How To Plan a Successful Bridal Shower

Wondering how to plan a successful bridal shower? A bridal shower is a great way to officially celebrate your new status as a bride to be. It is one of the first pre-wedding events where family and friends from both sides can meet one another. Moreover, it is also full of fun, snacks, décor, games, and gifts – it is an excuse to be fancy. It can also allow you to choose people who will take you out for your wedding dress fitting.

Whether you are a seasonal planner for bridal showers in need of some inspiration or you are about to host your first wedding party and don’t have an idea where to begin, these tips on how to plan a successful bridal shower will help you with bridal shower planning.

What happens at bridal showers?

Traditionally, during a bridal shower, it used to be an all-female affair for you, the bride, your bridesmaids, and close female friends and relatives from both sides of the family such as cousins, aunts, and grandmothers. Activities include mixes of eating either casual hors d’oeuvres or seated meals, playing of games, and guests mingling with one another.

The main event is the shower and the bride being spoilt. In other words, she is able to open the gifts, which are what the guests have purchased after checking the registry. Most bridal showers are themed to reflect the interests of the bride, whether that means a tropical island-themed celebration or a vintage themed tea party.

Plan a Successful Bridal party

• Decide on a budget for the bridal shower

Before you settle on a menu or choosing a theme, the first step is to decide on your bridal shower budget. The person hosting the shower is the one responsible for the bills. Thus, while the first instinct might be to go all out and spoil the bride, you need to choose an amount that you can afford.

• Set the shower date

You should start planning at least five months before the wedding and not less than four months. The bridal shower should take place at least two months before your big day. If it is not the bride’s planning, you, as the planner, should consult the bride before planning for the date. Make sure it works well with her schedule and her family members.

• Create a guest list for the bridal shower

After you settle on a date, you have to start planning for the bridal shower and guest list. Let the bride give you a list of the people she thinks should be invited. Don’t forget to double chekc the physical addresses for the guests. The final count of guests should be between 25 to 50 people. However, the final list heavily depends on your venue. You have to remember that those invited to the bridal shower can also be guests at the wedding. That is why you will need to ensure that the bride goes through the final list before you start inviting the guests.

• Pick a location for the shower

Once you have selected a date and have the approximate guest count, you need to choose your venue. If you have enough space for the bridal shower at your place, that might save you some money.

You can as well host a bridal shower at a private banquet room, a restaurant, or any venue that bride wants. Some other options include a spa or an art gallery.

If you are in doubt, you can ask the bride for options. Make sure the location is easily accessible, has enough parking and space to accommodate all your guests.

• Choose a theme for the bridal shower

It is time to pick a bridal shower theme! While it is not essential, bridal shower theme might just be a perfect way to add some personality to the party. You can incorporate this theme in your food options, invitations, and décor.

Feel free to be creative as you like. Some examples include bubbly and brunch theme, wine tasting theme, rustic theme, or even a party for flower arranging.  Whatever you choose, it needs to make sense for the personality of the bride and the interest of everyone invited.

• Send out the invitations

Finalize, purchase and mail the bridal shower invitations about 5 to 7 weeks before the event. It will enable the guests to have enough time to clear their schedules, purchase gifts, and let you know if they will attend or not.

• Plan the bridal shower menu as well as stock the bar

You can start working on the menu for the bridal party as soon as you start receiving RSVPs. Stick to the foods that you know are bride’s favorite and those that are easy to serve.

If your party is brunch themed, opt for coffee drinks, a mimosa bar, and breakfast foods. Think pancakes, french toasts, and mini waffle. For a boho-themed bridal shower, build your taco station with margaritas and guacamole. Depending on your budget, you can have a professionally catered meal, prepare the food yourself, or ask your closest guests if they could bring a potluck dish.

• Purchase the bridal shower décor

It is the fun part. Once you have a bridal shower theme, you should start on your bridal shower décor. There will be no need to go all out. You can also look for items such as customized posters, mylar letter balloons, tassel garlands, and photo backdrops to make space more personal for the bride.

With these tips you will easily plan a successful bridal shower that will be remembered by guests for a long time to come. For more information on planning and hosting a bridal shower, check The Ultimate Bride’s Survival Guide.

 

Header Image Credit: @seannaleafphotography