How to Plan a Bridal Shower (with Pictures) (2024)

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Co-authored byIvy Summerand Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: February 22, 2022References

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   Speak to the bride about the guest list. Unless the bridal shower is a surprise, you should get the bride’s input on who she wants to attend. Write a list of everyone she wants to invite, and ask for the guest’s addresses so you can send them invitations, as well.^[1]

   • Remind the bride that anyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding.
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   Determine the budget. Typically, the hostess pays for the bridal shower. If you aren’t sure you can manage tackling the cost on your own, consider asking a few of the bride’s close friends or family members to co-host the shower with you. The cost of the shower can be split evenly between the hostesses.^[2]

   • You don’t need to shell out a ton of cash to have a nice shower. Consider splurging on a beautiful location and keeping decorations and refreshments to a minimum.
   • Alternately, host the party in someone’s home to save money and purchase cute cupcakes and simple floral arrangements for a fancy feel.
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   Select a date and time. Typically, bridal showers are held on the weekend. Speak to the bride well in advance to find a date and time that works well for her. She’ll be busy planning the wedding and may have other engagements, like cake tastings or dress fittings, to work around.^[3]

   • Opt for a mid-afternoon shower if you want to avoid serving a full meal.
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   Choose a location or book a venue. If possible, give the bride a choice of several locations and let her decide which she likes best. For example, you could offer to host the party at your home, at a local restaurant, or at an outdoor event venue in town. Once she’s selected a location, book the venue, if applicable.^[4]

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   Choose a theme for the shower that matches the wedding theme or colors. Speak to the bride about what she envisions for the shower. Oftentimes, the wedding colors will work for the shower as well. Or, you can choose a theme based on the bride’s interests or plans for the marriage.^[5]

   • For instance, if the duo plans to honeymoon in the Caribbean, go for a Caribbean-themed bridal shower. Decorate with seashells and tropical flowers, play reggae music, and serve island co*cktails.
   • Alternatively, if the wedding has a roaring 20s theme, decorate the invitations and space with feathers and bling, play 1920s music at the shower, or even request that guests come in flapper dresses.
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   Send out invitations 1 month before the event. To ensure that guests can make arrangements to attend, party invitations should be sent out no less than 1 month before the event. You can hand-make invitations, buy invitation templates to fill in, or have invitations printed specifically for the event.^[6]

   • Include information about where the bride is registered for the bridal shower, if applicable.
   • Keep track of the RSVPs so you know how many guests to expect, and make a point to reach out to anyone you don’t receive an RSVP from.

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   See Also

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   Plan the menu. Ask guests to let you know of any allergies or dietary restrictions ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. The menu can be as simple or elaborate as you want: you can serve appetizers or a full meal, or even have the event catered. Don’t forget to provide a selection of refreshments, like water, lemonade, tea, coffee, and soda—and wine or co*cktails, too, if desired.^[7]

   • A cake is the typical dessert for a bridal shower, but don’t be afraid to change it up and serve something like chocolate mousse, instead.
   • Tea sandwiches, fruit and cheese plates, or a bruschetta bar with different toppings would make great appetizers.
   • If the party is themed, try to incorporate the theme into the menu. For instance, if the theme is “travel,” choose dishes and from various countries to give an international feel.
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   Choose the decor. Consider the bride’s theme or colors when planning the decor. You’ll likely want linens, flowers, centerpieces, balloons, confetti, streamers or banners, wall art, or even photos of the couple. Not only do flowers make beautiful, high-impact decorations, they are also great take-home gifts for the bride and groom, so if you have a chance to splurge, do so on flowers.^[8]

   • It’s often cheaper to rent tables, chairs, and linens for an event rather than purchase them, so look into that option if desired.
   • If the colors of the shower are navy and white, for example, choose navy tablecloths and white napkins. Opt for navy and white floral centerpieces or add navy and white streamers or banners to the space.
   • If the theme is “travel,” for instance, laminate maps for placemats and use globes as centerpieces. Put posters or photos of exotic locales on the wall and stack several travel guidebooks on end tables.^[9]
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   Decide on activities or party games. It’s a good idea to choose music to play during the event. And while it’s nice to chat and mingle, you may want some activities or games to liven up the party. Do an Internet search to find ideas for fun and modern games.^[10]

   • For instance, have guests write date night ideas on small Popsicle sticks and put them in a jar for the bride and groom to choose from later.
   • You could also make or buy custom bridal shower mad libs and have guests fill in the blanks to give marriage advice or tell the story of how the bride and groom met.
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   Select favors to send home with guests, if desired. The favors don’t need to be elaborate or expensive. Small jars of jam or honey, pretty bottle stoppers or wine charms, and small potted plants or succulents make great gifts. You could also give out chocolates or other edible treats. Tie in the theme of the shower too, if you want.^[11]

   • For instance, if the shower has a spay day theme, send the guests home with candles, face masks, bath salts, scented soaps, or nail polish.
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   Shop for supplies and make reservations. Purchase any decorations, props, paper goods, plates, cups, flatware, serving utensils and party favors ahead of time. You’ll also need ingredients for any dishes or drinks you plan to make. If you are renting a space or any equipment, ordering flowers or a cake, or having the event catered, make those arrangements as soon as possible.^[12]

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   Arrive early to make sure everything gets done. On the day of the shower, you’ll need to arrive at the venue well before the bride and guests. Ensure the space is clean and that you have everything you need. Depending on how much you have you do, you may need up to several hours to set up.^[13]

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   Decorate the space. Arrange furniture, if necessary, to make enough room for the guests and set up any equipment that’s needed. You should also make a spot for gifts and arrange any supplies for games or activities. Add linens and place settings to the tables, if applicable. Display any photos or art and hang banners or streamers. Set out centerpieces or floral arrangements, too.^[14]

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   Arrange food and drink stations. It’s a good idea to prep the food the day before the shower if you are cooking yourself. Make any last-minute dishes or drinks the day of the party. Set out food on serving platters or use chafing dishes or bowls of ice to keep your dishes hot or cold, as appropriate.

   • You’ll need to arrange plates, cups, flatware, serving utensils, and napkins, too!
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   Set out the favors and make a gift-opening area. Arrange a space for the bride to open her gifts. Make sure there’s enough seating for the guests to be comfortable during this part of the shower. It’s a good idea to arrange the favors on a small table or bench near the door. That way, you’ll remember to hand one to each guest on their way out.^[15]

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   Greet the guests as they arrive. Smile and introduce yourself to anyone you don’t know. Thank each person for coming, and point out party necessities or let them know what to expect.^[16]

   • For instance, say, “Hey, Marsha, thanks for coming! Go ahead in and grab a drink. We’re going to eat in about 30 minutes.”
   • Alternatively, say, “Nice to see you again Joan! I’m so glad you could make it. Please set your gift by the stairwell and grab a mad lib from the table on the right.”
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   Stay after the shower to clean up. Since you’re the host, you’re in it for the long haul. Plan to stay late to ensure the bride takes home all her gifts and favors. You’ll need to make sure the catering crew gets paid, if applicable, and arrange pick up for rental items, like linens, tables, and chairs. Decorations will need to be taken down and the space will also need to be cleaned after the party.^[17]

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