Amazing Bridal Showers tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2008://1 2008-05-10T06:51:20Z Throw a bridal shower that everyone will be talking about! Browse party themes, gift ideas, recipes and planning tools. Movable Type 3.31 Bridal Shower Hosting Tips tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2008://1.64 2008-05-05T05:48:41Z 2008-05-10T06:51:20Z Find out what's in store when you're planning to host the best bridal shower, and make it the one your bride will remember forever! Katie The bridal shower is something every bride-to-be looks forward to with anticipation. It's a chance for her to celebrate one of the most important events in her life with close family and friends. With all this excitement and anticipation can come confusion or anxiety for friends and family as they get ready to host the perfect bridal shower. Here are some guidelines to help you host the best bridal shower the bride will remember forever! Who Should Host The Bridal Shower The bridal shower can be hosted by a close friend of the bride, or a family member. Traditionally, it may have been considered improper for a family member to host the bridal shower. Since the bridal shower can result in overflowing gifts for the happy couple, in more "proper" times, the mothers of the bride were careful to not convey the impression that the family was hosting a shower for the purpose of securing as many gifts as possible.
The maid of honor or bridesmaids traditionally are the shower hosts. Since the maid of honor is often the sister of the bride or a close relative, it has become quite acceptable for close family to host the bridal shower. Having the bride's family or extended family help in the planning of the bridal shower also helps when the bridal party is young or from out-of-state. Many moms are so excited to be involved in planning their daughters special event, there's no holding them back! If you want to help with the bridal shower but don't know where to start, try asking the maid of honor; if she's not hosting the shower, she'll know who is!

When To Have The Bridal Shower

There are no set rules regarding when to host the bridal shower. If the bridal party, or many of the invited guests are from out-of-town, and will be traveling to attend the shower, make sure you give enough advance notice so they are able to make travel arrangements. A shower can take place the week before the wedding, or six months before. It can be a surprise shower, or she can know every detail - it's up to you! Once you pick the date, get together with everyone who will be co-hosting with you to talk about the theme, locations and entertainment. That will help you get started with the next step, setting the budget.

Who Pays For The Bridal Shower

The person or group of people hosting the shower are usually responsible for paying for it. If the bridesmaids are hosting the shower, everyone should contribute to the costs. It's best to make a budget, outlining costs for the bridal shower you are planning, and noting who is paying for what. Because so many items for the shower need to be paid in advance, or at the time of purchase, select one person to act as the treasurer for the event. Taking the time to put together a budget will not only help keep unforeseen expenses to a minimum, but it will also help with the overall planning. The bride's family and friends often pitch in to help with the location, food, supplies and/or invitations.

The Bridal Shower Theme

Maybe the most fun you'll have is determining what the theme of your bridal shower will be. Is the bride a fun loving, up for anything type of girl who is expecting something totally out of the ordinary? Or she all about tradition, and has been dreaming of the perfect tea party since she was little? Themes can also be inspired by the bride's hobbies, like cooking, traveling, entertainment, or well known loves, like classic movies, the color pink, or an obsession for everything spa-related. Themes can harness the energy of the shower, and actually make the planning a lot easier since everything becomes driven by the selected theme. Get inspired by the hundreds of Bridal Shower Themes and tips

Choosing The Location To Host The Shower

The old adage, "location, location, location" can apply here! Put on your creative hat and start thinking about all the different places you could possibly host the bridal shower that's coming together. Things to take into consideration - the theme, number of attendees, accessibility and logistics. Some ideas to get you started: a quaint French restaurant, a barbecue at a park, a picnic at the beach, a spa, a hotel garden, a historic home. Remember that besides your bridal shower, there are constantly events that are also booking available spaces. Book early, especially during the busy holiday season. Call about availability and costs, as those items with both impact your final decision.

