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!