As the bride prepares for her wedding, it is customary for her to have a bridal shower. This daytime, women-only event in celebration of the bride’s upcoming marriage, is usually held between two to six months before the wedding. It is also a great opportunity for guests to give her gifts to furnish her new home.
During the bridal shower, the host, usually the maid of honour or close friends or bridesmaids, can introduce entertaining games for the guests to play. The general outline is usually the same: Food, drinks, and an opportunity for the bride to open gifts surrounded by guests. The bridal shower can be casual or formal but it is good to have a theme to spice up the event. Are you planning your bridal shower? These tips would help out:
1. Have a budget
You need to have a budget to cover food, drinks, décor, venue, rentals, event design, photography, videography, and any other vendors or expenses incurred while planning. The cost of a bridal shower depends on what the bride wants.
2. Pick a date
The bridal shower date should fit the wedding timeline. Pick a date two to six months before your wedding date.
3. Create a guestlist
Have a list of guests. The host should allow the bride double-check and approve the list before you send out invites.
4. Select a theme
This is optional but it is not a bad idea. The bridal shower theme can come with dress codes. This will guide your planning decisions for the rest of the process.
5. Choose a location
You should choose a venue that correlates to the theme, like a spa or a winery, or you can host at a restaurant or hotel, or your home.
6. Plan the menu
The food will depend on the bridal shower’s theme and time of day. If it’s a brunch affair, stock up on mimosas and breakfast foods. Whatever the menu, ensure it is something you know the bride will like and the guests too.
7. Plan shower decor
If you’ve hired a professional event designer, then you are covered. If you’re decorating yourself, this is arguably one of the most fun steps in planning a bridal shower. Whether you’re following a theme or not, get creative and think of the kinds of personal touches you can include for the bride.
8. Plan games and activities
Games are a great way to break the ice when guests first arrive to ease the atmosphere. There are several traditional shower games to try. Get creative and make them fun.
9. Create a shower playlist
Set the party mood with a fun selection of music. Ask the bride to send some of her favorites she would like included. Also, mix in some love songs and upbeat tunes for background music.