Every bride looks forward to her wedding day. She also anticipates the bridal shower that her friends, family, and wedding party will throw her. The bridal shower is a wonderful opportunity to cascade the bride with gifts to start her married life.
As the hostess, it's your duty to throw a fabulous party that not only the bride, but everyone, will remember and treasure. Here are 5 simple steps for preparing for a bridal shower.
- How much will you spend? Traditionally, the maid/matron of honor throws bridal shower. You'll want to get together ad plan out a realistic budget, one that works for everyone. Consult the bride's mother for input. You can put on a fantastic party without sending a fortune. Look at restaurants or locations that won't charge for meeting space if you order food. Or use someone's house to cut expenses. Whatever the case, plan realistically so you can execute the plans properly.
- Who will you invite? Most bridal showers invite only female friends and family who will be attending the wedding. You might also want to include those friends or co-workers of the brides who won't be able to attend the ceremony. If you're throwing a Jack and Jill shower (one in which men are invited), you'll want to invite those friends and family members closest to the couple. Typically, a bridal shower will occur within two months before the actual wedding date. You should send invitations out a month in advance to give the guests time to respond and choose gifts from the bridal registry. Make sure you provide a phone number and/or e-mail address in order for attendees to RSVP.
- What will the theme be? There are so many themes you can pick for bridal showers today. Do you want to use the bride's color scheme? Do you want gifts to target one area of the household like just the kitchen? Will there be games and activities? What will be appropriate for all of the attendees? Work any theme into the invitations, decorations, and food choices.
- What will you serve? Depending on your budget, you'll want to decide whether to use a caterer or a restaurant or have everyone bring something homemade. Have a variety of dishes that will satisfy the tastes and expectations of all of your guests. Be aware if there are any vegetarians, vegans, milk, shellfish, or nut allergies, or any other food issues. Plan on whether you'd like a sit down meal or a buffet. Whatever the case, guests at the party do not pay for the food. It's the responsibility of the hostess to cover all costs.
- What games will you play? The bridal shower shouldn't be all about the games, but they're a fun break from the food and fellowship. Plan a couple of fun games that fit any theme you've designed. Be sure to include all of your guests in the games. Have simple prizes set aside for game winners as a special token.
- What about opening the gifts? The hostess should make sure that either she or another bridesmaid writes down all of the information (name, item, etc.) on the presents the bride receivers. Also, it's traditional to take the ribbons and bows from the gifts and make them into a bouquet that the bride uses as her rehearsal. Just pick up a nosegay holder at the arts and crafts store and designate one or two people to gather the decorations and fashion them into a bouquet. Finally, provide the bride with a list of all attendees so she can send thank you notes.
Bridal shower ideas are an essential rite of passage for any woman getting married. Shower her with gifts and love, letting her know that her special day means a lot for friends and family, as well.
Thank you for using the Fashion Industry Network. Have you helped another member today? Answer questions in the forum. It brings good luck.