What is a Bridal Shower Party?

Throwing a great bridal shower is not as easy as you think.

Traditionally, a bridal shower is thrown for a woman by her closest friends and family in order to shower the bride-to-be with well wishes, love and gifts. The responsibility for throwing the bridal shower falls on the matron of honor, although the bride's mother is usually heavily involved.

The Guest List

All women invited to the shower must also be invited to the wedding, so make sure to consult with the bride or the mother of the bride if the shower is a surprise. The bridal shower should take place anywhere between six months to one week before the wedding.

Invitations

All bridesmaids in the bridal party should split all duties related to the bridal shower, so one of them should be assigned to invitations. Invitations for a shower with mostly in-town guests should be sent four to six weeks before the party.

Entertainment and Food

Food should match the theme of the party, if any. The three parts of a successful bridal shower are laughing, eating and gift giving. One bridesmaid should keep track of all gifts given to make thank-you notes easier for the bride-to-be.

References

• The Knot: "Bridal Showers: The Basics"

Resources

• "All About Showers: Bridal Shower Guide"