Things a Bride-to-Be Needs to Do at a Party

Give each guest at least a moment of one-on-one time.

Being a bride-to-be requires a woman to consider etiquette that she does not use every day. Though weddings and their preceding parties used to be rigid, formal affairs with an endless list of rules, contemporary brides are reinventing the rules to suit their informal, personalized events. The most vital rule is to do what feels best for you and your loved ones.

Leave Hosting Duties to Someone Else

Renowned wedding planner Mindy Weiss advises that while bridal shower hosting responsibilities have evolved over time, one cardinal rule remains: the bride-to-be should not host her own shower. Brides- and grooms-to-be also do not host their engagement party, but that guideline is more relaxed than the shower dictate. You are involved in every intimate detail of your wedding day, and that is burden enough. Family members and bridesmaids should take the reins for pre-wedding events.

Voice an Opinion

Politely make suggestions to the host about a party's direction. A bride’s suggestion about a venue, food or game is one less thing the host has to figure out on her own.

Gifts and Lists

Open presents during a bridal shower, when most if not all guests come bearing gifts. You or the host should keep a detailed list of every guest and her gift so that you can send a thank you card after the event. At an engagement party, some guests may bring presents, but most guests will not. Subsequently, opening gifts is uncommon at engagement parties. The host should keep a list of which guest brought which gift, in case the gift tag gets lost in the shuffle.

Be Gracious and Generous

Remember that while demands on you are high, guests at pre-wedding parties are there to celebrate this momentous milestone in your life. Naturally, each guest would appreciate a one-on-one moment with you so she can congratulate you, ask you questions about the wedding or see your engagement ring. Be ready to talk a lot, repeat stories and wedding details, and remain the constant center of attention. Emily Post recommends welcoming guests when they arrive at the venue alongside the host and your fiancée, if he is taking part in the event, too.

Have Fun and Express Gratitude

Enjoy yourself at the party. Even if it feels like your wedding and all of its celebrations are going to last forever, they will not in actuality, of course. This a rare and joyous time in your life, whether you are marrying for the first time or remarrying. Do not worry about the details and accept that every moment may not be ideal. Thank your guests for attending when you welcome them to the party, in case you do not find another opportunity to speak with them directly. Thank the host publicly after other toasts and acknowledgements. A toast or simple announcement in her honor will be meaningful after all of the work she put into the event.

References

• Martha Stewart Weddings: Bridal Shower Tips from the Experts
• Martha Stewart Weddings: The Etiquette of Engagement Parties
• Emily Post: Bridal Shower Do's and Don'ts