Your Cheatsheet for Planning the Perfect Bridal Shower

It’s time to shower the bride-to-be in your life, but you don’t quite know where to begin. There is a lot to think about when planning a bridal shower, from invitations to menu to décor. And while you, of course, want it to be perfect, let’s be honest, planning this party is not the only thing going on in your life. 

So to help you stay sane and still plan a fabulous celebration, we put together a cheatsheet to help you through the bridal shower planning process.

Guest list

Start with the guest list. Talk to your blushing bride and find out what kind of shower she envisions. Does she want a big celebration or an intimate gathering with her nearest and dearest? Next, ask her to provide you a copy of the wedding guest list. Anyone you’ll be inviting to the shower will be on that list. (Important: Do NOT invite anyone to the shower who isn’t invited to the wedding! It’s weird and tacky and, well, just don’t do it.) Next decide who from the wedding list should be invited to the shower. Some people simply invite every female to the shower who is invited to the wedding. Others pare it down by location, age, side of the family, etc. It will depend on the type of event your bride wants. 

(Psst: It’s always a good idea to get the bride’s stamp of approval on the final guest list before you begin sending invitations.)

Pick a date

This is another step that starts with a conversation with the bride. As the guest of honor, she obviously needs to be available the day of the shower. So have her check her calendar and give you 3-4 dates in the months leading up to the wedding that she is free. Then run those dates by the rest of the shower VIPs – the bride’s mom, the groom’s mom, grandmothers, sisters or other close family members and the bridesmaids. Ideally, you’ll be able to find a date that works for everyone. But because this is the real world, we know that is not always possible. So find out who the bride’s “must-haves” are and schedule the shower for a day when they can attend. 

Generally, bridal showers are scheduled 2-3 months before the wedding, but that is not a unbreakable rule. Feel free to take factors like family schedules and even weather into account when choosing a date. 

Find a venue

Once you have a general idea of guest count and date, the next step is to find a location. Many times, family members or close friends of the bride will host the shower at their house. This is a great option for those who have the space (and like playing hostess!) and it can be a cost-saver. But if things like catered food and additional seating need to be brought into the home, it may not save as much money as you originally thought. So before making that decision, be sure to think through all the costs.

Another option is renting out space for the party. Restaurants are the most traditional venues, and makes feeding your guests pretty easy. But there are lots of different options to explore, depending on the personality of your bride. A winery, spa, art studio, rooftop deck, or even a bowling alley are all possibilities. Don’t be afraid to do something different! Plus, choosing an out-of-the-box location, opens the door to unique shower activities like painting or wine tasting.  

Send invites

Invites should be sent approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the shower date to give people plenty of time to RSVP. Traditionally, paper invites were sent via mail. This method is seen as more formal, and is still very popular. However, in our digital world, many people are now opting to send evites. There isn’t a right or wrong choice. Just make sure the invite fits the vibe of the event. And don’t forget to include the list of places the bride and groom have registered at so the guests know where to shop! 

Theme and décor

Here’s where you can be creative! The shower’s theme can be as unique as your bride. Incorporating her favorite color, food or hobby are a few ways to make the party feel more personal. For example, a  Parisian-themed shower may be perfect for a bride who loves to travel. Or mini bags of Chicago-style popcorn is a cute favor idea for a Chi-town shower.  

Once you’ve decided on your theme, it’s time to plan the décor. Fresh flowers are always a beautiful and timeless choice, and can be incorporated in unique ways. In additional to table centerpieces, you could order a custom flower crown for your bride to wear. Incorporating personalized banners, signs and name cards can make the event feel more intimate. (Etsy is a great resource for those!) Or balloon garlands are trendy right now, and can make the event feel young and fresh. 

Food, games & favors (oh my!)

What is served at the bridal shower depends largely on the time and location of the event. If you’re hosting a party during brunch or lunch time, plan on providing a full meal. (And make sure to think about this when you’re planning the budget.) But if it’s a mid-afternoon event, light bites and cake (gotta have cake!) is enough.  

Bridal shower games have fallen out of favor the past several years, but many people still opt for a simple activity. Something low-key yet interactive such as bridal shower BINGO or a trivia about the bride and groom is a good way to keep your guests engaged. 

It is customary to thank your guests from coming by giving them a small gift. But it can be difficult to come up with ideas of what that should be. A good rule of thumb is to follow the theme of the shower. If it was held at a winery, a cute wine bottle topper is a great favor idea. For a more traditional event, a sweet treat like gourmet chocolates may be more appropriate.

There is a lot to think about when planning a bridal shower, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We put together this guide to walk you through the basics of the planning process. But, of course, there is still a lot more to cover! So I will posting a series of articles on bridal showers in the coming months – from unique ideas for shower favors to the best place to order invitations. 

We will cover it all, so stay tuned!