Selecting The Guest List For The Bridal Shower

Anyone who has planned a bridal shower will tell you that the most complicated part of the planning is putting together the invitation list and sending the invitations. The immediate female family members from both the bride and groom's families should be invited, as well as members of the wedding party and close friends of the bride and groom. Make sure to include the bride when you're drawing up the list of people to invite. Anyone that's invited to the bridal shower is usually invited to the wedding, so you'll want to coordinate lists with the bride to avoid any hurt feelings or misunderstandings. Conversely, everyone invited to the wedding does not have to be invited to a shower.]]> Diamond Ring Keychain Favor tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2008://1.63 2008-02-29T13:57:18Z 2008-02-29T14:15:55Z This diamond ring keychain is a great one of a kind gift to have for your next bridal shower The keychains come packaged in a gift box tied with organza ribbon and will ook beautiful sitting on your favor table and your shower guests will definitely love taking this favor home! Katie ]]> the diamond ring keychain at Beau Coup.]]> First Kiss Bridal Shower Game tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2008://1.62 2008-02-21T06:18:17Z 2008-02-21T06:38:11Z Play the First Kiss game at your next bridal shower and have your guests write down their story on a piece of paper. The bridesmaids take turns reading the First Kiss stories, and the guests have to vote which story belongs to who. Prizes can go to the guests that make the most matches, and can also go to the guests who have the funniest, most romantic, most original stories. Katie Bring a little romance to the party! Everyone remembers their very first kiss with their husband or boyfriend. There are many ways to play this game to make it fun for all. Start with the bride, and have her introduce the game and tell the story of her first kiss with her fiance. Your guests go around the room and tell a story about their first kiss with a husband or boyfriend. At the end, your guests vote on the most romantic and most funny story! Another way to play the First Kiss game at your next bridal shower is to have your guests write down their story on a piece of paper. They do not use names in the story, but they do put their name on the piece of a paper. Guests turn in their slips of paper. The bridesmaids take turns reading the First Kiss stories, and the guests have to vote which story belongs to who. Prizes can go to the guests that make the most matches, and can also go to the guests who have the funniest, most romantic, most original stories. Prize Auction Shower Party Game tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2008://1.60 2008-01-26T03:27:31Z 2008-01-26T03:51:40Z party game, bridal shower games, bridal shower game, shower game, shower games, party shower games, amazing bridal showers, great party games, great shower games, themed bridal showers, Katie The Prize Auction party game is the perfect way to end your bridal shower! It's easy and keeps your guests sticking around until the very end, anticipating the fun that's in store! Not only is the Prize Auction a super fun way to end your party, it's also very easy to prepare and all of your guests will love it! At the end of the party, you'll be auctioning off prizes to the highest bidder. To play this game, you'll need play money, blank envelopes, gift bags or wrapping paper and inexpensive prizes. Put the play money in envelopes, with one bill per envelope - they can be different dollar amounts in the envelopes. While you're playing games, the top five winners will choose a random envelope with the play money inside. At the end of the party, give every guest an envelope with a random amount of money inside. Now it's time to start the auction! Hold off a prize and start the bidding! Every prize is wrapped, so none of the guests really knows what they're bidding on - and therein lies the fun! The person with the highest bid opens the bad and sees what they have won! Make the game even more interesting by mixing in some good prizes, some practical jokes and some gag gifts. Enjoy the laughter! The Bride Was Wearing Game tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2008://1.59 2008-01-26T02:58:30Z 2008-01-26T03:24:00Z Bride Was Wearing, party game, bridal shower game, shower game, bridal shower, games for bridal shower, game for bridal shower, games for shower, shower games, bride, wedding, wedding shower, party games, fun party games, amazing bridal showers, amazing bridal shower, fun games, birthday party games Katie Pay attention! About 20 minutes into the bridal shower, it's time to test your guests with this fun little game that tests their observation skills! The key to making this game fun is keeping it a secret from your guests! About twenty minutes into the bridal shower, ask the bride-to-be to leave the room. Then pass around a piece of paper and pencils to everyone and have each guest write down everything they can possibly remember about what she was wearing, with as much details as possible. The more detail the guest can provide, the better! Give the guests about 5 minutes and then have everyone put their pencils down. Have the guests pass their sheets two people to the right. Bring the bride back in and begin counting out things about the bride - earrings, clothing, shoes, so they can be counted from the lists. The guest that has described the most things about the bride wins! Catch The Bridal Bouquet Shower Game tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2008://1.58 2008-01-26T02:27:18Z 2008-01-26T02:58:43Z Catch The Bridal Bouquet, bridal shower game, shower game, bridal shower theme, great bridal showers, shower ideas, "bridal showers",bridal shower, bridal showers, games at bridal showers, games for bridal showers, amazing bridal shower, amazing bridal shower ideas, bridal shower games, party games, great party games, party games for showers, party