Bridal Shower Tips & Ideas
The Bridal Shower is a traditional party for a bride-to-be to "shower" her with gifts needed to start housekeeping. In the past, only the bride attended, but today the groom often also attends. Guest are family and friends of the bride and groom. Below are a few questions and answers about bridal showers plus a Bridal Shower Planning Guide.
Who should host the bridal shower?
These days, there are no strict rules on who should host a bridal shower. Typically, a close friend of the bride and groom or an aunt or cousin of the bride. (A good idea is to have a co-host(s) to share responsibilities and expenses.) The mother or sister of the bride should not host the shower. Many times a bride is given more than one shower. Friends from work and/or church group sometimes host a shower in addition to the family shower.
Who is invited?
Friends and family of the bride and groom are invited. If there is to be more than one shower, be considerate and coordinate guest list so the same person doesn't get invited to multiple showers. However, usually the mother of the bride is invited to all showers. Always consult with bride and groom about who they would like invited.
Where should the bridal shower be held?
The bridal shower is usually held at the home of the hostess. It could also be held at the home of the bride's mother, relative or friend. If there will be a large number of guest, you may consider having it in a church fellowship hall or country club. Some other ideas would be to hold the shower in a private room of a favorite restaurant or a tea room. Be sure to make reservations ahead. While a restaurant or tea room is more expensive, it also provides the refreshments, serving and clean up! Choose whichever option suits your needs and pocketbook.
When do you send the invitations?
The bridal shower can be held from 6 months to 2 weeks before (or even after) the wedding. Send invitations at least one month prior to the shower date. Include on invitations the name of the bride and groom, date and time of shower, location of shower (and map), theme (if there is one - example: kitchen, household, linen, lingerie), RSVP phone number and location(s) of bridal registry.
How do you decorate for a bridal shower?
You can have a very nice bridal shower without using lots of decorations. Decorate simply with bunches of balloons and several vases of fresh flowers. Set around pictures of the bride and groom as children, pictures taken while dating and a current picture. Use the cake or flower arrangement for the table centerpiece. Use a white tablecover or one that matches your shower theme. Candles add a nice touch.
Hint: Order your bridal shower decorations online to save time.
What refreshments do you serve at a bridal shower?
What you serve will depend on what time you plan your shower. Most showers are held in the afternoon, between lunch and dinner or in the evening after dinner. If so, keep it simple with dainty finger sandwiches, veggie tray, cheeseball, crackers and punch. If it's to be a morning brunch shower, serve quiche or breakfast casserole, fruit, pastries, chocolate covered strawberries, coffee and tea. If it's to be at a meal time you may want to add heavier foods, such as ham biscuits or sweet 'n sour meatballs. These are just a few ideas, the main thing is to plan your menu well in advance and prepare ahead. It's also perfectly acceptable to serve only the traditional cake, mints and peanuts.
Hint: Use bridal shower theme paper products to make clean up easy!
What activities or games do you have at a bridal shower?
Most showers include a few games to get people acquainted and involved. They do not need to be hard or last for long. Start off by having each guest say their name and how they are related to (or friend of) the bride or groom. Next play a couple of simple games just for fun. Below a some examples:
1. Memory Game - Place kitchen gadgets on tray, pass around, have guest remember items on tray. Hide the tray and have guest write down as many as they can remember. Give a prize to the one that remembers the most.
2. Bridal Shower Bingo is a love themed bingo game and lots of fun! It can be purchased here at Lilac Lane.
3. Wedding Cake Pinata is an unusual and fun activity for guest, especially if children are invited.
What are some ideas for bridal shower game prizes?
Game prizes can be something inexpensive but nice. Some ideas are:
1. Wedding Pen personalized with the name of bride and groom and wedding date.
2. Small kitchen gadgets
3. Craft item
Need extra bridal shower ideas?
1. Provide a small "memory book" for everyone to write their "Tip for a Happy Marriage".
2. Have each guest bring a favorite recipe on an index card. Give recipes to the bride along with a recipe box.
3. Have each guest sign in with their name and address. Have someone write the gift given by each person by their name. The bride can then use this list when sending thank you notes.
4. Have a corsage for the bride-to-be.
Bridal Shower Planning Guide
SIX WEEKS BEFORE SHOWER Decide on:
1. Date and Time
2. Location
3. Make Guest List (consult bride and groom)
4. Purchase invitations and start addressing
ONE MONTH BEFORE SHOWER
1. Mail Invitations
2. Choose menu for refreshments
3. Purchase decorations
4. Purchase shower games and game prizes
5. Start looking for the perfect shower gift!
2 WEEKS BEFORE SHOWER
1. Order cake from bakery
2. Purchase non-perishable foods and beverages
3. Purchase shower gift (if not purchased already)
1 to 2 DAYS BEFORE SHOWER
1. Purchase perishable food items
2. Do any decorating that can be done ahead
3. Prepare ahead as much food as possible
4. Bake and decorate cake (if you haven't ordered from bakery)
5. Make sure you have film and batteries in camera!
DAY OF SHOWER
1. Finish preparing food.
2. Pick up helium filled balloons
3. Pick up corsage for guest of honor
4. Finish decorating
5. Set out refreshments
6. Sit down and relax before shower!
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