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A bridal shower gift table, in four lines
For a shower of about eighteen guests.
- Where
- Near the entranceThe first thing guests see, so presents for the bride land in one place
- Size
- One or two 6 ft tablesOr two for a display shower or large items
- On it
- A card box and a penAnd a notebook to record who gave what for the thank you notes
- Decor
- About $20A tablecloth, flowers and a small sign, as a Revelwick estimate
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How to set it up
Planning tips for a display that works on the day and looks pretty in photos.
Put it by the door
Anyone arriving with a present sees it right away, and it does not take long to create.
Add a sign
A simple sign with the couple's names and wedding date, in the shower theme.
Set out a card box
A box, a birdcage or a basket at the front for cards, so none are lost.
Keep presents in one layer
Stacked presents get missed at the end.
Don't forget a notebook
A notebook and pen for whoever records each present during the gift opening.
Plan the trip home
Keep a few large bags, save the tissue paper, and decide whose car takes everything to the bride's new home.
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Cute decorations and display inspiration
Creative, simple ideas that match the bridal shower theme.
A tablecloth or runner
White linen, a floral print or the colors of the wedding.
Fresh flowers
One arrangement or a few bud vases the bride will love.
A photo of the couple
Engagement or childhood photos in frames beside the card box, for a personal touch.
Greenery or a garland
Along the front edge.
Balloons
A small balloon cluster on one side, clear of the presents.
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A display bridal shower
A newer alternative to opening gifts one by one at bridal showers.
What it is
Presents arrive open or in a reusable, eco-friendly bag, with a card, and the display lets everyone see them.
Why brides choose it
It saves the time spent opening and gives the bride more time to talk, eat and play games.
Invitation wording
Add a line to the invitations such as: this will be a display shower, so please bring your present unwrapped with a card.
How to display the gifts
Group everything by room, such as kitchen, bath and honeymoon, and use crates or stands for height.
Label each gift
Attach the card or a small tag with each name, so the bride can write thoughtful notes.
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Traditional etiquette at bridal showers
Recording gifts, a group gift and the thank you notes.
The bridal shower gift table is where presents and cards for the bride-to-be wait until the gift opening or the display. Put it near the entrance, keep a card box and a notebook on it, and plan how everything gets to the new home at the end.
Record who gave what before the wedding
Ask the maid of honor, friends or family to write down each present and who gave it. The record makes the thank you notes easier to finish long before the big day. See bridal shower thank you notes.
A group gift and the ribbon bouquet
Shower guests can choose from what the couple asked for. A group gift from the bridal party can be presented last, and the ribbons from opened gifts can be tied to a paper plate to make a ribbon bouquet for the rehearsal. For gift ideas, see bridal shower gifts.
A personalized display instead
Some couples ask for no gifts at the shower, or have presents sent straight to their home. In that case, create a personalized display in the same spot: photos of the couple, the wedding date, a guest book or advice cards for the newlyweds.
Near the door, with a card box, a pen and a notebook.
The gift table ruleShowers
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Bridal shower gift table, answered
What hosts ask before setting up.
Where should it go?
Near the entrance, so presents can be set down on arrival.
Add a sign in a large room.
What goes on a bridal shower gift table?
A card box, a pen, a notebook, a tablecloth and flowers for a perfect finish.
Keep items in one layer.
What is a display bridal shower?
A shower where presents arrive unwrapped with the card attached and are displayed instead of opened.
Say so on the invitation.
How do you decorate it?
A tablecloth, fresh flowers, a sign and a photo of the couple.
Match the shower theme.
Who writes down the gifts?
A bridesmaid or family member.
It helps with thank you notes.
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What to read next
Hosting the shower, gift ideas, the rest of the room, and favors.
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Where this comes from
Practical advice for the day.
What the figures are
The decor cost is a Revelwick editorial estimate for a shower of about eighteen guests.
What is ours
The setup tips, decor ideas and etiquette are Revelwick's editorial suggestions.