A bridal shower is a special event where the bride-to-be can celebrate with her closest friends and family before the big day. As the maid of honor or a close friend of the bride, planning a bridal shower is a great way to show your love and support. But where do you start?
In this article, we’ll share the essential bridal shower checklist for planning a memorable event. From setting a budget and choosing a venue to creating fun games and organizing catering, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more!
Getting Started with Bridal Shower Planning
Bridal shower planning is exciting for both the bride and her friends and family. It's the perfect occasion to honor her before she starts her married life. Let’s take a look at how to plan the perfect bridal shower.
Establish a Budget
Wedding showers come in all shapes and sizes, but all successful events have one thing in common – careful budgeting. Establishing a budget early in the planning process makes decision-making easier. Keep in mind, the cost of a bridal shower can vary depending on factors such as venue, decor, catering, and favors.
Start by deciding who's contributing to the shower's expenses. Will it be the host, the bridesmaids, or family members? Then, list all potential costs and prioritize spending by importance. Don't forget, even the smallest details like postage for invitations and thank you cards should be included in your budget.
Choose a Date and Time
Picking a suitable date and time for the bridal shower is another important step. On a traditional bridal shower timeline, the event should take place four to six weeks before the wedding. Coordinate with the bride and the bridal party to make sure the chosen date works well for everyone. Also, consider any holidays or significant events that fall around the desired date, as this may affect the availability of guests.
When picking the time, remember that most bridal showers are hosted in the afternoon over the weekend.
Select a Venue
Choosing the right venue for the bridal shower is key to creating a memorable event. The host's home or backyard is a popular option, but you can always spring for venues like restaurants, parks, or community halls. Keep these factors in mind to help you decide:
Guest count: Ensure the venue has enough room for your attendees.
Accessibility: Make sure the location is easily reachable and provides adequate parking options for guests.
Atmosphere: Pick a venue that matches the bridal shower theme and style.
Budget: Don't forget to factor in any rental fees and additional costs that may come with the venue.
The Bridal Shower Guest List and Invitations
Determine the Guest List
Creating the guest list for the bridal shower is an important task that involves coordinating with the bride and her close friends and family. Generally, the guest list should include the following:
Female members of the bride and groom's immediate families
Bridesmaids and the Maid of Honor
Close female friends and relatives
These days, however, many brides-to-be are opting to share the festivities with their grooms and male relatives and friends. Talk to the bride to see if she prefers a co-ed event.
Choose a Theme and Style for the Invitations
Bridal shower invitations introduce the event theme and style. They should let guests know what to expect, like whether the event is a formal luncheon or a casual backyard party. Select a design that coordinates with the overall theme, keeping these elements in mind:
• Colors: Stick to a color scheme that complements the shower's decor and theme.
• Fonts: Opt for easy-to-read fonts that give a sense of the event's formality.
• Wording: Make sure the wording is clear and concise. Include all necessary information like date, time, venue, RSVP details, and any specific requests (e.g., attire, special activities, or gift registries).
Send Out Invites and Manage RSVPs
It's common practice to send out bridal shower invitations six to eight weeks before the event, giving guests plenty of time to RSVP and make travel arrangements if necessary. It can be helpful to use digital tools like online RSVP services or group chats to keep everyone organized.
We recommend following up with guests who haven't RSVP'd two weeks before the event. This will help finalize the guest count and ensure the host has accurate numbers for catering, seating, and other planning purposes.
Bridal Shower Decorations and Activities
When planning a bridal shower, it's essential to set the mood and create a joyful atmosphere for the bride-to-be and guests. This is where bridal shower decorations and activities come into play.
A beautifully decorated space, games, and activities can turn an ordinary event into a memorable one. In this section, we'll discuss how to choose decorations and plan activities that will impress guests and give the bride-to-be a celebration she'll never forget.
Plan and Purchase Decorations
Start by choosing a bridal shower theme to provide a foundation for your decorations. Keep in mind the bride-to-be's interests, color preferences, and shower location. Common themes include vintage, garden party, beach, rustic, tea party, or specific color schemes.
Remember to incorporate the basics, like tablecloths, plates, napkins, and silverware, into your theme. You can also use banners, balloons, floral arrangements, and other decorative items to create a beautiful atmosphere. For example, for a garden party, look for light pink and green tableware and craft a balloon arch made from green, yellow, and flower-shaped balloons.
Don't forget about the ambiance – consider incorporating candles, fairy lights, or even a customized playlist with the bride’s favorite songs. Be sure to ask for help from friends or family members to assist you in setting up the decorations on the day of the event.
Organize Fun Games
You can't have a successful bridal shower without games! They're an excellent way to break the ice, encourage interaction among guests, and create lots of laughs. Popular bridal shower games include the Newlywed Game, Toilet Paper Wedding Dress, Guess the Bride's Age, and Love Story Timeline. You can find many free and low-cost printable game templates online. Remember to tailor the games to the bride's interests and keep the atmosphere light and fun.
