What’s the Proper Etiquette For Guest Attire To A Wedding Shower?

Hello,

My sister is planing to wear white to my fiance’s shower. This is not sitting right with my fiance. I am not sure what is right or wrong here. What is the etiquette and what would you do?

Thanks!!!

Donna, Wedding Queen

I don’t believe there is anything wrong with wearing white to a bridal shower, according to any etiquette experts I follow. Seems fine to me.

With so may issues that come up during the planning of a wedding, I wouldn’t worry abut this one. But if you think it’s a really big deal for your bride :wacko:, then just ask your sister to do you a favor and wear something else. Of course, you need to consider all of the personalities in the scenario and, since I’m not familiar with these ladies, you will have to decide who you’ll tell (carefully) to pipe down!

Good luck and hope you’ll come back and let us know how this works out for ya.

Jodi R R Smith, The Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting
Author, The Etiquette Book, A Complete Guide To Modern Manners

It sounds like your sister is jealous! I guess sibling rivalry extends to a future sister-in-law. Your bride has two choices. The first is to take the high road. She should choose another fabulous color, hot pink perhaps, and allow your sister to wear white. The second is for you (or your mother) to approach your sister and ask if she is feeling left out with all of the attention going to you and your bride. Either way, you and your bride should find ways to make your sister feel a part of the upcoming events. Good luck!

Jay Remer, The Etiquette Guy, International Protocol and Corporate & Social Etiquette

Thanks for asking this good question. Getting into the middle of a fashion argument with two women is to be avoided. Being sympathetic and understanding of your wife’s feelings is not only respectful, but smart. However, I would recommend that you either stay out of the discussion if possible or suggest that your fiance work this out with your sister. I hope this helps.

Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca

I agree with the Wedding Queen that there is nothing wrong with wearing white to a bridal shower. Actually, it’s a bit silly to even consider what others are wearing. It should be a small, intimate affair. So, it shouldn’t be a huge issue. You fiancée feels it is though and is upset–probably too much stress–which means that you should do something about it. However, I completely with agree with the Etiquette Guy that getting into the middle of this could be troublesome–good to learn this now 😆 Not sure how you will want to share what you’ve learned here, but I’d do it with care…and maybe a helmet.

Reader Response

I do like the hot pink idea Mannersmith suggests 😀

Expert Wedding Response

xI agree with the Wedding Queen that there is nothing wrong with wearing white to a bridal shower. Actually, it’s a bit silly to even consider what others are wearing. It should be a small, intimate affair. So, it shouldn’t be a huge issue. You fiancée feels it is though and is upset–probably too much stress–which means that you should do something about it. However, I completely with agree with the Etiquette Guy that getting into the middle of this could be troublesome–good to learn this now 😆 Not sure how you will want to share what you’ve learned here, but I’d do it with care…and maybe a helmet.

I do like the hot pink idea Mannersmith suggests 😀