Bridal Shower
A bridal shower is a wonderful way to gift the bride whatever she needs for her new life and it also serves a get together for family and friends. Normally wedding showers are hosted by the maid of honor or in contribution with the bridesmaids. It could also be hosted by the bride's sister, mother, aunty or a close friend.One bride can have several bride showers at least 4-5 depending on the number of family members, friends and close relatives.
Different close acquaintances could host their own bride showers for the bride. It is a good idea to host only one big wedding shower for the bride to be.
This is possible if all the bride's family members, friends, bridesmaids and other close relatives coordinate well with each other.
Bridal shower planning involves budgeting, making and sending invitations, fixing the food and venue, setting up a theme, bridal shower games, decoration, buying gifts, favors, etc. A clear idea about what the bride wants and an eye for detail is important in planning and executing the wedding shower successfully.
You can go through various tips available on bridal shower invitations, bridal shower games, bridal shower food recipes, bridal shower poems, bridal shower favors and even use some bachelorette party ideas. Bachelorette parties are also popular nowadays just like bachelors party. Hosting a couple shower instead of a bridal shower is also a good idea. You can invite couples and entire families instead of making it an all women party.
There are plenty of bridal shower ideas or themes you can implement as per the choice of the bride to be. You can set up a wedding shower in a garden, restaurant, nearby park, church or simply at your home. All this depends on the number of guests and the accommodating capacity of the venue. Ideally a bridal shower does not exceed more than 20-40 guests unless it is done on a huge scale where many people contribute.
It is crucial for you to implement these steps if you are hosting a wedding shower:
- Plan a budget
- Discuss it with the people contributing in the wedding shower
- Talk to the bride regarding the preference of gifts or tell her to enroll in a registry
- List down the invitees names wise
- Arrange a suitable date at least a month or two prior to the wedding
- Prepare bridal shower invitations and start sending them to all the guests at least a month in advance before the bridal shower
- Let the guests know the bride's preference for gifts
- Buy a gift for the bride and also favors for the guests
- Finalize on the time of the bridal shower and fix a venue
- Finalize on the decoration, food and drinks
- Confirm the attendance and travel bookings of outstation guests at least a week prior to the bridal shower
- Buy all the food and groceries at least a week in advance
- On the day of the bridal shower reach the venue at least 2 hours prior to the actual time to receive all the guests, bride and her family
It is best to keep things simple; especially food and decoration. There are several bridal shower ideas based on the time of the day and the venue. For instance, garden tea party, eco friendly theme, DIY theme, lingerie theme, around the clock theme, bedroom theme, kitchen theme, honeymoon package theme and many other themes and ideas you could think of.
Depending on the time of the bridal shower you could fix the menu. Most bridal showers are from 1-3 pm or in the morning from 10 am -1 pm. You can offer your guests with a brunch that includes fruit punches, sandwiches, finger snacks, cracker with cheese dip, tea, coffee or whatever else is suitable as per the time of the day and the bride's choice.
Bridal shower favors could be simple gifts such as chocolates, candies, candles, picture frames or any other simple gifts you could think of. It is only to acknowledge and thank the guests for attending the shower. Although these are not mandatory, it is a good gesture to give your guests a token of your appreciation.
You can think of at least 5- 6 different bridal shower games. These serve as a good ice breaker and give the guests a platform to interact with each other. These are especially good if some of the guests do not know each other. You could also conduct an introduction session or an introduction game.
There are many ways to host a bridal shower and show your love to the bride. However, make sure you consider the bride's likes, dislikes and personal preferences while buying gifts, planning the menu and the decor. Be sure to make the bride comfortable, honored and happy as she should be the focal point even if you are hosting the bridal shower.