These Modern Bridal Shower Rules Will Help You Host a Unique, Successful Pre-Wedding Party

Many prenuptial celebrations honor both the bride and the groom as a couple, but the bridal shower is when the woman of the hour truly shines. Decorations hung with her taste in mind, a pile of gifts for her to open, and a signature cocktail that appeals to her tastes are just a few ways the bride-to-be is celebrated during her party. If you're the person tasked with planning this important event, you're likely feeling equal parts excited and nervous—after all, bridal showers have a lot of tradition attached to them. While it may feel like the standards are always changing, we spoke to the experts and put together an updated list of rules to keep in mind, so you can abandon outdated traditions, keep what will never go out of style, and make room for the new.

While some etiquette rules have faded away into the void, there are a few that are here to stay. Sending invitations is an important way to let family and friends know when and where the shower is, as well as notes on dress code. Following the party, tell guests how grateful you were they attended by writing thoughtful thank-you cards—another piece of bridal shower etiquette that has stood the test of time. "Within 48 hours, those thank-you notes should start going out," says Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas. "Do a few a day if you have a large list."

On the day of the event, there are a few liberties that can be taken to ensure you've tailored the celebration specifically to the guest of honor. While it used to be customary for the bride to open all of her presents in front of invitees, some experts say it's a tradition that can be broken. "It is not rude to skip the long and drawn-out ceremony if you have a large group, but many guests enjoy seeing what the bride will get for her wedding," Gottsman says. It's like any other prenuptial celebration—it really comes down to the bride's vision for the day. From figuring out the guest list to deciding on the menu, here are all of the important things to keep in mind when planning an up-to-date bridal shower that marries tradition with modernity.