Things You'll Need:
- Creativity
- Food
- Decorations
- Invitations
- Games and Prizes
- Guests
- And don't for the Bride!
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Step 1
Normally the bridal shower is held 1-2 months before the wedding. This will give plenty of time between the shower and the wedding so everything isn't happening all at one time. Although if most of the wedding party and guests are from out of town, the shower can be held much closer to the date to save on travel costs. If the couple elopes or has a destination wedding, sometimes the shower is held soon after the wedding.
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Step 2
As soon as possible obtain a guest list with address from the couple. Don't forget to include mothers and other family members. Also make sure that if someone is invited to the shower, they should be invited to the wedding also. It sounds funny, but that has really happened and it leads to some hurt feelings.
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Step 3
Roughly 66% of all guests invited to the shower will show up. But don't count on this number when planning for seating, games and food. A good rule is to expect everyone to show and plan for that number, but don't add extra on top of that.
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Step 4
Book a venue for the shower as soon as possible. Make sure it has enough room for the number of guests invited and a kitchen or food serving area. Restaraunts may rent out a back room for the shower but you may be expected to use their food. Remember you should never expect guests to pay for their own food. If it's a warm time of year parks are a nice venue, but make sure it has a pavillion or shelter incase of rain or strong winds.
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Step 5
Usually the Maid/Matron of honor is in charge of the shower, with the bridesmaids all helping and chipping in financially. Each person should have a certain part of the shower to take care of. Sometimes mothers might help out but this used to be thought of as bad etiquette.
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Step 6
Every good shower needs a theme. The theme should tie the entire shower together including the food, decor, games and sometimes the gifts. Examples would include "Around the house" & "Kitchen Shower" The theme can incorpate the theme of the wedding or the destination of the honeymoon. If the couple is really passionate about something, that would also be a great theme for the shower.
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Step 7
Foods should remain simple. Hors D'orves or finger foods are best. They're usually inexpensive and easy to make. Cookies, cupcakes and cakes are also great dessert ideas. Usually iced tea, lemonade, kool-aid or punch are great drink choices.
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Step 8
The shower can be held anytime of the day. Most are held anywhere from late morning to 4 or 5pm. They usually last for about 2 hours. Saturdays and Sundays are the most popular days since it's usually easier for people to get off of work on these days. Friday evenings are also an option.
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Step 9
Common games are bridal bingo, where guests fill out bingo cards with what gifts they think the couple will receive and mark them off as the couple opens them. Wedding related word puzzles, word scrambles, and riddles are also popular. More interactive games include making wedding dresses out of toilet paper and the best dress wins. Anything that breaks the ice and keeps guests entertained is a great choice.
