Corsage For The Bride
Remember to purchase a corsage for the bride to wear at the shower. This will make her feel special and makes a nice keepsake of the event.

Thank You Photo Memories
As each guest arrives or departs, have a picture taken of them with the bride. The pictures can be used as part of a keepsake album from the shower, and a copy can be included with the bride’s thank you note to the guest.

Sharing Words Of Wisdom
Before the shower, prepare a notebook or pieces of stationary that will later be assembled into a book. Include a note with instructions, and ask guests to write some advice for the new bride. As the shower begins, start passing around the notebook for guests to write their thoughts. It’s nice to include the words of wisdom in the guests’ handwriting, and if you want to do that, make sure to pass out pretty stationary or a nice journal. If you plan to type the snippets later, a regular notebook is fine. If you are typing up the words and assembling the book later, consider combining the pictures taken above with the words of wisdom as a remembrance gift of the shower.

This is a wonderful present to give to the bride on her wedding day, as she is getting ready. The special thoughts from people she loves will be so appreciated!

Disposable Cameras or Designated Photographer
Disposable cameras are a great idea, especially if you’re hosting a large shower. This is such a fabulous way to capture pictures from many different perspectives and things going on at the same time! Have about one camera for every five guests, and place them on the tables. Let guests know that they are encouraged to take pictures!

Alternately, ask one of the guests or an attendant to be the designated photographer for the day. The hostess will be too busy, and the bride would definitely like to have photos of her shower.

Gift Note Taker
As the bride opens her gifts, have a designated person write down each gift and who it was from. This will make writing the thank you notes so much easier! If the shower has many guests, consider having two people recording the gift and giver information, maybe alternating every other one so nothing is missed.

Bow Bouquet
This is a fun bridal shower tradition! Have a paper plate on hand, and cut a small hole in the middle. As the bride opens her gifts, one of the hostess helpers collects the bows, and tapes them onto the plate. The ribbons are threaded through the hole in the middle, and used as a handle. This bow bouquet is then used by the bride at the wedding rehearsal. So cute!

We’re frequently asked etiquette questions about the types of gifts to give at the bridal shower versus the wedding, whether cash is appropriate, etc. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions, which may help you as you get ready for purchasing a gift for the next bridal shower you attend.

How can you let guests know where the bride is registered?
This depends on traditions in the area where you live, and it is best to ask family and friends what the practice is in their experience.

In some social circles, it is perfectly acceptable to note in the invitation where the bride is registered. In fact, many locations offering bridal registries print up special cards for the bride to insert into shower and wedding invitations. If you are the bride, remember to select a range of gifts in several price points so guests have a broad selection to choose from.

In other social circles, it is more appropriate for this information to be relayed via an inquiry to the hostess, and is often then passed around by word of mouth.

Can money be requested as a bridal shower gift?
It is generally unacceptable to note in the bridal shower invitation that cash is the preferred gift. This is even though in a recent survey, 78% of consumers said that they would prefer to give cash as a wedding and shower gift. This is especially true as the average age of couples marrying for the first time continues to rise, and many newlyweds already have most appliances and houseware items.

In some areas, a money tree or wishing well is quite common, and if that is the case in your area, a note at the bottom of the invitation about a money tree or wishing well being an available alternative at the shower would be appropriate. Check out the creative wedding wishing well poems and ideas in our related posts noted below.

If cash is really preferred, spread the word using friends and family. Let them know that when guests ask, they can tell them that the bride would prefer cash as a gift. There’s no harm in having them mention this to guests who inquire as to what the bride would most like for gifts at her shower.

If the bride or wedding couple has something they are planning on using the cash gifts for, it is helpful to know so that this can be communicated at the same time as the inquiry, like “Janie and Rob are hoping for some cash gifts, which they plan to use towards the down payment on a new house”. The bride can also mention this in her thank you notes.

As a guest, if you wish to provide cash or a check to the couple within your card, that is an acceptable gift choice. Gift cards are also an excellent alternative, which will also allow the bride go select a gift according to what would best suit their needs.

