Right around this time, your Maid of Honor, one of your bridesmaids, or a close friend should be planning your bridal shower. Although the bride never plans her own shower, you might be asked to give some input or offer advice. I mean, what if your friend has never planned a bridal shower? Don’t panic! Here are the steps you need to know to plan a bridal shower. Be sure to download the Free Bridal Shower Planning Checklist Printable here!
Your Ultimate Bridal Shower Checklist
Looking for some help on where to start when planning a bridal shower? Download the Free Bridal Shower Planning Checklist Printable here to start off on the right foot when planning a bridal shower for the bride-to-be. No detail will be forgotten with this bridal shower checklist.
Who hosts the shower?
Anyone but the bride! The bridesmaids will often get together and plan it as a group, but family members or family friends can also host the shower. If the bride's family and groom's family live a considerable distance from each other, each side might like to throw their own bridal shower. If a friend wants to host a bridal shower, it’s usually a separate shower with mostly friends on the guest list. And by the way – whoever hosts it pays for it. Don't forget to dress the bride-to-be in this sash for the day!
When do you have it?
The bridal shower should be held anywhere from 1-3 months before the wedding. It can be planned to correspond with other pre-wedding activities like bridesmaid dress shopping or a bachelorette party, but it doesn’t have to be. It's just fine as an event all its own.
Who is invited?
If you invite someone to the bridal shower, they must also be invited to the wedding. However, not all wedding guests have to be invited to the bridal shower. The guest list usually includes the bride’s closest female friends and relatives. Sometimes the groom is invited to join at the end, or if you prefer, you can have a coed “Jack and Jill” wedding shower instead.
How do you invite guests?
Paper invitations are traditionally used for bridal showers. Mail them at least one month prior to the shower, and be sure to send one to close friends and female family members who live out of town – even if you know they won’t attend. It’s just a nice gesture. Don’t forget to save an extra invitation for the bride to have as a keepsake!
What do you do?
The 3-4 hour bridal shower should involve food, games or an activity, and presents. You could pass around these Advice for the Bride Bridal Shower Cards for guests to fill out at any time during the party. Many showers have a theme, and the activity (and sometimes the presents) are related to the theme. Popular themes include:
- Cooking or baking class, wine tasting,
- Garden, pottery painting, Parisian
- Brunch with the Bride
- Game night, bowling
There are many great ideas and themes to help you throw your bestie or relative a bridal shower. This She Said YAAAS! Bridal Shower is full of vibrant colors and is super trendy! It includes elements such as this YAAAS Gold Mylar Balloon Kit and this Drink Up Cutout Gold Glitter Stand-Up Sign which can be used for just about any theme.
How does the shower end?
The hostesses will often give out party favors, such as an edible treat or something related to the day's activity (small bottle of wine, goody bag filled with nail polish, small box of wrapped candies). For example, you could pop some candy or something small in these Laser Cut Favor Boxes for guests. Handing out favors signals the unspoken end of the bridal shower.
Should the hostess receive a gift? Throwing a bridal shower takes quite a bit of time and planning, but of course the friend or family member who put it together is happy to do it. Because it's such a big commitment, it's customary to give the hostess a gift. Not sure what to give her? A hand-written thank you is a must! In addition, you could include one of these gift ideas:
- A bottle of wine
- Gourmet coffee and mug
- Scented candle
- A spa-themed gift basket
- Premium chocolates
- Fresh flowers
Your big day is just three months away! Don't forget to decide on a guest book (or fun alternative!), and be sure to spend some time choosing gifts for your wedding party. Wondering why your wedding invitation suite includes so many various pieces? Don't worry - we'll help you navigate all that wedding stationery!
See more tips for every phase of your planning process in our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide.
Article written by: Heather Clark
