Do It Yourself Bridal Shower Luncheon
Bridal showers are intimate affairs that involve showering the bride-to-be with gifts she will need to create a home. This affair typically takes place one to two months before the wedding and is hosted by the bridesmaids or friends of the bride. While the shower can take place anywhere, hosting a luncheon shower at a home offers a more intimate setting for the bride and her guests. Plan the event with the bridesmaids in advance of the shower date to ensure the day goes off without a glitch.
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Instructions
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Select the area of your home where you can realistically hold the amount of people the bride wants to invite. Larger crowds will need ample room to sit and mingle. Ideal places may include a finished basement, living room and dining room combination or outside on a patio. Smaller crowds do not need a large space -- a sectioned off area of the living room or a sun room can be used to hold the shower.
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Think through a budget to find a realistic number that is suitable to accommodate the shower expenses. The primary expenses of the shower includes invitations, food, drinks, decorations and favors for each guests. Once the budget is in place, divide the amount between the bridesmaids.
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Incorporate a theme for the luncheon to set the tone for the invitations, menu, decorations and favors. Before making a firm decision, research the food, decoration and favor options to ensure the theme is feasible within the budget.
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Design the invitations with all the pertinent information for every guests. Invitations will include the date, time, RSVP date and number and any registry information for the bride. Send the invitations out at least four weeks prior to the date of the shower, and request an RSVP up to 10 days prior to the final date.
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Plan the menu for the luncheon to include small finger foods, salads and desserts. Ideal luncheon food includes small sandwiches, deli trays, vegetable trays, fruit bowls and several varieties of salads. Set desserts on a different table and bring out after the lunch is served. Additionally, plan for drink options to include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic selections.
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Shop for decorations and favors relating to the theme of the shower. Since the shower is held at home, keep decorations minimal to avoid clashing with the existing home décor. Like decorations, the favors should reflect the theme of the party and be handed out to each guest as they exit the shower.
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Prepare cold food and drinks the day before the event and store in the refrigerator. Set up the decorations, food tables and additional seating the day before the shower to cut back on prep time the morning of the shower. Additionally, handle any cleaning and furniture arranging the week leading up to the shower.
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Plan the shower to keep the event flowing smoothly. As guests arrive, direct them to take a seat, grab a drink or help themselves to something to eat. Once the bride arrives, allow her to eat and mingle and then direct her to the present opening area. As the bride opens her gifts, pass out dessert to the rest of the guests. Keeping the flow consistent and moving will keep guests involved with the entire shower instead of becoming bored due to inactivity.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan shower games to fill empty time. If the bride has several gifts to open, consider playing bridal bingo to keep the guests involved.
Supply plain envelopes to the guests to address themselves. This will ensure the bride has the correct address to send thank you notes to guests.
References
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