Another creative way to handle requests for cash gifts is to inform guests using the couple’s wedding website. For example, at ewedding.com, couples can create a free wedding website that features information about the wedding. Most of them include gift registry area, where the couple notes the stores they have registered at. They could also add a note, such as:

If you were thinking of giving a gift, to help us on our way.
A gift of cash towards our house, would really make our day.
However, if you prefer to purchase a gift, feel free to surprise us in your own way.

Whatever you would like to give us is wonderful
The choice is up to you
We are registered at xxxx,
But money is at the top of our list too!
It will help us pay for xxxx

Should the hostess give a gift to the bride at the bridal shower?
The bridal shower is considered to be a gift to the bride-to-be from the hostess, and it is up to you if you choose to give an additional gift to the bride. If you do choose to buy another gift, a token gift is definitely acceptable, given the costs and effort expended towards hosting the shower event.

Related Posts:
Wishing Well Basket And Poem
Top 15 Favorite Bridal Shower Poems

We’ve put together the etiquette questions we are most often asked by hostesses planning bridal showers to help you as you plan your event.

Bridal Shower Planning - Etiquette Questions

Who should host the bridal shower?
The maid of honor is the traditional hostess for the bridal shower.

Can other bridesmaids be included in the planning?
Yes! All of the women who will be bridesmaids at the wedding have been asked to stand up with bride because they are very important to her. It is proper to ask if they would like to help in the planning. It is also important to include them when selecting a date, so they can plan schedules accordingly.



Is it proper for a family member of the bride to host the bridal shower?
In the past, it may have been considered improper for a family member to host the shower, since this event is traditionally a gift-giving event and if a family member were to host, the perception may have been greed.

In today’s modern society, it has become more acceptable for a family member to host. Sisters of the bride are often bridesmaids and are the most likely family member to host. Mothers of the bride should not be the hostess, but can be involved in the planning process.

If you live in an area that may be more inclined to traditional values, consider the bridal showers you have recently attended and who the hostesses were. You can also ask close friends for advice.

Should the bride help plan her bridal shower?
The hostess can involve the bride on some matters of the planning, such as the date and time, the guest list, gift idea and there may be some games that will require information only the bride will know. In general, try and keep the games and other details a surprise. This will add to the excitement and really allow your bride to enjoy the moment!

Do you recommend hosting a surprise bridal shower?
Planning a surprise bridal shower is complicated and often ends up being not a surprise at all. The bride will usually expect to have shower hosted for her, and thinking that her bridal party has forgotten this special occasion will only add additional stress for her.

A surprise shower could be thrown by her co-workers during a work day. Or she could be surprised by a smaller, more intimate shower with close friends or family in the few weeks before the wedding.

If the bride has been previously married, do we still host a shower for her?
Yes! The bridal shower is a celebration, and the bride should not miss out on this joyous event because she has been married before. Ask the bride if she would like a shower. Depending on the situation, she may decide it’s not appropriate to have a traditional gift-giving party. Instead, consider hosting a casual stock the pantry or recipe shower, with guests bringing a small gift and their best wishes for the bride.

When should the shower be held?
The traditional gift giving shower is usually hosted 1 - 2 months before the wedding. The exception could be if the bride lives a out-of-state, and is traveling back home for her wedding. In that case, you could schedule the shower around a time she will be there for planning purposes, holidays, or the week before the wedding.

Who should be invited to the shower?
Consult the bride with regards to the guest list. Generally, invite the women from both the bride and groom’s side of the family, all bridesmaids and close friends of the bride. Traditional etiquette requires only inviting those who will also be invited to the wedding.

How should we handle inviting step-families?
Today’s families are a mixture of traditional and combined families. If the bride is friendly with the various step-families, they should be included. If there may be a chance of conflict at the event based on the personalities involved, ask the bride to extend the invitation, with the condition of the attendees being civil out of respect to her. Not inviting members of step-families may potentially cause more hurt feelings, so be sure to work closely with the bride on the guest list.

How many people should be invited to the bridal shower?
While it depends on where you are hosting the event, most bridal showers have between 10 and 20 attendees. This keeps the event small enough where everyone will have a chance to mingle with the bride.

I have been to many bridal showers where there are upwards of 50 attendees, and if you come from a large family, this may be a more manageable number to insure family members are not left out.

