WHO SHOULD PLAN THE BRIDAL SHOWER?
Typically, the bridal shower is for the bride and her close female friends. It is the job of the wedding attendants to plan and host the bridal shower. They can ask for help from anyone of their choosing. It is not customary for the bride's or groom's mother to plan the shower, but they can be called upon to help in whatever way the planners see fit.
WHEN TO HAVE YOUR BRIDAL SHOWER?
There is no hard fast rule as to when it is appropriate for the shower to take place. One factor to keep in mind when picking the date, if inviting guests that will be attending from a distance, you will need to plan in advance so that guests have time to make travel arrangements and ask for time off.
DETERMINE A BUDGET
Once you pick a date for your shower, you can then decide who pays for what! Typically, all the bridesmaids contribute to the cost of the shower. Determine ahead of time who pays for what and the dollar amount that is owed. It is best to make sure all monetary exchanges take place in advance.
WHERE SHOULD THE BRIDAL SHOWER BE HELD?
This factor is clearly based on your budget. Determining the location of the shower can help you plan for decorations and party supplies. There are some very cute party supplies out there, but remember it's not all necessary. Sometimes solid colored items mixed with patterned items can be appropriate!
GUEST LIST - WHO SHOULD BE INVITED TO THE BRIDAL SHOWER?
It is customary to invite the bride's closest female friends and female relatives, unless you are hosting a co-ed shower. In that case, you would include their significant other. Not everyone who is invited to the wedding needs to be invited to the shower. Remember that your guests want to spend quality time with the bride so try to keep the bridal shower an intimate size.
BRIDAL SHOWER INVITATIONS
Invitations can be formal or informal. Make sure that guests respond to someone who is helping to plan the shower. Rule of Thumb: If you are inviting guests from out of the area, invitations should be mailed a minimum of two months in advance. This allows time to for guests to make travel arrangements. If most of the guests are local, four to six weeks should be adequate time. You should include the following on your invitations:
Type of shower.
Indicate if the shower is for the bride only or is it a “couple's” shower.
Who the shower is honoring.
Day and date of the shower.
Time of the shower.
Location- include the address, city, state, and zip code. Also, include directions.
Hostess of the shower.
RSVP information-include name of person, date, phone number, and email address.
Bridal registry information.
Guests should respond three to four weeks in advance to give the hostess plenty of time to prepare. Just in case guests show without responding, plan for to have extras.
THE MENU - WHAT FOOD SHOULD BE SERVED AT THE BRIDAL SHOWER?
If the shower is in a private home, it is best to KEEP IT SIMPLE!! Finger foods work best. You can serve beverages of your choice; however, it is a good idea to serve coffee and bottled water. If the shower is held at a restaurant, guests are NOT expected to pay for their meals-that is the responsibility of the hostess(es) of the shower.
ARE BRIDAL SHOWER FAVORS NECESSARY?
Favors are becoming a "must do" for bridal showers. They usually are theme based and/or are reflective of the wedding colors, symbolic of the bride and groom, etc. Favors tend to be a personal touch and an extra thank you for coming to the shower.
DO I HAVE TO PLAY GAMES AT THE BRIDAL SHOWER?
YES, in almost all cases, games are a crucial party of the bridal shower event. Games can be as elaborate or as simple as you would like! It is a nice way to get your guests acquainted and to bring on the laughter.
HOW LONG SHOULD THE BRIDAL SHOWER LAST?
A good time frame for a bridal shower is approximately two hours. Some guests may leave earlier and other guests may want to chat for awhile after the majority of guests have left.
IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD THE BRIDAL SHOWER EVENT HAPPEN?
Begin the shower by greeting the guests and serving a light appetizer. After all the guests arrive, play a game that involves introductions. Serve food after games are played. Once everyone has been served, have the bride begin to open her gifts. Be sure to have someone record the gifts and who they come from. It is also a great idea to have some disposable cameras scattered throughout the room for guests to take pictures! The shower favors should be given to guests as they depart the shower. Make sure the bride gets to say good-bye to everyone!
CO-ED SHOWERS AKA “JACK AND JILL” SHOWERS
These types of showers are becoming increasingly popular. Steer clear of people who might be offended by a co-ed shower! This is where a “theme shower” would be appropriate. Some ideas for themes are:
Entertainment shower- guests bring gifts like CDs, DVDs, and/or theater tickets.
Book shower- guests bring various books as gifts and/or gift certificates for a book store.
Romantic shower- guests bring bubble bath, scented candles, lingerie, and/or satin sheets.
Bathroom basics- guests bring towels, soap dish, toothbrush holder, and/or other bathroom items.
Culinary delights-guests bring cook books, dish towels, dishes, pots/pan and/or anything used in the kitchen.
Barbecues tend to be popular for co-ed showers. Guys are usually not interested in the gift part of the shower so you could have an alternate activity for them to do while the bride is opening gifts.
"TO DO" CHECK LIST FOR THE BRIDAL SHOWER:
3 + MONTHS BEFORE THE BRIDAL SHOWER
Talk to the bride about what type of shower she wants. Does she want a theme shower? Does she want cocktails served at the shower? Where does she want the shower? Even though you are planning the shower, her input is vital.
Set the date! If it is to take place at a restaurant, make reservations now!
Create the guest list.
2 MONTHS BEFORE THE BRIDAL SHOWER
Call or email out of town guests to let them know of the date so they can start making reservations and plans now.
Get your budget established.
Purchase invitations <InvitationsAccessories.html>.
Get together with the other people you are planning the shower with and brainstorm ideas for decorations, food, etc.
Order any special items such as a cake, linens, and/or any rental items you may need.
Get you address list together.
Make a DETAILED list of who does what and assign tasks at this time.
1 MONTH BEFORE THE BRIDAL SHOWER
Address your invitations.
Mail the invitations.
Shop for decorations, paper goods, and other items you will need.
If guests are going to bring any food, call to confirm.
2+ WEEKS BEFORE THE BRIDAL SHOWER
Place flower order, if necessary.
Buy YOUR shower gift for the bride.
Make a shopping list of food and drinks- buy any hard to find ingredients at this time.
Purchase alcohol if you are serving cocktails.
Pick up any items such as punch bowls, coffee urns, etc. now.
1 WEEK BEFORE THE BRIDAL SHOWER
Confirm reservations.
Confirm orders and delivery times.
Confirm responses.
Buy groceries.
Plan the shower games.
1 DAY BEFORE THE BRIDAL SHOWER
Get ready any menu items that can be prepared ahead of time or do any prep work.
Decorate. Get your favors and games prepared.
Call the other hostesses. Confirm what they are going bring and the times they will arrive.
THE DAY OF THE BRIDAL SHOWER
Prepare all food.
Arrange tables, display favors, and hang decorations.
Don’t get stressed! Remember to have fun and enjoy this day. If something goes wrong, go with the flow!!
Have a GREAT bridal shower!!
