How to Host a Bridal Shower

The host of a bridal shower plans all the details of the party, including the guest list, locale, decorations, food and games. Follow these steps to plan a shower everyone will enjoy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Planning the Bridal Shower

1. Find a location to host the bridal shower and plan the date and time of the party. Find a time that will work for the bride and her closest family and friends.
2. Make a guest list. Decide whether the shower will be for just women or co-ed. Send invitations two to six weeks before the shower.
3. Plan a menu. Decide what type of meal you want to serve such as a sit down dinner, brunch, buffet style, or only snacks and appetizers.
4. Make or buy decorations. Go online to find party supply stores or find a store near you that sells bridal shower decorations. Small picture frames with an engagement photo of the couple makes a nice centerpiece and is easy to put together.
5. Plan games for the party. Find an assortment of easy game ideas online. Have guests bring decorative cards with their favorite recipes written on it for the bride. Pick one out of the pile as a winner.
   
6. Buy all party supplies including plates, napkins, utensils, cups, food items and other decorations. Also purchase game supplies and small prizes for guests.

Day of the Bridal Shower

7. Greet guests and show them to their seats.
8. Play games once everyone has arrived and had a chance to socialize. Games don't have to be mind bogglers--have guests write marriage advice on an index card that the bride can keep. Randomly draw a winner from the pile of cards.
9. Serve food or have guests visit the buffet table. This is also a good time to offer more beverages.
10. Have the bride open her presents shortly after eating.
11. Give guests party favors as they leave the shower or, if you prefer, place the favors on the tables ahead of time. Find party favor ideas at craft or party supply stores or online.

Tips & Warnings

• If children have been invited, have activities to keep them busy like coloring books, crayons and snacks.
• Save on postage and send invitations at Evite.com to those who have email accounts.
• Make an address database for invitations on a computer, and print a second copy of the labels for the bride to use when she sends thank you cards.
• You may include registry information on the invitations.
• Don't invite guests to the shower without making sure they are invited to the wedding--ask the bride to help you with the guest list.
• Buy a special book for someone to write all the gifts in as the guest of honor opens her presents.
• Provide the bride with an envelope for monetary gifts so they don't get lost.

Who Can Help:

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