game, fun party game, Katie Get ready for a competitive afternoon with the girls when you begin to play this game! The basic version of Catch The Bridal Bouquet is very simple to make with supplies you already have on hand. With a little planning and money, you can also create a very pretty version that everyone will remember as a uniquea party game at your bridal shower. Catch The Bridal Bouquet is a great way to get your guests out of their chairs and have fun together! The object of the game is to hit a bouquet of flowers with a dart. The guest that gets the most points wins! You will need a dart board or piece of cork board, darts and flowers. The flowers could be anything from a magazine picture of flowers, to paper flowers. The most pretty version of this game that I've done has used silk flowers stapled thru their centers to cork board. Dress up the darts with ribbons, stickers and rhinestones! To score the game, each guest that hits the target can get a small prize. To make it a little more interesting, use different colors of flowers on the target, and assign points to the various colors. Track the scores of your guests on a flip chart and watch the fun competition begin! The guest with the most points wins and/or gets married next! Award Party - Couples Shower tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2007://1.57 2007-03-04T03:07:14Z 2007-03-04T04:11:26Z This bridal shower theme is perfect during the movie awards show season between January and March, or there are a few sprinkled through the summer, like the MTV Movie Awards and Tony Awards in June. Of course, the piece de... Katie This bridal shower theme is perfect during the movie awards show season between January and March, or there are a few sprinkled through the summer, like the MTV Movie Awards and Tony Awards in June. Of course, the piece de resistance would be hosting the wedding shower for the happy couple on the evening of the Golden Globes or Academy Awards. Now that you have a theme for the couples shower, it's time to get down to to the details! Supporting Cast Here are some important details to consider for setting up a successful Awards Party theme:
  • Invitations. Make formal invitations that say "black tie" and announce the planned activities of the evening. If you're able to organize the shower on the actual evening of the awards night, include ballot sheets inside the invitations so guests can do a little research and bring them filled out to your event.
  • Dress. Decide with the bride/groom and wedding party whether the party will include "formal dress" or a celebrity look-alike contest so it can be communicated on the party invitations.
  • Decorations. Think shiny, with lots of silver, gold and crystal for your decorations. If hosting a super special shower, consider renting china and silver from a party rental supplier.
  • Location. An awards party is a social affair that is often centered around the television. Depending on where you are planning on hosting the event, you may be all gathered around a big screen, or at several conversational stations with televisions for viewing.
  • Activities and prizes. The nature of an awards night makes activities very easy - you can have a host of different competitions going on and give door prizes for the most accurate ballot, who predicted the worst dressed celebrities or how many women would wear black/red/etc, what speech would be ended by music first.
  • Food and drinks. You can serve an amazing sit-down dinner ala the Vanity Fair after-party, or have a fabulous buffet set up that guests can graze from during the arrivals and awards.
Some gift ideas for either door prizes or for the wedding couple are gift certificaters to movie theaters or video stores, DVDs, DVD player, popcorn popper or going in together to get a television.]]> Planning Guide tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2007://1.56 2007-03-03T17:04:14Z 2007-03-03T17:54:29Z The bridal shower is often the maid of honor's or bridesmaids most important pre-wedding task! Your bride is depending on you to put together the most fabulous event - even if she is staying low key about it on the... Katie The bridal shower is often the maid of honor's or bridesmaids most important pre-wedding task! Your bride is depending on you to put together the most fabulous event - even if she is staying low key about it on the outside, this is one of the events leading up to the wedding day that every bride-to-be looks forward to with anticipation. We've put together a handy timeline of projects and to-do's to help you with planning the perfect party for the bride. It only seems overwhelming - with our bridal shower checklist, you'll be hosting the most incredible event of the year! 3+ MONTHS BEFORE
  • Talk about the shower with your bride and find out what kind of shower she wants. Since she's been dreaming about the wedding and bridal shower all of her life practically, it's important to find out what she's envisioning. Some questions to ask are:
    • Does she want only women or a co-ed shower?
    • Should it be a formal affair, like an afternoon tea or a swanky Saturday night soiree?
    • Is there a particular theme she would like to plan the shower around?
    • Should the location be a restaurant, outdoors, a friend's house, a spa, etc?
    While you will be planning the majority of the shower details, take some time during this beginning planning phase to insure you are both thinking on the same wavelength.
  • Select a date. Choose a date that is a month or two before the wedding. If there are bridesmaids and important family and friends can't travel to your location until a few days before the wedding, hold off until then.
  • Make reservations. If the shower will be at a restaurant, spa, private club or another location, secure the reservations.
  • Create the guest list with the bride. Remember that anyone you invite to the shower must also be invited to the wedding. It is not appropriate to invite friends to a shower who are not invited to the wedding.