When organizing the games, be mindful of your guests' ages, interests, and abilities to ensure that everyone can participate and enjoy themselves. Don't forget to prepare small prizes for the winners – these can be anything from simple trinkets to chocolates or a small bottle of wine.
Create the Perfect Bridal Shower Menu
Another important step is planning the bridal shower menu. Depending on your budget, you can choose to hire a professional caterer or opt for a potluck-style gathering. If you're using a caterer, consider the bride-to-be's tastes and dietary restrictions, if any. For a potluck, coordinate with the guests and make sure each person brings a dish to contribute. This way, you can ensure every type of dish is covered, from main courses to desserts.
When planning a bridal shower menu, serve finger foods and small plates to encourage mingling. Make mini-sandwiches, set up a vegetable tray, and serve different dips for snacking, like guacamole and queso. Don't forget to include a variety of beverages, from lemonade and iced tea to wine and champagne.
And, of course, a beautiful cake or cupcake tower should be the centerpiece of the food table. If you have a theme, make sure the desserts match! For a beach-themed bridal shower, serve a cake designed with sunshine and beach balls or serve cupcakes with beach flag toppers.
Bridal Shower Gifts and Favors
While decorations, activities, and catering are important, giving special attention to bridal shower favors can make the event even more meaningful. Thoughtful gifts show appreciation to both the bride-to-be and the guests for their support.
Coordinate a Group Gift or Gift Registry
One option is to have the bridal party or other friends collaborate on a group gift for the bride-to-be. This can be something more expensive or meaningful than individual gifts, like a special piece of jewelry or a home appliance. You can set up a group fund and ask everyone to contribute a certain amount.
Another option is to ensure the bride-to-be has a gift registry set up. This allows guests to choose from a list of items the bride prefers, ensuring she receives gifts she'll love and use. Share the registry details with the guests in the invitations or via social media.
Prepare Thank You Cards and Favors
Showing appreciation to your guests is essential. To do this, prepare thank-you cards for the bride-to-be to send to the attendees after the shower. You can purchase pre-made cards or create personalized ones that match the theme of the bridal shower. Include a heartfelt note expressing gratitude for their presence and their gifts.
Additionally, prepare small favors for guests to take home. These can be simple, like a small scented candle or a bag of sweets, or more elaborate, like a customized wine glass or a small potted plant. Choose favors that match the theme and represent the couple's interests or the occasion itself. Don't forget to attach tags to each favor, thanking guests for attending.
Creating a Memorable and Fun Bridal Shower
Successful bridal shower planning can create lasting memories for the bride-to-be and all attendees. The key is paying attention to details like decorations, activities, catering, gifts, and favors. By carefully considering these elements, you can create a fun and unforgettable event that sets the stage for a wonderful wedding celebration.
Ready to start planning your bridal shower? Shop Party City’s bridal shower decor or visit us at a store near you.
Bridal Shower Ideas FAQs
What are some unique bridal shower themes?
Here are five unique bridal shower themes for your consideration:
● Travel theme
● Wine and cheese party
● Outdoor garden party
● Retro-themed tea party
● Spa day experience
Think outside the box and choose a theme that represents the bride's interests or personality. Remember, a bridal shower should be a reflection of the bride.
What are some popular bridal shower games?
Bridal shower games are a fantastic way to keep guests entertained and engaged. Games also serve as ice breakers, helping guests who may not know each other to develop connections. Here are five popular bridal shower games to consider:
● He Said, She Said
● Wedding Emoji Pictionary
● Ring Toss
● Bridal Bingo
● Two Truths and a Lie
What type of food should be served at a bridal shower?
Food is a must for any bridal shower itinerary. Offering bite-sized snacks and a variety of flavors are great ways to please a crowd. Keep things simple with an assortment of finger foods and small bites. Some popular choices include:
● Tea sandwiches
● Bruschetta
● Deviled eggs
● Charcuterie board
● Cucumber rounds with hummus
How should I decorate the event space?
Setting the scene for a bridal shower can be simple or elaborate, depending on the bride's tastes and personality. Here are four key elements to consider when decorating for a bridal shower:
● Color scheme: Choose colors that align with the theme and complement the bride's preferences.
● Centerpieces: Opt for eye-catching centerpieces such as vases filled with fresh flowers, candles, or other items that accentuate the chosen theme.
● Balloons garlands/arches: Fun and dynamic balloon garlands and arches add a festive touch and fill empty spaces. Customize the colors to match your chosen theme.
● Personalized decorations: Incorporate custom decorations as a shout-out to the bride, such as personalized signs or photo displays.