Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Bridal Shower

In anticipation for the big day, the bridal shower is a cherished pre-wedding celebration that honors the bride-to-be and brings together her family and friends. Hosting an unforgettable bridal shower involves thoughtful consideration, careful planning, and finding the perfect bridal shower venue.

Here are some tips to ensure that the bridal shower you host has a personal touch, reflects the bride’s unique personality, and leaves cherished and lasting memories for everyone involved.

8 Tips On Planning The Perfect Bridal Shower

Hosting a bridal shower is a huge responsibility that has the potential to overwhelm even the most organized mind. Here are 8 helpful tips to organize your thoughts and plan the perfect day.

• Decide on a budget
• Set the date
• Compile the guest list
• Choose the venue
• Decide on the theme
• Plan the menu
• Send out the invitations
• Decide on the groom’s role

1. Decide On The Budget

A well-planned and thoughtful bridal shower does not always require a lavish budget. Attention to detail and creativity can make any celebration memorable, even on a minimal budget.

When deciding on the bridal shower budget, keep the following in mind:

• Have a maximum amount in mind, and plan around that.
• Communicate with the bride and bridal party to align your expectations.
• Decide who will be paying or if it is going to be a combined effort. Open and honest communication is vital. If the bridal shower is going to be paid for by more than one person, ensure that every party involved commits to an amount that they can afford.
• When deciding on the budget, don’t forget to factor in (if relevant) costs for:
  • Photography
  • Invitations – printing, postage or design ( if sent electronically)
  • Venue rental
  • Catering
  • Decorations
  • Party favors
  • Entertainment

2. Set The Date

The bride (unless it is a surprise) normally indicates when she would like the bridal shower to take place. This normally happens approximately two weeks before the wedding, but can be planned for a few days before the actual wedding day if important guests are only arriving then.

No matter what date is decided on, planning the perfect bridal shower requires at least 6 months. Although a lot of the preparations will happen closer to the confirmed date, you may need 6 months advance notice to:

• Secure the perfect bridal shower venue on the preferred date
• Secure the photographer, caterer, and other vendors
• Accommodate the schedules of busy guests who may not make it on short notice

3. Compile The Guest List

To make the bridal shower memorable and inclusive, the guest list needs careful consideration. As a host, be mindful of the fact that the bride may have more than one pre-wedding celebration, and guests should not be pressured to attend all of them.

Before attempting to construct the guest list you need to consult the bride. She will:

• Identify her closest family, friends, and other individuals in her life
• Decide on the level of intimacy she wants. Some brides would like a huge celebration that includes everyone invited to the wedding, while others prefer a quiet intimate affair with only her closest family and friends
• Be mindful of the guests and consider social circle dynamics, travel limitations, and financial constraints that may be relevant

4. Choose The Bridal Shower Venue

The perfect bridal shower venue sets the tone for the whole celebration. Understanding the bride’s vision and preferences is the starting point to deciding on the venue. Here are some other ideas to consider when making the decision:

• The size of the guest list. Ensure the venue you choose can accommodate the amount of people invited. The venue must not be too small or too big, as both extremes can compromise the ambiance you are trying to create.
• Is the parking safe and sufficient for the amount of cars you are expecting? Safe off-street parking will allow guests to relax and enjoy the festivities without being concerned about their vehicle or accessing it afterward.
• Accessibility of the venue is also a very important consideration. Choose a venue that is central, easily accessible, and convenient for most guests. Also, confirm accessibility within the venue bearing in mind that some guests may be elderly or not sure-footed.
• Ensure that the venue can accommodate you on the date you request (early planning is vital)
• Consider the overall theme and the ambiance the bride will prefer. The venue’s amenities and services should align with the bride’s vision of the event.
• Finally, ensure that the venue aligns with the allocated budget. Consider venue hire and/or additional catering and decor costs if they are not included.

5. Decide On A Theme

A theme adds a unique and meaningful touch to the bridal shower. It is the perfect opportunity to add personal touches and creativity into the celebration. When selecting a theme consider the following:

• The brides unique personality, interests, hobbies and preferences. The event is, after all, designed to make her feel special.
• Taking the wedding theme into account will make it a cohesive experience. This is not vital, but some brides may request it.
• Ensure that the theme and the decor needed to pull it together, lines up with the allocated budget.

6. Plan The Menu

Once the theme and time of day has been decided, its time to plan the bridal shower menu. Keeping the allocated budget, bride’s preference and theme in mind, the menu can include:

• Brunch – quiches, pastries,fresh fruit platters and/or breakfast casseroles
• Tea and cake
• Cocktails and snacks
• A catered meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner
• Afternoon drinks and dessert

When planning the menu, its essential to consider dietary considerations and cultural preferences.

7. Send Out The Invitations

Whether you are posting the invitations, or sending an electronic version, the invitation must be received 6 to 8 weeks before the event. This will allow the guests time to diarise the event, shuffle schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary.

Some hosts like to send an electronic “save the date” 8 weeks before the event (allowing people who will definitely be unable to attend, the opportunity to RSVP early) followed by the invitation and request to RSVP by a certain date.

8. Decide On The Grooms Role

As the bridal shower celebrates the bride, and typically only includes the bride and her female friends and family, the groom is not usually involved in the celebration.

Some grooms, however, do like to make an appearance at the end of the festivities to present the bride with flowers, greet and thank the guests, and assist in transporting the gifts home. If this is to be done, ensure to include this in the itinerary and let the groom know.