Simple Tips for Bridal Shower Planning
Hosting a bridal shower can be great fun, however there are some things to remember, and a few etiquette guidelines that should be minded!
Hosting
The bridal shower is typically hosted by one or all members of the wedding party, and/or the family members, and is normally held within three months of the wedding date.
The hosts are responsible for picking up any costs associated with the bridal shower, so it should be planned according to their budget.
Invitations
Only people who have received wedding invitations should be invited to the bridal shower, it would be in very bad taste otherwise. However, not everyone who is invited to the wedding needs to be invited to the bridal shower, typically it is kept to close friends and family members. The bride should present a guest list to the host(s).
Traditionally, it is only women that attend bridal showers, but co-ed showers are a fun option, and rising in popularity!
Paper invitations are commonly used, but not necessary depending on how formal or informal you plan for the shower to be.
Location
There really is no set in stone location where a bridal shower works best, the decision usually rests on two factors: space and budget. Whether you rent a venue, or hold the shower in your home, make sure that there is adequate space to accommodate the guest list.
Decor
Typically the decor is done one of two ways, either with the same theme/colours in mind, or to suit the bride's interests. For example, if your bride really loves Disney movies, a Cinderella theme would be appropriate, if she's an avid tea drinker you could try a tea party theme, etc.
Favours
If you are on a tight budget we suggest foregoing the favours altogether, as they are no longer required or even expected at a bridal shower. However, if you are inclined to give favours to the shower guests, try to come up with a practical gift- you don't want your hard earned money or effort to end up in the trash later, or forgotten at the party!
Food and Drink
The type of food and drink that you serve will depend on the time of day that you are hosting the shower. If it is a morning shower or afternoon, light finger foods and punch/mamosas are appropriate. If you plan to host the shower in the evening, wine or champagne would pair better with more filling appetizers. At any time of day, a dessert bar is always a hit!
Activites
Of course there are the standby (still favourite) bridal shower games, but there are also a plethora of new games and shower activities out there! Check out Pinterest for game inspiration.
It should also be a time for memories, try having a photo board or memory album of younger photos of the happy couple, you could even work this into a "guess the age" game! You could even create some new tangible memories by keeping an instant print camera on hand!
Gifts
It is good etiquette for the bride/couple to open their gifts while the guests are still there, but make sure someone has been assigned the task of writing down who gave what, to make thank you cards easier for them to deal with later!
We hope you found this quick guide helpful, we'd love to hear your feedback and ideas!