How to Plan a Bridal Shower

Bridal shower is a wonderful way to celebrate the bride-to-be. Not sure when to send the invitations, who should be invited and what should be on the menu? Learn how to plan a bridal shower with this simple guide.

Decide on a budget

Before choosing a menu or a theme, you need to decide on a budget. Choose the amount you can easily afford. Make sure you stick to it.

Set the date

Bridal shower is usually thrown between 3 months and 2 weeks before the wedding. Make sure to chose the date that works both for the bride-to-be and her guests. You should start bridal shower planning at least 4-6 months before the celebration.

Create the guest list

After setting the date, you should create the guest list. Set the number of guests (it’s usually between 30-50 people), then have the bride put together a list of people she wants to invite. Remember, anyone who is invited to the bridal shower (or any other pre-wedding ceremony) should also be invited to the wedding.

Pick a location

After you’ve estimated the guest count, you should decide on a location for the shower. Bridal shower is often held at the hostess’ house. If that’s not an option, you can hold the shower at a nearby venue, such as restaurant or a bar. Make sure the location is easy to get to, has enough parking space and can accommodate all of the guests.

Choose a theme

Bridal shower theme is a perfect way to add some personality to the food, decor and invitations. Make sure the theme suits the bride-to-be!

Send out the invitations

Send out the invitations about 6-8 weeks before the bridal shower. This will give your guests enough time to RSVP.

Plan a menu

Stick to the food you know the bride-to-be will like. You should have a menu that pairs with the bridal theme. Also, choose food that can be easily served.

Purchase the decor

Balloons, tissue tassels, confetti, flowers… Again, match with the bridal shower theme.

Pick some games

Bridal shower games are a great way to break the ice for the people who have never met before. Games should be played after everyone has finished eating. Some of the most popular games are: Bridal bingo, He said she said, Bridal word scramble, How many kisses.

Set up a gift station

To make sure no gift goes misplaced, set up the gift table where guests can place their gifts as they arrive. While the bride opens the gifts, make sure to write which gift is from who, so she can easily write the thank you notes.

Create a bouquet from ribbons

As the bride-to-be opens the gifts, collect all of the ribbons to create a bouquet. This isn’t just a lovely keepsake – it’s a tradition for the bride to carry that bouquet down the aisle during the wedding rehearsal.

Make a toast

You should say a few words during the bridal shower. Congratulate the bride-to-be and thank the guests for coming. The toast doesn’t have to be formal and you should keep it short.

Give favors

Thank the guests for coming with a small gift – cookies, chocolates, candles, body scrubs, bath bombs… Don’t forget to add a cute favor tag!

Any tips on how to plan a bridal shower?

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