What kind of invitations should we plan on sending?
The invitations you select can be custom printed, purchased from the card store or sent via email. Many hostesses are choosing to make their own invitations using the computer, and a printing program like Print Shop. This enables you to create a professional looking invitation that you can easily customize, and it looks great!

What information should be included on the bridal shower invitation?
Be sure to include the Bride’s Name and Shower Date/Time. Also important are:
Address of the shower
Map of the shower (optional)
RSVP date and phone number
Hostess’ name and phone number
Shower theme information (if necessary)
Registry Information (optional)

Is it proper to include registry information in the shower invitation?
Yes! Showers are primarily gift giving events, and it is proper in most social circles to include the registry information. If you think some guests may be offended by including it, leave it out but make sure the hostess’ phone number is on the invitation so guests can call with registry inquiries. Many stores offering bridal registries will also have small registry cards that can be slipped into the invitation.

How should we have guests RSVP?
The easiest way of having guests respond is by telephone. Keep a guest list by the telephone and check off “yes” or “no” when a guest calls.

When should the “RSVP by” date be?
The best guideline is to use 2 weeks before the shower. If you are running behind schedule and have mailed the invitations late, choose an RSVP date that is one week before the shower.

What do we do with guests who have not RSVPed by the noted date?
The hostess should call the guest and inquire if they will be attending. This will remind them, if they have forgotten and also give a more accurate guest count.

When should the bridal shower invitations be mailed?
If there are out-of-town guests, plan on mailing their invitations 3 - 6 weeks before the shower. For local guests, sending invitations 2 - 4 weeks before the shower is appropriate.

How should the event flow in terms of timing and activities?
Allow about two hours for the entire shower event. Depending on how many people are attending and whether they’re a chatty bunch, your event may end a little earlier or last a little longer. Here’s a general schedule of how a generic bridal shower will flow, and you can add, remove or re-order it as you like.

• 15 min - Greet guests, serve drinks and light appetizers. After all guests have arrived, if it’s a relatively small shower, go around the room and have each guest introduce herself and tell how she knows the bride.
• 40 min - Play a few shower games. It’s great to play the shower games towards the beginning of your event, as they’re a great icebreaker. Remember, there may be some guests who will only know the bride.
• 30 min - Break for lunch. Once all of your guests have had a chance to get their plate together, the bride will begin opening her gifts.
• 20 min - After the bride opens her gifts, guests will often chat amongst themselves and then start leaving. If you’re having doorprizes or shower favors, distribute them now. The bride should be free so she is able to thank guests as they leave and say goodbyes.

Does a shower have to have games?
A bridal shower does not have to have games, but it is nice to include them if many of the guests are not familiar with each other. It gives everyone a chance to be included and participate in the event. If the bride is older or not into games, lunch at a nice restaurant may be an alternative.

What kind of food should I plan to serve at the shower?
This depends on what time you are hosting the shower. If it’s served in between mealtimes, you should plan on having light snacks and refreshments for guests. Fruit and vegetable trays, crackers or chips with dip, pretzels, nuts and something sweet for dessert would be acceptable. For refreshments, serve coffee, tea, punch and soda.

If your shower is planned for the time people usually eat brunch, lunch or dinner, you should plan on serving something more substantial. A buffet is a great idea, and you can also invite guests to bring a dish for a potluck. They can bring along recipe cards to share with the bride and the guests.

Do we have to provide a shower favor for guests?
This tradition varies based on where you live, and what the common custom is with your circle of friends. In some regions of the country, shower favors are not given, as guests feel they are there to show their love and support for the bride and do not need a favor in return.

In other areas of the country, it would be considered rude to not have a favor to present to departing guests. Some simple favor ideas are potpourri satchels, scented candles or candy. For a more personal favor, consider taking a picture of the bride with each guest, and giving that to the guest as a memento of the day. With today’s small portable printers, someone from the bridal party could easily take the photo as the guest arrives and have time to prepare the pictures before the shower has finished.

When should thank you notes be sent?
Plan on sending out the thank you notes as quickly after the event as possible. During the shower, have guests write their address on the back of the thank you card envelopes. As the bride opens gifts, someone from the bridal party should be writing down the gift and who it was from so the bride can easily write a personal thank you message to each guest.

