How to Plan a Bridal Shower

It's that time of year again...Bridal shower time! Although they can be a ton of fun to attend you may find yourself at the planning end of one and that might not always be non stressful. Here are a few tips from someone who has planned alot of showers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Event location
• Food
• Games
• Favors
• Decorations
• Invitations

1. BOOK THE NOOK: Before any planning begins the most important step is to book a location for the big event. Often times restaurants will have a banquet room perfect for small gatherings. Look into renting out town halls or community centers. Booking the location is extremely important because of limited available dates and you will also plan most of your ideas around this location.

2. SET THE DATE: Once you've chosen a location find out what dates are available to rent. Look at having the shower on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Preferably around lunchtime so your guests arrive with an appetite for all those delicious dishes you're about to prepare.

3. SEND THE INVITES: Now that you have your location and date planned you have all the information you need to send out invitations. Ask the bride-to-be for a lit of names and addresses of the women she wants to invite. But remember, this should be her only duty!! Don't forget to add stores where the bride and groom are registered for the big day.

4. PLAN THE MENU: Decide whether you want to have a hot lunch or just cold salads and appetizers. Make a list of women, such as bride maids, and ask them to volunteer to make certain dishes. Choice a punch recipe to go along with the food and don't forget to perk the coffee! Sometimes banquet halls at a restaurant will allow you to choose items and they will set up a buffet for you. Although this sounds convenient it can also be extremely pricey.

5. GAMES, GAMES, GAMES: Selecting a few fun and interactive games to play at the shower will help loosen things up a bit. If you want the guests to have a smashing good time choose games that will get them off their feet. Such as, hand each table a roll of toilet paper and have them choose on person at the table. Have the guests form a wedding dress o the elected person and in the end the bride can choose which dress she likes the best. If you want more of a subdued game create a questionnaire about the couple and their lives, see who has the most right answers.

6. CHOOSING DECORATIONS: Making this part of the task as simple as possible will help lower your stress on the morning of the shower. Simply buy table clothes that are the couples wedding color and cover the tables. Don't forget to buy one for the gift table! Look for glitter or confetti to sprinkle about the tables to add a sparkling effect. Choose votive candles, fresh flowers, or both to place upon the tables. If your tables still look bare, consider adding coffee cups and napkins.

7. SET THE MOOD: While decorating the event location the morning of the shower, some locations will let you in the night before, bring a radio and a few wedding or love CD's to play in the background at the shower. You will be amazed at how it relaxed the guests and encourages more conversation.

Resources

• SimplyWeddingStuff.com
• Bridal Shower Planning Guide
• Bridal Shower Help and Ideas

[stndgfrm]

on 3/13/2009 Great advice!

[August12]

on 3/10/2009 Sounds like you'd have a great career as a professional party planner! Thanks...from angel

[Addonis]

on 3/9/2009 great work 5*GGTGG

[katecrittendon]

on 3/8/2009 What a fun time! Thanks for the tips.

[our5kids]

on 3/7/2009 Good advice I have been a maid of honor and it's a very hard task Great tips wish I'd seen this before I went through all of it LOL 5 ***.