2 MONTHS BEFORE

  • Reach out to important guests, like the bride's best friends, the groom's mother, etc to see if there are any potential scheduling conflicts.
  • Assemble the addresses for the guest list and send out casual "save the date" email or note.
  • Discuss the budget with the other bridesmaids.
  • Purchase the invitations for the bridal shower or materials to make them.
  • Get together with the bride and bridesmaids to finalize the details of the bridal shower, like menu, decorations, favors, music and activities.
  • Order any special menu items, like cakes, petite fours and cupcakes through the bakery/caterer. Order any seating or event equipment like table linens, coffee urns, tables and chairs from a rental company, if necessary.
  • Make a detailed to-do list and distribute tasks to the bridesmaids and friends that are willing to help.

1 MONTH BEFORE

  • Assemble and address invitations. It is helpful to guests if you include information about the couple's registries. If you are hosting a theme party, make sure to include this information and provide proper gift-giving instructions.
  • Mail the invitations.
  • Shop for decorations, paper goods, and other party props.
  • Purchase favors or materials to make them.
  • If you have had guests offer to bring desserts or buffett dishes, call to confirm what they plan to bring and adjust your menu plans accordingly.
  • Buy your shower gift for the bride.

2+ WEEKS BEFORE

  • If you have having centerpieces designed by a florist, place your flower order.
  • Decide on what you'll be wearing to the bridal shower now - you don't want to be stressed with finding a new outfit in the days before the event!
  • Assemble the recipes for dishes you plan on making and put together a shopping list for any ingredients you'll need. Now is the time to search out and buy any hard-to-find supplies.
  • Pick up or have friends drop off any party supplies they have offered to lend for the event, including punch bowls, serving platters, cake stands, baskets, music, etc.
  • Finalize the list of shower games and activities you're planning for the event and prepare any props you'll need for them.

1 WEEK BEFORE

  • Call to confirm any reservations you may have at the location, caterer, florist or party rental stores. Confirm the details of the orders and when items will be delivered. Keep an accurate record for your notes in the event something does not appear on time the day of the event, along with names and phone numbers.
  • Confirm the guest RSVPs and contact any important guests who have not yet RSVP'd.
  • Assemble and gift-wrap the party favors.
  • Buy remaining groceries and supplies.

