Bridal shower vs Bachelorette party

A bridal shower is a gift giving event where people bring the bride gifts. Usually there is food and some light drinking (mimosas, sangria, etc.) and sometimes games. A bachelorette party is usually more like a night out on the town or maybe a spa day or something. It can be hosted by anyone who offers to do so. Often times, it's the bridal party, mother of the bride, or other close friends or family.

Usually someone in your family or bridal party hosts them. I had both bridal shower and bachelorette. The bridal shower is for celebrating the bride specifically in this next chapter of her life. I know that sounds repetitive as that's the point of all these wedding festivities so there's some people who opt not to have all these wedding events

This is my experience:

Bridal Shower - A party thrown for the bride where guests "shower" the bride with gifts before the wedding. Typically, female guests invited to the wedding that live in the area where the shower is are invited. The ones I've been to are usually on a Saturday or Sunday, during the day. They last 2-3 hours and usually have food/drinks/games/present opening.

Bachelorette - A party thrown for the bride where bridesmaids (sometimes other friends of the bride) do something smaller in the evening or during the day or over a weekend with a smaller group.

Hey Lynne!

It looks like you got some pretty great answers from the pp's about bachelorette parties and bridal showers!

To reiterate, a bridal shower is a celebration for the bride where you would receive gifts from friends and family that are invited.

A bachelorette party is more so a night out or day of activities for the bride and her BM's. This is planned/hosted by one or some of your BM's.

Let us know if you have any other questions!