Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party: What's the Difference?

July 05, 2023 6 min read

bridal shower vs bachelorette party

Bridal showers and bachelorette parties are two of the most popular pre-wedding celebrations for brides-to-be. Although both events are meant to honor the bride and celebrate her upcoming nuptials, there are significant differences between the two. Understanding these differences can help the bride-to-be and her guests plan a memorable event that suits her personality and preferences.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party

Key Differences

One of the primary differences between a bridal shower and a bachelorette party is the focus of the event. A bridal shower is typically a daytime event that is focused on gift-giving. Family members and friends of the bride gather to "shower" her with gifts that will help her prepare for her new life as a wife. In contrast, a bachelorette party is usually an evening or weekend event that is more focused on celebrating the bride's last days of singlehood. It is often a night out with the bride's closest friends, filled with fun activities and/or partying.

Definition of Bridal Shower

A bridal shower is a pre-wedding celebration where the bride's family and friends shower her with gifts and well wishes. It is typically held during the day and is a more formal event, often hosted by the maid of honor or a close family member.

Definition of Bachelorette Party

A bachelorette party, on the other hand, is a night (or weekend) of fun and celebration with the bride's closest friends. It is typically a more informal event, with activities ranging from bar-hopping to spa treatments, depending on the bride's preferences.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party

Purpose of Bridal Shower

The purpose of a bridal shower is to help the bride-to-be prepare for her new life as a married woman. It is a chance for her to receive gifts that will help her set up her new home, and for her female family and friends to offer advice and support.

Purpose of Bachelorette Party

The purpose of a bachelorette party is to give the bride-to-be one last hurrah with her closest friends before she gets married. It is a chance for her to let loose and have fun before she enters a new chapter in her life.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party

Guest List for Bridal Shower

The guest list for a bridal shower typically includes the bride's family members and friends. It is a more intimate event. The guest list for a bridal shower is typically larger. 

Guest List for Bachelorette Party

The guest list for a bachelorette party is typically smallee and includes the bride's closest friends. It is a chance for the bride to celebrate with her besties and have a fun night out.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party

Activities and Entertainment

When it comes to bridal showers and bachelorette parties, the activities and entertainment can vary significantly. Let's take a closer look at some of the typical activities and entertainment options for each event.

Typical Activities for Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are typically more low-key affairs, with activities that are designed to celebrate the bride-to-be and prepare her for married life. Some of the typical activities for a bridal shower include:

  • Gift opening: One of the main activities at a bridal shower is gift opening. Guests bring gifts for the bride-to-be, and she opens them in front of everyone.

  • Games: Bridal shower games are a popular way to break the ice and get guests involved. Some common games include bridal bingo, the newlywed game, and advice for the bride.

Typical Activities for Bachelorette Party

Bachelorette parties, on the other hand, are typically more raucous affairs. They are designed to be a last hurrah for the bride-to-be before she enters a new chapter in her life. Some of the typical activities for a bachelorette party include:

  • Night out: A night out on the town is a popular activity for bachelorette parties. This might involve hitting up a club, going to a concert, or simply bar-hopping.

  • Spa day: For a more relaxing bachelorette party, a spa day might be in order. This could include massages, facials, and other pampering treatments.

  • Adventure activities: For the more adventurous bride-to-be, bachelorette parties might involve activities such as zip-lining, rock climbing, or white-water rafting.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party

Entertainment for Bridal Shower

In terms of entertainment, bridal showers typically don't require much beyond the activities themselves. However, some hosts might choose to incorporate additional entertainment options such as:

  • Music: Playing music in the background can help create a festive atmosphere for the bridal shower.

  • Photo booth: Setting up a photo booth with fun props can be a great way to get guests mingling and having fun.

  • Karaoke: For the more outgoing bride-to-be, karaoke can be a fun way to get everyone involved.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party

Entertainment for Bachelorette Party

Bachelorette parties, on the other hand, are all about entertainment. Some popular entertainment options for bachelorette parties include:

  • Male entertainment: Hiring a male stripper or going to a male strip club is a classic bachelorette party activity.

  • Games: Bachelorette party games can be a great way to get everyone involved and having fun.

  • Scavenger hunt: A scavenger hunt can be a fun way to explore the city and get everyone working together.

Location and Venue

When it comes to planning a bridal shower or bachelorette party, the location and venue can set the tone for the entire event. Here are some considerations for each type of party.

Venue for Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is typically a more formal event, often held during the day and focused on gift-giving. As such, it's common to hold the shower at a restaurant, banquet hall, or even someone's home. When choosing a venue, it's important to consider the size of the guest list, as well as the bride's preferences and personality. For example, a brunch at a trendy restaurant might be perfect for a chic city bride, while a garden party at a friend's home might be better suited for a more laid-back bride.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party

Venue for Bachelorette Party

The bachelorette party is often a more casual and fun event, typically held in the evening or over a weekend. Popular venues for bachelorette parties include bars, clubs, and hotels. When choosing a venue, it's important to consider the bride's interests and preferences, as well as the budget and logistics of the event. For example, a wine tasting tour might be perfect for a wine-loving bride, while a weekend getaway to a beach house might be better suited for a more adventurous bride.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party

Decorations for Bridal Shower

When it comes to decorations for a bridal shower, it's important to keep things elegant and tasteful. Some popular decor items include floral arrangements, balloons, and table settings. It's also common to incorporate the bride's wedding colors or theme into the decor. When choosing decorations, it's important to consider the venue and the bride's preferences.

Decorations for Bachelorette Party

The decorations for a bachelorette party can be more playful and fun. Some popular decor items include banners, balloons, and photo props. It's also common to incorporate the bride's interests or hobbies into the decor. For example, if the bride loves unicorns, a unicorn-themed bachelorette party might be a fun option. When choosing decorations, it's important to consider the venue and the bride's preferences.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party

Cost and Budget

When it comes to planning a bridal shower or bachelorette party, cost and budget are important factors to consider. Both events can be expensive, and it's essential to figure out how much you want to spend before you start planning.

Cost of Bridal Shower

The cost of a bridal shower can vary depending on various factors, such as the number of guests, the location, and the type of food and drinks you serve. According to WeddingWire, the average cost of a bridal shower is around $500, but it can range anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more.

Some of the costs associated with a bridal shower may include invitations, decorations, food, drinks, and party favors. If you decide to host the event at a venue, you may also need to factor in the cost of renting the space.

Cost of Bachelorette Party

Bachelorette parties tend to be more expensive than bridal showers, as they often involve travel and accommodations. According to The Knot, the average cost of a bachelorette party is around $500 per person, but it can range anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more.

Some of the costs associated with a bachelorette party may include transportation, accommodations, food, drinks, activities, and party favors. If you're planning a destination bachelorette party, you may also need to factor in the cost of flights and rental cars.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party

Budgeting for Bridal Shower

When budgeting for a bridal shower, it's essential to consider how many guests you plan to invite and what type of food and drinks you want to serve. You may also want to consider hosting the event at a home or backyard to save on venue costs.

To save money on decorations, consider making your own DIY centerpieces and using items you already have, such as candles and tablecloths. You can also save on invitations by sending e-invites instead of printed ones.

Budgeting for Bachelorette Party

When budgeting for a bachelorette party, it's essential to consider the cost of travel and accommodations. To save money, consider staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel or booking flights early to take advantage of lower prices.

To save money on activities, consider planning free or low-cost options, such as hiking, visiting local landmarks, or having a spa day at home. You can also save on food and drinks by cooking meals at home instead of eating out at restaurants.

Bridal Shower vs Bachelorette Party


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