A bridal shower is a customary event and one that the bride will undoubtedly look forward to. It is often a more intimate gathering, but knowing exactly who should attend is not entirely obvious, especially when it comes to whether the groom should attend.
It’s a question that has been asked since the beginning of time, or at least since bridal showers became a thing: “Do grooms go to bridal showers?” The answer, as is often the case with important questions, is a complicated one. There are many factors that go into whether or not a groom should attend his bride-to-be’s bridal shower. Let’s explore some of them.
So, does the groom go to the bridal shower?
Traditionally, the groom does not attend the bridal shower. While not expected, it has been known for the groom to arrive at the end to say thank you for the gifts. Alternatively, some couples choose to throw a ‘Jack and Jill’ party instead, where both the bride and groom are in attendance.
There are many benefits to having the groom attend the bridal shower. For one, it can be a great opportunity for him to get to know some of the important women in his bride-to-be’s life, like her mother, grandmother, and sisters.
Additionally, if the groom is involved in the planning of the wedding, attending the bridal shower can give him a better idea of what his bride wants and likes.
And lastly, let’s not forget that weddings are a big deal for both the bride and groom—attending the bridal shower together can help start the wedding planning process off on the right foot by giving them a chance to bond over all things wedding-related.
On the other hand, there are also some valid reasons why a groom might choose not to attend his bride-to-be’s bridal shower.
For one, some men feel awkward and out of place at such events. Additionally, if the bride is extremely close with her family and friends and doesn’t want her fiancee to meet them until after she’s had a chance to talk to them about him first, it might be best for him to skip the bridal shower.
Lastly, if the wedding is already causing stress for either or both members of the couple, it might be best to just take a rain check on attending any more wedding-related events until after everything has calmed down again.
Should you attend?
Ultimately, whether or not you think the groom should attend his bride-to-be’s bridal shower is a decision that should be made by the couple together. There are pros and cons to having him attend (or not), so weigh all your options and make a decision that makes sense for you as a couple. Good luck!
