How to Host a Wedding Shower

A wedding shower gives everyone a chance to mingle and have fun while bestowing gifts on the bride-to-be. Traditional showers with ladies making quilts have given way to more creative celebrations that may involve men as well as women.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Wedding Shower Invitations
• Bridal Registries
• Guest Lists
• Candles
• Flowers
• Champagne
• Sparkling Cider
• Champagne Glasses
• Champagne Buckets
• Postage Stamps
• Personal Organizers

1. Set a date for the shower. It should be held about four to six weeks before the wedding. A shower held closer to the wedding date may cause undue stress on the bride, who will be dealing with wedding details as the big day approaches.
2. Enlist the help of others in planning the shower. Bridesmaids and close friends should be your main support.
3. Choose a theme for the shower, if desired. See the Related eHow, "How to Host a Theme Wedding Shower," for ideas on appropriate themes.
4. Make a guest list. If you are not having a couples shower, your list should include female members of the bride's and groom's families, as well as bridal attendants and friends of the bride.
5. Make sure you get input from the bride when making the guest list.
6. Send invitations about a month before the shower. The invitation should include the shower's time and place, names of the hosts, a phone number for RSVP calls, the theme of the shower (if applicable) and bridal registry information.
7. Decide if you want to play games. A few games will get the guests interacting with one another. Games are generally played toward the beginning of the shower.
8. Make purchases a few days before the shower. Buy food, flowers, mints, nuts, place cards and anything else you need.
9. Set up your home or other location for the shower. Greet guests and be a charming hostess. Stick to your planned schedule and keep the shower moving along. Try not to let it last more than two hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Although it is not proper to include bridal registry information on a wedding invitation, it is fine to do so on a shower invitation.
• While the bride opens her gifts, make sure someone keeps a list of who has given what.

Who Can Help:

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