Holding a teacup
First, pick up the cup and saucer together, holding the saucer in one hand and the tea cup in the other. Slip your index finger through the handle, position your thumb against the top of the handle and balance the bottom of the handle on your middle finger. Grasp the cup lightly. Resist extending your pinkie finger! Instead, curve your ring and pinkie fingers against your palm.

Stirring your tea
Gently swish a spoon back and forth in your tea, being careful not to clink it against the sides of the teacup. Do not leave the spoon in your tea and do not sip tea from your spoon. When finished, place the spoon on the saucer, on the right side behind the cup.

Flavoring your tea
Milk is always served with tea; cream is too heavy and masks the flavor of tea. Pour milk into your empty teacup, then add the hot tea.

Lemon slices are nice to serve with tea. Rather than wedges, offer thinly sliced lemon wafers and provide a dish with a lemon fork (or small fork). Note: do not mix lemon and milk with your tea - the lemon’s citric acid will cause the milk to curdle.

Offer a variety of sugars to your guests, including sugar cubes, honey, sugar sticks or sugar crystals.

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.

The first thing to do before starting the preparations and sending out invitations is seek permission from the your company. For this, you need a plan in place. Is it going to be a women-only bridal shower? What part of the day are you planning to hold it? Though many office party planners swear by the lunch-hour to have a bridal shower, holding one after office hours when everybody is relaxed and done with their work is also good idea.

Determine when it would be most convenient to have the party, to least disrupt the normal functions of the office. Ask if you can use a particular conference hall or reserve a meeting room that will be free around that time. If you work someplace where walk-in customers keep popping in, holding a shower during the lunch break could be tricky.

Another early thing to decide is whether you will be inviting select co-workers who will be invited to the wedding, or if everyone at the office will be invited. If you’re planning on keeping the party small, consult the bride’a guest list before preparing one for the bridal shower and consider not asking every Jane, Joan and Janie to attend. If you’re keeping the invite list small, it could get embarrassing for the bride if the people present at the shower are not going to be invited to the wedding.

On the other hand, if you’re hosting a large, open group shower, your event will be a nice way of connecting with colleagues who can’t make it to the wedding for some reason. This is especially true when it comes to out-of-town Destination Weddings.

The duration of the shower should also be taken into consideration. You’ll probably find that one fun-filled hour is the perfect amount of time to surprise the bride, share food and drink, and present the bride with her gifts. If your office is a tight knit group of friends, an hour could be too short of a time if you’re going to be sharing stories, playing games and enjoying your time together.

For food and refreshments, you can ask each guest to bring a dish or drinks to contribute to the party. Alternatively, you can start a fund and get contributions from the invitees to go in for some fancy catering. Remember to arrange for plates, napkins, spoons, trays and other necessities that aren’t normally found in the office. As far as alcohol is concerned, it’s best to refrain from serving any as office policies usually frown on getting alcohol in the office premises. Opt for fruit juices, punches and soda instead.

Because your set-up time may be limited, you’ll most likely want to keep the decorations to the minimum when you’re hosting the shower in an office. This also will prevent you from being the recipient of hostile looks from housekeeping after the shower is over. A few balloons and streamers, plus presents and everyone’s smiling faces are often sufficient to get the room looking festive! Oh, and don’t forget to clean up once you’re done!

When it comes to the gift for a shower being hosted at the bride’s office, each guest may decide to get their own gifts. Another option is to ask guests if they would like to contribute to a group fund, combine the funds and splurge on one large gift.

If you’re the host for the company event, keep the bride in mind while getting a gift, and consult her wedding registry. What are her hobbies and interests? Getting something that will really capture her interest and show that you care is really a special touch. Cooking sets and other kitchen items are one of the safest choices for bridal shower gifts. Or you can give something a little out of the ordinary, like a funny souvenir or lacy lingerie, provided it’s not too crude and wouldn’t offend the bride in the work environment. Giving the bride a gift voucher is also gaining in popularity, particularly when it comes to big group showers, so the engaged couple can go out and get something that they would really love to have.

