Planning a bridal shower can be a rewarding yet challenging task. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the bride-to-be and provide her with essentials for her new life. Whether you are a first-time planner or a seasoned host, this guide will walk you through every step of organizing a memorable bridal shower.
Summary
Planning a bridal shower can be both rewarding and challenging. The event serves to honour the bride-to-be, helping her prepare for married life while allowing guests to mingle before the wedding. Key steps include setting a budget, choosing a date and venue, creating a guest list, and deciding on a theme and menu. Fun activities like games should be planned to keep guests engaged. The shower is typically held 2-8 weeks before the wedding, lasting 2-4 hours. The organiser usually covers costs, and it’s important to appoint someone to track gifts for thank-you notes.
Why Host a Bridal Shower?
To properly honor the bride-to-be, nothing beats a bridal shower. It’s the first chance many guests will have to mingle with those on the other side of the family tree, and it’s also an occasion to dress to the nines. The bridal shower is a celebratory and practical event. Its purpose is to help the newlywed couple start their life together by presenting them with useful household items. The real point, though, is for the bride’s loved ones to relax and spend time with her prior to the wedding day stress.
Essentials of Throwing a Successful Bridal Shower
Make a Plan for Your Budget
The first step is to prepare a budget. This doesn’t have to be a solo effort; enlist the help of the bride’s closest friends and family members. Consider everyone’s financial means and maintain transparency by keeping all information in a group conversation or email thread.
Set a Time and Place for the Event
The bridal shower is typically held three months before the wedding. Consult potential guests to offer a couple of different dates to ensure maximum attendance. Once the date is set, the location can be chosen. A fancy restaurant, a country club, or the home of one of the hosts are all great options depending on the budget.
Put Together a List of Invitees
Creating a guest list is crucial. Run the list by the bride to ensure everyone invited to the shower is also on the wedding guest list. This ensures no one is left out and everyone who matters to the bride is included.
Pick Your Spot
After finalizing the date, guest list, and budget, choose the venue. Options range from fancy restaurants and country clubs to more budget-friendly locations like a host’s home. Decorating the space can transform it into a beautiful setting for the bridal shower.
Planning the Theme and Menu
Decide on a Theme for the Bride-To-Be’s Celebration
While a themed bridal shower isn’t required, it adds a fun element to the celebration. Choose a theme based on the bride’s interests. It could be a backyard barbecue, a pizza party, or a sophisticated tea party. Engage in a brainstorming session with co-hosts to come up with something outstanding.
Make a Decision Regarding the Type of Catering You Wish to Have
The number of guests will determine the catering style. A complete dinner works well for a smaller gathering, while finger foods and cocktails are more suitable for larger groups. This choice helps manage the budget and reduces the amount of clean-up afterward.
Prep the Drinks
Having a variety of beverages is essential. Include champagne, cocktails, and mocktails. You can even create a special cocktail inspired by the couple’s favorite flavors to make the event unique.
Organize Some Fun Games for the Bridal Shower
Planning fun games in advance ensures there’s no boredom. Avoid traditional board games and think outside the box. Games like the Newlywed Game, Bridal Pictionary, Bridal Bingo, and Vow Mad Libs are great choices. These activities also help guests feel more at ease and engaged.
Sample Timeline for Preparing a Bridal Shower
Three Months Before
- Discuss preferences with the bride.
- Decide on the date and venue.
- Build the guest list.
Two Months Before
- Send out “save the date” messages.
- Discuss the budget with bridesmaids.
- Finalize theme, menu, decorations, and activities.
- Order specialty items and rent necessary equipment.
One Month Before
- Send invitations.
- Confirm contributions from guests providing food or sweets.
The Day Before
- Prepare dishes and decorations.
- Ensure everything is in place for the big day.
Things To Consider When Organising a Bridal Shower
Who Foots The Bill?
Typically, the organizer covers the expenses. Guests are not expected to contribute financially but are encouraged to bring gifts.
When To Host The Shower?
The ideal time is between two and eight weeks before the wedding, preferably on a weekend. Late breakfasts, leisurely lunches, or early dinners are all good options.
How Long Should The Shower Last?
Plan for a duration of two to four hours, depending on the number of guests and planned activities.
Keeping Track Of Gifts
Appoint a bridesmaid or reliable guest to keep track of gifts. This makes writing and sending thank-you notes easier.
Conclusion
A bridal shower is more than just a pre-wedding party; it’s a heartfelt event that marks the beginning of a new chapter for the bride and groom. It allows friends and family to come together, celebrate, and support the couple as they embark on their new journey. By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that the bridal shower you plan is memorable, meaningful, and perfectly tailored to the bride-to-be’s tastes and preferences.
FAQs About Bridal Shower
What Is the Order of a Bridal Shower?
While no one bridal shower is the same as the next, there are three main events that traditionally take place in the following order: eating a meal, playing games, and opening gifts. Most of the time, these events take place one at a time, but there are some instances in which there may be some overlap.
What Do You Normally Do at a Bridal Shower?
What do you do at a bridal shower? Most bridal shower guests spend time mingling, eating, playing games, and honoring the bride-to-be. As a guest, you’ll want to remember the celebration is all about the bride and her special day ahead, so most activities during the day will reflect this.
How Many Guests Should You Have at a Bridal Shower?
An intimate bridal shower for 15 people is perfectly normal, as is a 50-person coed shower that feels more like a cocktail party. A variety of factors can influence the size of the guest list, such as: the shower location. whether it’s the only shower being thrown.
Who Pays for the Bride Bridal Shower?
The cost of the shower is covered by the hosts. If the bridal party is hosting, they should split the cost amongst themselves. If a relative offers to serve as hostess, she will take on the costs-but bridesmaids should offer to chip in, either with money or by lending a hand.
Does the Mother of the Bride Pay for the Bridal Shower?
Often, the maid of honor and her fellow bridesmaids throw the bridal shower and pay for it, and the mother of the bride contributes. With this model, the bridal party pays for the bridal shower for the most part and split the price, but the parents of the bride may contribute some part of the expenses.
