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.