Bridal showers are sometimes hosted by the bride's girlfriends or work mates; the women that are not part of her family or inner circle. For instance, the bride's colleagues may take her to lunch or hold an evening shower where they all get together. They might offer individual gifts or pool their resources to offer one gift. Taking her out may be the gift itself.

For women who are active in the church or other clubs, the girls from the group may host a bridal shower as well. Again, there is no specific way to celebrate but many people associated with the bride enjoy helping out and are only too happy to throw a shower.

At the family bridal shower, it is customary to offer substantial refreshments and maybe a full meal, depending on the family's traditions. Great preparation goes into the shower and depending on how big the guest list, it might even be held at a hall. For smaller informal showers, cheese, cold cuts, crackers, fancy breads and pickles make a nice light snack for the afternoon.

Games are normally played at the shower and usually door prizes are given for winners. At most showers, however, everyone goes home with a little something as a thank you. With the advent of dollar stores, it is easy to pick up small tokens for giving away. For more formal showers, specific bridal shower favors may be handed out. Again, this depends on the couple's budget and the family traditions involved.

Once the bride starts opening her gifts, it is customary to make her bridal shower hat. One of the bridesmaids or young girls attending the shower will sit beside the bride while she opens the presents. The helper will take a paper plate or aluminum foil pie plate and make a hat with all the ribbons and bows attached to the gifts. As the bride opens each gift, the helper will tape the fancy wrappings and tape them to the plate. Once all the gifts are opened and the plate is covered in ribbons and bows, a long ribbon is attached to tie the plate on the bride's head. Then a picture is taken with the bride wearing her new hat.

In addition, the helper documents each gift. As the bride opens and reads the cards aloud, the helper will write on each card what was inside the gift. When the bride sends out her Thank You notes, she will know what each person gave so she can make mention of how she enjoyed the item and how it might be used in her home. While favors are not mandatory at bridal showers, thank you notes after the shower are expected and required.

And finally, there is the beautiful shower cake. Although, other treats and candies may be offered, there is usually a cake decorated with the couple's wedding colors and inscribed with well wishes for the engaged couple.

Whatever, type of shower the host puts on, the shower is meant to be fun for everyone and functional for the bride in helping her to set up her love nest.