If you have the important honor of planning a bridal shower, or if you're just looking for ways of making your own shower as special as your wedding day is sure to be, plenty of preparation and an equal amount of creativity are the two most important things you'll need to make the event a success.
Picking A Theme
Planning a bridal shower and wedding around a theme that involves more than simply planning everything around one or two colors is becoming very popular. This gives couples a chance to truly express their personalities.
The time of year for the wedding and shower may have something to do with the theme. An autumn shower would be beautiful with vibrant colors of the fall. Besides the four seasons, bridal showers can also be planned around a specific holiday or event.
Other ideas for bridal shower themes to consider include:
- English tea party: Porcelain and china tea cups, teas of different varieties, roses, and desserts such as scones and pastries make for the perfect tea party themed bridal shower.
- Garden party: An outdoor garden party centered around pretty flowers is ideal for the springtime.
- Hawaiian Luau: Include pineapples, leis and Hawaiian flowers along with luau type foods.
- Las Vegas: For a completely different twist on the usual bridal shower, have a Las Vegas themed event complete with card games, a roulette wheel and dice. Held in the early evening, this is a fun way to combine a bridal shower with a ladies night out.
- Pajama party: Have guests dress in their comfiest pajamas and serve foods such as pizza, popcorn, soda, sandwiches, and plenty of other snacks.
- Spa party: Best for smaller bridal showers, pamper guests and treat them to an afternoon of manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, and lots of relaxation.
The Invitations and Favors
Bridal shower invitations should include the following bits of information:
- Bride's first and last name - Date and time - Where the shower is being held - Who is hosting the shower - RSVP date and contact phone number - The theme, if any - Where the couple is registered - Maps and directions, if necessary
Shower favors are the perfect way for the bride-to-be to say thanks for coming and that she appreciates everyone sharing in her special time. You can tie the favor into the theme or find something unique that will be enjoyed by the guests. For example you could send everyone home with a small plant in a tiny pot from a garden themed shower.
Bridal Shower Timeline
- Two months before: Set the budget, decide on the style or theme of the shower, set the date, choose and reserve the location, create a guest list, plan the menu, choose the games, delegate tasks to other members of the bridal party, purchase the invitations.
- One month before: Mail the invitations, order the cake, plan your menu and shopping lists, purchase the decorations, party favors and prizes.
- One week before: Order the food, chairs, linens, and tableware if necessary, purchase the bride's gift and confirm reservations.
- One day before: Begin decorating, pick up the cake, wrap the bride's gift and game prizes, prepare street signs if needed, and prepare any food items that can be made in advance.
- The day of the shower: Arrange the food and drinks, finish any decorating, be prepared to record a list of gifts received, and finally, relax and have a good time at the shower! - 15784
Picking A Theme
Planning a bridal shower and wedding around a theme that involves more than simply planning everything around one or two colors is becoming very popular. This gives couples a chance to truly express their personalities.
The time of year for the wedding and shower may have something to do with the theme. An autumn shower would be beautiful with vibrant colors of the fall. Besides the four seasons, bridal showers can also be planned around a specific holiday or event.
Other ideas for bridal shower themes to consider include:
- English tea party: Porcelain and china tea cups, teas of different varieties, roses, and desserts such as scones and pastries make for the perfect tea party themed bridal shower.
- Garden party: An outdoor garden party centered around pretty flowers is ideal for the springtime.
- Hawaiian Luau: Include pineapples, leis and Hawaiian flowers along with luau type foods.
- Las Vegas: For a completely different twist on the usual bridal shower, have a Las Vegas themed event complete with card games, a roulette wheel and dice. Held in the early evening, this is a fun way to combine a bridal shower with a ladies night out.
- Pajama party: Have guests dress in their comfiest pajamas and serve foods such as pizza, popcorn, soda, sandwiches, and plenty of other snacks.
- Spa party: Best for smaller bridal showers, pamper guests and treat them to an afternoon of manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, and lots of relaxation.
The Invitations and Favors
Bridal shower invitations should include the following bits of information:
- Bride's first and last name - Date and time - Where the shower is being held - Who is hosting the shower - RSVP date and contact phone number - The theme, if any - Where the couple is registered - Maps and directions, if necessary
Shower favors are the perfect way for the bride-to-be to say thanks for coming and that she appreciates everyone sharing in her special time. You can tie the favor into the theme or find something unique that will be enjoyed by the guests. For example you could send everyone home with a small plant in a tiny pot from a garden themed shower.
Bridal Shower Timeline
- Two months before: Set the budget, decide on the style or theme of the shower, set the date, choose and reserve the location, create a guest list, plan the menu, choose the games, delegate tasks to other members of the bridal party, purchase the invitations.
- One month before: Mail the invitations, order the cake, plan your menu and shopping lists, purchase the decorations, party favors and prizes.
- One week before: Order the food, chairs, linens, and tableware if necessary, purchase the bride's gift and confirm reservations.
- One day before: Begin decorating, pick up the cake, wrap the bride's gift and game prizes, prepare street signs if needed, and prepare any food items that can be made in advance.
- The day of the shower: Arrange the food and drinks, finish any decorating, be prepared to record a list of gifts received, and finally, relax and have a good time at the shower! - 15784
About the Author:
Throw your dream wedding with affordable ideas for your wedding invitations, wedding gown, wedding favors and more without breaking your budget by throwing an elegant wedding on a shoestring