A bridal shower is a chance for the bride-to-be to get together
with her closest family and friends to celebrate her upcoming
wedding. And of course to shower the bride-to-be with gifts!
The maid or matron of honor is usually the person that will host
the bridal shower with the help of the other bridesmaids.
Planning a bridal shower can be a little overwhelming. Most
importantly it should be a memorable occasion for the bride-to-
be before her wedding day. There are many different themes and
ways to throw a bridal shower, from traditional ideas to newer
ideas. However, there are certain key components for every
bridal shower that you should keep in mind. Below are some tips
to help you get started. Be creative and enjoy planning your
bride-to-be’s bridal shower!
Make a Guest List – If the bridal shower is a surprise, you may
need to have the groom, mother of the bride and others help you
compile a guest list. If it’s not a surprise shower you can have
the bride help you. The bridal shower should be made up of close
friends, family and co-workers. Shower invites should only be
sent to those people that will also receive a wedding
invitation; unless of course the wedding is small and intimate
with family and close friends only.
Set a Shower Date - The shower date should be anywhere within
two months of the wedding day. Again, if it’s a surprise check
with the groom for a good date, if it’s not a surprise you can
ask the bride herself for a date she will be available. Sunday’s
seem to be the most popular day for bridal showers and most
people are off from work as well.
Pick a Shower Theme - Picking a theme makes planning the shower
easier and will allow you to coordinate the decorations,
invitations, favors and the like. Some of our favorite bridal
shower themes are: a lingerie shower, wine shower, household
shower, romantic shower and more. There are literally tons of
different shower themes to choose from.
Shower Invitations - Once you have the date set you can send out
invitations with an RSVP date. You should also include the theme
of the shower as well. Also include information about where the
wedding couple is registered. Some people like to buy a gift off
of the wedding registry, while some choose to buy their own
gift. They can follow the theme or the registry, either way they
can’t go wrong!
If you are getting close to the RSVP date and you don’t have
many replies you may want to give them a ring. Some people are
busy with work and children and simply forget to RSVP but they
do intend on showing up. An accurate number of guests is
essential for your planning the shower and having enough of
everything.
Decorations, Menus and Activities Oh My! The presentation is
everything, from the bridal favors to the food and decorations.
It will help set the tone of the bridal shower.
The food menu will depend on the theme of the shower and the
timing as well. You may choose to include a lunch meal or light
snacks and appetizers. The cake should also match the bridal
shower theme as much as possible.
There are many different games to choose from! Games are a great
way to get everyone talking and mingling. Remember just because
you all know the bride doesn’t mean you also know each other,
this is a good way to get to know one another. Don’t forget to
also pick up some prizes for those that win the activities. The
prizes can be candles to candy, a special journal etc.
Bridal Shower Favors - It is customary to give each person
attending the shower a small favor. The shower favor does not
have to be elaborate, it can be something simple yet nice that
matches the theme of the wedding shower.
Following these few tips will assure wedding shower success! It
may seem overwhelming at first but if you break down the shower
into key points it will be much easier for you. Also you can
then assign tasks to the family, friends and bridesmaids that
have offered to help with the shower planning.
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