1 DAY BEFORE

  • Prepare menu items that can be made in advance or do any prep work, like slicing vegetables.
  • Depending on where the shower is taking place, you can start to receive and set up equipment, assemble decorations and favors, set tables, etc.
  • Talk to the bridesmaids as a final check to confirm who's bringing what and ask them to arrive early to help.
  • Run last-minute errands outstanding on your checklist.

THE DAY OF

  • Prepare the refreshments and receive food deliveries from caterers and friends.
  • Receive centerpieces, arrange flowers and finish any decorating for the event.
  • Arrange and set out refreshments and any buffet dishes. Organize the food tables for easy self-serving, making sure to position the plates, silverware and refreshments in proper order.
  • If the shower is at a restaurant or another alternate location like a spa or garden, arrive at least 30 minutes early with another bridesmaid or friends to address any last-minute details and concerns with the manager or event staff.
  • As the hostess, make sure the bridesmaids know their roles and what the agenda of the day is to help the event flow smoothly.
Now enjoy the day and help your bride have a wonderful experience she will remember for a lifetime!
]]> Citrus Slush Punch tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2007://1.55 2007-03-02T06:21:37Z 2007-03-02T06:30:54Z This refreshing fruit flavored punch is easy to make the evening before and transport and assemple once you're at the site of the bridal shower.... Katie This refreshing fruit flavored punch is easy to make the evening before and transport and assemple once you're at the site of the bridal shower. 1 large pkg of lemon flavored jello 1 cup hot water 1 can frozen orange juice 1 can frozen lemonade 1 cup sugar 1 40 oz can of pineapple juice 1 quart ginger ale Dissolve the jello in one cup of hot water. Mix the two cans of frozen juice with water according to directions on the cans. Combine the jello, orange juice, lemonade, pineapple juice and sugar together, stirring to dissolve. Transfer to a container safe for freezing and freeze overnight. Remove frozen mixture from freezer 30 minutes before serving. Mash the melting juices to form a slush and add 1 quart of ginger ale. Spiced Nuts tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2007://1.54 2007-03-02T06:04:46Z 2007-03-02T06:17:14Z Dress up the tables at your next bridal shower party with this special touch - homemade spiced nuts! Your guests will enjoy snacking on a delicious mixture of lightly spiced nuts that are so much more yummy than salted peanuts.... Katie Dress up the tables at your next bridal shower party with this special touch - homemade spiced nuts! Your guests will enjoy snacking on a delicious mixture of lightly spiced nuts that are so much more yummy than salted peanuts. Place pretty little cards with the recipe printed on them as a thoughtful little takeaway for guests! 2 lb. mixed shelled raw nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc) 1 1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 2 Tbsp. chili powder 2 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 tsp. salt Preheat the oven to 350*. In a large bowl, toss the nuts with the vegetable oil until they are evenly coated. In a small bowl, combine the spices. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the nuts and toss to mix. Spread out the seasoned nuts on 2 large baking sheets and bake at 350* for 5 to 7 minutes, until lightly toasted. Let cool on a paper towel. Serve at room temperature. Makes about 7 cups. Banana Pineapple Salad tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2007://1.53 2007-03-02T05:50:46Z 2007-03-02T06:04:49Z This delicious salad has a decidely tropical flavor and it's super easy to make!... Katie This delicious salad has a decidely tropical flavor and it's super easy to make! 1 large container of Cool Whip 1 16 oz can crushed pineapple, drained 1 cup minature marshmallows 1 3 oz box instant banana pudding 1/2 cup chopped nuts Mix together the first three ingredients. Sprinkle the box of pudding and the nuts over the mixture and mix well. Pour into a pretty container and refrigerate. Bing Cherry Salad tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2007://1.52 2007-03-02T05:42:05Z 2007-03-02T05:50:58Z This refreshing jello salad is a perfect addition to a bridal shower brunch or salad selection.... Katie This refreshing jello salad is a perfect addition to a bridal shower brunch or salad selection. 