You can have a few games planned for the bridal shower, just be considerate if your event is being held during office hours and keep the noise level down. The last thing you want to do is create a ruckus and disturb other co-workers who aren’t participating in the party. Card and board games that will hold everybody’s interest and get everyone to have a good time are a great choice.

While throwing a bridal shower in the office is certainly convenient to everyone attending, it can be slightly challenging to turn the formal office ambiance into one of celebration and fun. With a little resourcefulness and planning, you’ll be able to host a bridal shower the bride and all of the guests will be sure to remember as a wonderfully special time spent wishing the bride well!

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!

Hosting The Event
Determine who will plan and host the bridal shower. Traditionally, the maid of honor is the host of the party, and she plans the bridal shower together with the bride. If the shower is a surprise, then the maid of honor should work with the bride’s close friends and family to plan the wedding. This is sometimes the case as well, when the maid of honor or bride are traveling in to attend the wedding.

Paying For The Event
The maid of honor and bridesmaids are traditionally responsible for the hostin the event. The bride’s family may help by assisting with location and the invitations. It is important to determine the budget for the event early, as this will dictate everything from how many people are invited, to the location, food and entertainment.

Select A Date
Bridal showers are usually six to eight weeks before the wedding and often held on weekends to accomodate the schedules of most attendees. Confirm date options with the bride, bridesmaids and family members in advance of securing the location and sending out invitations. If many people will be attending or will have to travel in for the event, consider sending a quick “Save The Date” note.

Guest List
The wedding couple can be consulted about who to invite to the bridal shower, as well as close friends and family members. If it is a surprise bridal shower, check with a few of the bride’s close friends in addition to her mother and the groom’s mother to insure no one is left out. Request the name, address, phone number and email addresses of each contact. If many attendees are unfamiliar, a note about how they know the bride or groom will be helpful for the day of the shower.

Theme And Decorations
There are thousands of great ideas to form a bridal shower around. The most memorable events are personalized to the interests of the bride or the wedding couple. Think about the bride or the bride and groom and list their common interests, hobbies or things they will really need in their new life together.

Incorporate the theme of the event into the decorations. Have decorations do double duty by having them be prizes for the games or take-away favors.



Find A Location
Select a location that will comfortably hold the number of attendees on your guest list. If you have a particular theme in mind, look for a location that will compliment the look and feel of the party. A location with a similar theme as the bridal shower may require less decorating, enabling some additional dollars to apply towards the food or entertainment.

Sending Invitations
Now that the date, time and location particulars are finalized and the theme for the bridal shower has been determined, it’s time to select and send the invitations. It is always most proper to send a printed invitation with the details of the event and any notes about bridal registries or gift suggestions. If the event is more casual and among a very close group of friends, a phone call or email invitation could also be used. Request an RSVP and manage the response list to plan appropriately for food, favors and the location.

Selecting The Menu
The menu can reflect the theme of the shower. Take into account the time of the party, and plan to serve an appropriate amount and type of food to the guests. Plan for a variety of refreshements and have a few options available to accomodate guests that may have dietary restrictions.

Hosting The Event
Greet the guests as they arrive, introducing them to other attendees, assisting with presents or offering refreshments. Consider having nametags or making a game about learning how each guest knows the bride. When the majority of guests have arrived, call the group to attention and begin the party by introducing yourself and the wedding party and expressing your great joy in making this day special for the bride and her family and friends.

Bridal Shower Games
There are many bridal shower games to choose from, ranging from sweet to funny to side-splitting to raunchy. Choose the games that are the best fit for the bride and the theme of the event. Browse through the selection on Amazing Bridal Showers for ideas!

Opening The Gifts
If opening gifts at the bridal shower, designate a member of the bridal party to take notes on who gave what to make the Thank You notes organized and easy. Remember to save the ribbons for the rehearsal bouquet!

Favors
Sending guests home with a special favor to remind them of the happy event is a wonderful way to say thank you for attending.

Thank You Notes
Help the bride with the Thank You notes by pre-addressing the envelopes with the names and addresses of the guests. Ideally, Thank You notes should be sent out within two weeks of the bridal shower.