:31am
      0 0

      I'm going to a baptism in a couple weeks and had no idea what to wear. I'm thinking a dress like this could be appropriate. Love the polka dot Kohls dress!

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    • Lauren Hoffman
      Lauren Hoffman
      May 9, 2012 at 6:22am
      0 0

      Looking for DIY bridal shower ideas? Click here!!


      <3 Lauren @ eyeblinkfashion

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    • Stephanie DiMaggio
      Stephanie DiMaggio
      May 8, 2012 at 3:56pm
      0 0

      I love the first rule: don't wear white! I have seen so many women at bridal showers and weddings wear white! It is so annoying and rude.


      http://coutureconfidential.blogspot.com/

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    • Michelle LaPorte
      Michelle LaPorte
      May 8, 2012 at 2:49pm
      0 0

      The powder pink lace dress from H&M is my favorite!


      http://michellelivinglifebeautifully.blogspot.com/

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    • Jacy Tilton
      Jacy Tilton
      May 8, 2012 at 9:11am
      0 0

      I've never had to think about this because none of my close friends have gotten married yet, however I've had a few friends get engaged lately so I guess I will need to start thinking about it soon! Great tips...thanks for sharing! Such a helpful/cute post idea :)


      ~Jacy


      http://laviedelenore.blogspot.com

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    • Leanne
      Leanne
      May 8, 2012 at 7:19am
      0 0

      I love the white dresses. They are stunning!


      Love from South Africa


      http://arumlilea.blogspot.com

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    • Shellz
      Shellz
      May 7, 2012 at 7:40pm
      0 0

      AAh! this is great! The powder pink lace dress is tooo cute! Gotta hit H&M now!



      http://www.shellzdoll.com/2012/05/03/april-favourites/

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    • beachgrly74
      beachgrly74
      May 7, 2012 at 7:32pm
      0 0

      I love your pink dress! Could you guys please post some stuff on summer finds, sucha as tops and shorts for different body types. I'm petite (5'2'' and an XS) and love all of the crop top looks as well as longer length ones but nothing fits me well and I need help!

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    • Jaclyn Schler
      Jaclyn Schler
      May 7, 2012 at 7:01pm
      0 0

      Love that Anthropologie dress!


      Cute bridal shower game - Have each guest write down words of wisdom to the bride and groom. Read their note before opening their gift! Simple and cute. http://sharingmysole.blogspot.com/

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    • Cassie Hanson
      Cassie Hanson
      May 7, 2012 at 5:57pm
      0 0

      could not agree with your tips more!! sharing this post :)


      www.daeplanner.com

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    • Liesl
      Liesl
      May 7, 2012 at 5:03pm
      0 0

      I agree, don't wear white, red or black to a bridal shower! I really love the Powder Pink lace dress from H&M!



      Liesl xxx


      http://www.pretty-random-things.com/

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    • fashionsontop
      fashionsontop
      May 7, 2012 at 1:55pm
      0 0

      Great tips! I alos love all the dresses you picked out!


      http://www.fashionsontop.blogspot.com/

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    • Essie
      Essie
      May 7, 2012 at 1:14pm
      0 0

      Always love your dresses and style!


      http://pinkscriptblog.blogspot.com/

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