How to Give a Bridal Shower
A bridal shower is a party where the bride receives gifts to help her in her married life. It is also a great opportunity for the bride to bond with close friends and family in a relaxed environment. With careful planning, you can create an enjoyable and memorable occasion. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Getting Started
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1
Pick a date. Make sure the shower date works for the bride, the bridal party and the mothers of both the bride and groom. Showers are usually held between two months and two weeks before the wedding.
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2
Make a guest list. As the shower is in her honor, ask the bride for the names and addresses of everyone she would like you to invite.
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3
Select a party theme. This is the creative aspect of party planning. Popular themes include lingerie showers, around-the-clock showers (where everyone is assigned a time of day for which to select a gift) and honeymoon showers.
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4
Find a location. Decide if the party will be in a private home or at a restaurant or some other public venue. The choice will depend on the people attending, your budget and your theme.
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5
Send Invitations. Be sure they reflect your theme. Mail the invitations at least three weeks in advance. Include a response card or phone number and gift registry information.
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6
Plan and arrange for the food, which may range from appetizers or desserts to a full meal. Finger foods are often served at showers so guests can mingle and socialize while eating.
Party Time
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Set the stage. Decorate for the party, keeping the theme in mind. Look for creative crafts and decoration ideas online. Music is another mood-setting option.
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8
Break the ice with games. This is a great way to introduce guests who don't know each other and to add an element of fun to the party.
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Opening gifts is often a big part of a bridal shower. Help the bride by having someone write down each gift and its giver, for ease in sending thank-you notes later.
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Tips & Warnings
Go online to find theme ideas, games and recipes.
If you are on a tight budget, hold the shower at your home or the home of a friend.
Include the bride's gift registry information with the invitations.
Party favors for the guests--for example, baked goods, candles or candy--are customary.
Never invite any guests to the shower who are not invited to the wedding.
Set a budget and stick to it.
