A bridal shower is an enjoyable, happy occasion where the bride’s closest friends and family members may spend time together before her big day. This solid gathering is full of heartfelt interactions, funny moments, and poignant moments. Therefore, this article will arm you with all the information you need to plan an emotional and special bridal shower, whether you are the maid of honor, a dear friend, or a family member. So, keep on reading.

What Is A Bridal Shower?

A bridal shower is a gathering thrown in honor of a bride-to-be and is often held from a few months to just a few weeks prior to the wedding. Female family members and friends get together to play games, give advice, and give the bride the gifts that will help her start her new life as a married woman. 

A young girl’s father in 16th-century Holland refused to provide a dowry for a marriage he disapproved of, which is where the bridal shower got its origins. To assist her in building her home without the dowry money, a town gathered together and provided small gifts. 

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Bridal Shower Etiquette

It’s helpful to understand how to handle these laws because bridal showers are one of several pre-wedding and wedding events that do. The bride, the host, and the guests should all be aware of the top bridal shower expectations.

Who Throws The Bridal Shower?

The maid of honor and bridesmaids used to host the bridal shower. But not by the bride’s mother or her future mother-in-law. Fortunately, times have shifted. Nowadays, practically anyone may host a bridal shower. The maid of honor, bridesmaids, or the mother of the bride or groom, however, frequently serve as the event’s hosts. Eventually, anyone who is very close to the bride and feels capable of planning this event should feel empowered to do so; simply make sure to let the bride and any other important participants know about your intentions as soon as possible to avoid planning two events at once.

What Happens At A Bridal Shower?

Basically, depending on the hostess’s and the bride’s preferences, certain activities may be performed. To offer the bride a special day to cherish while she gets ready for her wedding day, however, is the fundamental purpose of all bridal showers.

Guests frequently bring gifts for the bride and her future spouse to wedding showers. Usually, the gifts are things that the couple will require for their new home together. In front of the guests, the bride will unwrap the gifts she received and frequently give a brief speech to show her gratitude. Bridal showers may include playing games, delicious food, and the bride’s preferred drinks in addition to the gift-giving. 

What Place Should A Bridal Shower Be Held?

Nearly anywhere may host a bridal shower. The host’s home is generally the location, but any suitable location will do; common choices include a favorite eatery, a park, or a banquet hall and can also be hosted in other location such as, salon, spa, or gallery, for instance, depending on the number of guests and the bride’s preferences.

When Should A Bridal Shower Take Place?

Bridal showers used to be conducted following the wedding ceremony, but now they are usually held a few months prior. The time of the bridal shower is determined by several factors, like the number of guests on the guest list and the venue’s availability. When organizing a bridal shower, it’s crucial to bear in mind that it shouldn’t clash with other significant wedding events like the bachelorette party. In general, it’s preferable to organize a bridal shower at least four to six weeks before the wedding. You will have plenty of time to plan with the bridal party and send out invites after this.

Are There Dress Codes For Bridal Showers?

It is entirely up to you whether or not to create a dress code. Although many brides do want to arrange more formal parties, some brides prefer to host casual pre-wedding parties. It frequently depends on the location of the shower and its theme. Talking with your Maid of Honor to ensure she understands the type of dress code you have in mind can help make sure your shower guests arrive dressed appropriately for the event.

For A Bridal Shower Who Gets An Invited?

Bridal showers are typically small gatherings with only a few of the bride’s closest loved ones. Usually, this includes the maid of honor, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, sisters, aunts, cousins, and grandmothers. You can just ask the bride-to-be to supply a list of invitees if you want to make the ideal bridal shower guest list. You can also work with the bridal party and other close members of the family to make a proper guest list if the bridal shower is a complete surprise.

How Long Does A Bridal Shower Last?

Bridal showers are typically not considered as all-day events. They usually only last two to four hours. It is entirely up to you when to throw your shower, however bridal showers frequently happen in the morning or afternoon and go well with brunch or lunch. 

How To Plan A Bridal Shower?

Set A Budget For The Bridal Shower

Setting a budget is the first step in planning the bridal shower. This can necessitate conducting some preliminary research, such as figuring out how much it will cost to rent the venue, how much catering costs, and how many guests you’ll be inviting. 

Choose The Date

Choose a date between one and three months before the wedding. Make certain that the bride and any important guests can attend and that the location is accessible on that day. The ideal day is on a weekend. 

Make A List Of The Guests

Get the bride’s list of people you absolutely must invite, and use it as a guide as you make the final guest list for the event. Before sending the invitations, have the bride double-check and approve the guest list.

Select A Bridal Shower Theme

Themes for bridal showers can range from beach parties to vintage tea parties. Pick one that reflects the personality and style of the bride.

Pick A Location

It’s time to look after the location once you have an idea of your guest count. This is a straightforward chore to complete if you already have it at home. If you are unable to do this, inquire as to if a fellow guest or co-planner has space available. You can also choose a location like a restaurant or hotel, or hire an Airbnb that corresponds with the theme.

Send Out Invitation

Send out the invitations in plenty of time so that people can fit them into their timetables. The number of guests that can attend the shower will depend on your budget and the location. Six weeks before the shower, send out save-the-date notices, and four weeks prior to the shower, send out invitations (by mail or digitally).

Choose The Menu

When planning your menu, take the time of day into account. If the shower occurs between lunch and dinner, appetizers and finger meals may suffice. A brunch or lunch reception, on the other hand, will require a more substantial meal. You can also choose the type of drinks you want. Take a dry shower that just contains punch, sodas, and water, or add alcohol.

Choose Bridal Shower Decor

While picking out decorations for the shower might be enjoyable, things can easily spiral out of control. If you’re on a tight budget, choose wisely. You do not need to decorate the entire area. Rather, you can decide which sections to decorate, such as the dessert table and the seat the bride will be sitting in to receive gifts. 

Create A Game Plan For The Bridal Shower

When guests first come, particularly if they do not know one another, games are a terrific way. Many common shower games don’t require any kind of investment; all that’s needed is a little ingenuity.

Set Up A Playlist

Set the mood for the event by playing some upbeat music. Clean and on theme music is required.