Last Updated on January 24, 2022 by Guillermina
Today, we’re going to be looking at when to have a bridal shower and bachelorette party. In the lead-up to any wedding, there are many events to plan and get excited for.
For women, the two that are most common are bridal showers and bachelorette parties – but what’s the difference between the two? Are they the same thing? We’ll be taking a look at the best time to have them and the differences between them both.
What Is A Bridal Shower?
A bridal shower usually occurs in the daytime. It’s a celebration of the bride’s upcoming marriage. It’s a time where gifts are often given to the bride to help them in their new venture of married life. Female family and friends of the bride traditionally receive an invite – however, you can invite whoever you wish.
What Is A Bachelorette Party?
A bachelorette party (or hen night, depending on where you are) is a party held for the bride-to-be. Traditionally it happens in the evening and is attended by females only. However, in more recent years, male friends and family members of the bride can be invited; and some couples even opt to have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party.
Difference Between Bridal Shower And Bachelorette Party
Although they both seem like parties (and they are), there are many differences between the two. The main one being, a bridal shower is to prepare the bride for her venture with gifts and a celebration. Whereas a bachelorette party is usually the time for a bride to let her hair down and celebrate her last night of singlehood.
There are some other significant differences between the two. Let’s take a look.
The Activities
Your bridal shower will often be more sophisticated than your bachelorette party – there may even be children in attendance at your bridal shower. Because of this, you’ll often play family-friendly games, open any gifts you’ve received, and celebrate with a glass of champagne or two.
Whereas at your bachelorette party, you can really let loose and you’ll likely end up with a hangover for the next day or two. And this is the time to use the penis straws and have a bit of fun…definitely not something you’d want your grandma seeing!
The Timing
Some brides do prefer to have their bridal shower in the afternoon, and their bachelorette party in the evening, but traditionally, they are not done at the same time. We’ll be taking a look at the best time to have both in more depth later in this post.
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The Guests
While some guests may be attending both parties, the guestlist for both will be significantly different. The guest list for your bridal shower will be much longer than your bachelorette party. Your bridal shower is the place to invite your grandma and your future mother in law, and any other nearest and dearest female friends and family members.
Whereas the bachelorette party is often just your bridal party – the closest females (or males) in your life. It’s the night when you can really have some fun with the closest people in your life.
The Atmosphere
There’s no doubt about it – the atmosphere will likely be completely different. At your bridal party, it’s more likely to be something like brunch, a spa, or afternoon tea. Whereas your bachelorette will likely be at a nightclub or a bar and can last several days; depending on what celebration you choose. One will be calm and relaxing, the other will be wild and fun.
The Hosts
Everyone close to you will likely play a part in the organization of both. However, traditionally the maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids will arrange the bachelorette party and the family of the bride (such as the MIL and mother of the bride) will plan the bridal shower.
When Do You Have Bridal Shower?
The bridal shower is typically much closer to the wedding than the bachelorette. The ideal time is between 2-4 weeks before the wedding. This is the perfect time to celebrate your upcoming nuptials, without being too close to the wedding. The bridal shower only usually lasts a few hours in the afternoon, so you do not need to give as much notice as you would for the bachelorette.
When Do You Have A Bachelorette Party?
Typically, a bachelorette party happens between 1-3 months before the wedding day. This will give you more than enough time to recover, but it’s close enough to the wedding to really feel some excitement. It may last a few days, or at least overnight – so make sure you give any guests plenty of time to get the dates in their diaries.
Where To Go For A Bachelorette Party?
Where you go for your bachelorette party all depends on what type of person you are. Some brides may prefer for a quiet few days around the pool sipping margaritas and being pampered. Whereas other brides may like to go to Las Vegas for a few nights and go out of single life with a bang.
If you’re planning the bachelorette party, it’s important to take the bride’s interests and values into account. If she’s not a party girl, simple afternoon tea and a pamper day may be better suited.
Whichever bride you are, this article from The Knot has some great suggestions on the 32 Best Bachelorette Destinations. There’s something for every bride!
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you learn when to have a bridal shower and bachelorette party. The truth is, there’s no “perfect” time, the ideal time is when works for you. Some brides may want one long day of celebrating with both parties on the same day, whereas others may like to prolong the celebrations. There’s no right or wrong time.
When did you have your bridal shower and bachelorette party? Was it close to the wedding? Let me know in the comments below.