Bridal Shower
How to host a memorable wedding shower
Whatever your relationship to the bride, if you are hosting a bridal shower (or wedding shower), you want it to be memorable occasion. There are a few basic things you can do to make sure the bridal shower you put on is the most memorable one possible.
First, there are so many great bridal shower themes that you will definitely want to start with choosing one to plan your celebration around. If you know the bride’s likes, hobbies and personality, that helps to choose the best theme. Some of the top ideas are:
- Travel
- Intimates / lingerie
- Cooking
- Kitchen shower
- Recreation / outdoors
- Bathroom shower
Bridal Shower Planning
The key to planning a successful bridal shower is knowing the group of people you’re going to invite. Are you focusing on friends of the bride? Or is the group mostly made up of family members? If the group is mixed between the two, make sure to provide a way to mix the groups and introduce them to one another. Also, don't forget to send out the bridal shower invitation well in advance.
Here are some other great bridal shower ideas to start you off on the right track:
- Keep your bridal shower decorations and party supplies simple, fun, and in line with the theme.
- Make sure the bride unwraps the gifts well before the party is supposed to end. If people have to leave early, they might be disappointed if they aren’t able to see the bride unwrap their gift.
- Be sure to make notes for the bride about who gives her what gift. She’ll be too distracted to keep track of it herself.
- It’s traditional to take the bows and ribbons from the gifts, attach them to a paper plate, and make a hat for the bride. Another guest could take care of this task for you.
- Ask another guest to dispose of all the discarded wrapping paper and tape as soon as it hits the floor. This will save you clean-up time later and will make the pictures look so much nicer.
- Wrap the items you use as prizes during bridal shower games. People love getting wrapped gifts, and it will make the event feel special for everyone.
- Remember the party favors. Popular bridal shower favors include potted plants, decorative candles, place card frames or photo frames. These can all be used as decorations on your table as well.
- Use the bride’s favorite music in the background to set the mood.
With planning and care, your bridal shower can be an event that you, the bride and all the guests remember fondly for years to come.