1 3 oz. pkg black cherry jello 3 oz. cream cheese, softened 10 large marshmallows 1 can bing cherries (the dark and sweet kind, preferably) 1 small can crushed pineapple 1 cup chopped walnuts Dissolve the jello in 1 cup of boiling water in a small saucepan. Add the marshmallows and cream cheese and heat over lower heat until dissolved. Remove from heat. Mix in pineapple, nuts, cherries and cherry juice. Pour into a jello mold or pretty bowl and chill until set. Mystery Toilet Paper Game tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2007://1.51 2007-03-02T05:27:21Z 2007-03-02T05:39:36Z As your guests arrive, have one of the hostess helpers hand the guest a roll of toilet paper and ask her to tear off whatever length she thinks she'll need. Yes, confusing and awfully suspicious - but resist explaining what... Katie As your guests arrive, have one of the hostess helpers hand the guest a roll of toilet paper and ask her to tear off whatever length she thinks she'll need. Yes, confusing and awfully suspicious - but resist explaining what it's for! When your guests ask why they are tearing off sheets of toilet paper, make sure you have a cute answer for them, like "We're super short tonight and just want to make sure everyone has some before we run out!" Towards the middle of the bridal shower, announce that you need to borrow some toilet paper - and name one of the bride's body measurements - bust, waist, height! The guest with the closest length of tissue wins! Love Is Card Game tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2007://1.50 2007-03-02T04:30:00Z 2007-03-02T05:27:29Z If you're looking to break the ice with a little bit of creative thinking, grins and giggles, try this "Love Is..." fill-in-the-blank game. Start with two stacks of cards and distribute one of each to each guest. The key to... Katie If you're looking to break the ice with a little bit of creative thinking, grins and giggles, try this "Love Is..." fill-in-the-blank game. Start with two stacks of cards and distribute one of each to each guest. The key to the activity is one stack has sexy and romantic words, the other stack has totally unrelated and everyday words. Your guests can each compose a love poem based on the cards they receive or work together on teams to come up with the best original love song! Prep Work You'll need enough index cards for each guest to have two. Divide the cards into two equal stacks and get ready to write! Write one sexy or romantic word on every index card in stack one. Things like lips, kiss, love, passionate, lust, throbbing, romantic, chocolate, lick, roses, etc. Go as risque or as safe as you think your guests will be comfortable with! On the remaining stack of cards, write normal, everyday words like mug, washcloth, fan, bikini, newspaper - anything! Keep the two pile separate and put them safely away for the bridal shower. How To Play At the bridal shower, each guest selects one card from each pile and uses them to write a silly poem about love if they are working alone. Or have guests work in teams and use their cards to make a crazy love song! Everyone reads their poem outloud or performs their song ala karaoke.]]> Pictures All Around tag:www.amazingbridalshowers.com,2006://1.49 2006-11-09T04:30:48Z 2006-11-09T04:52:54Z Disposable cameras aren't just for the wedding reception! Tbe bridal shower is a wedding memory the bride will surely want to have. As a hostess, you'll be too busy to also be taking photos during the event. Alternately, you can... Katie Disposable cameras aren't just for the wedding reception! Tbe bridal shower is a wedding memory the bride will surely want to have. As a hostess, you'll be too busy to also be taking photos during the event. Alternately, you can designate one or two friends to be the photographers of the day, but try some of our suggestions to capture fun, candid shots. Bring one disposable camera for every five guests and set them up on the guest tables or throughout the room. Make sure the cameras are labeled to let guests know they can take as many pictures as they want. Here are some sample camera poems to let guests know to use the cameras: I'm your camera - so have some fun, You'll make this album a special one! Snap away as best you're able, Then leave me off at the gift table! ***** Take this camera and have some fun Get some pictures of everyone! Maybe you'll see something We didn't see That we can keep as a memory! If some of the bridal party or family members have video cameras, consider having a few set up throughout the room for guests to pick up and record during the event. These ideas will capture a lot of different perspectives and great party action!