How To Organize A

Memorable Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is an occasion for the women in the bride's life to honor her upcoming marriage and offer her useful gifts for setting up her new household. Who will throw the bridal shower? Who will be invited? When is the best time to hold the shower? What will the theme be? What type of menu will be served? None of the answers to these questions are precise, but this article does outline the more traditional answers and includes some variations on time-honored beliefs.

Who Will Throw It?

This is the first thing to be decided. Traditionally the maid of honor hosts the bridal shower with the assistance of the bridesmaids. In recent years it has become gradually more popular for others to be involved in planning. Multiple showers are also becoming a trend. For example, the mother of the bride may throw a bridal shower for the wedding party and family members, the maid of honor may throw another shower for friends of the bride, while the bride's co-workers may also throw an office bridal shower.

When?

Timing is an important planning factor, too. Normally the bridal shower should be held relatively close to the wedding date, but not so close that it interferes with the bride's wedding preparations. It is improper to hold the bridal shower less than 2 weeks before the wedding date. However, it's also improper to hold the wedding shower before the couple has created their bridal registry. As a rule, bridal showers can be held as early as 2 months before the wedding date, but no later than 2 weeks before the occasion.

Theme?

The bridal shower theme should receive careful deliberation. It's important to choose a theme that reflects the bride's personality. It should be based on the likes and dislikes of the bride, not those of the hostess. For example, a lingerie party for a bashful bride might be unsuitable, whereas a beach-themed shower for a surfer may be the perfect idea. The party's theme is important because it can impact the choice of decorations, favors and games.

Menu?

The traditional bridal shower menu calls for light hors devours that can be eaten in a cocktail hour type setting. The hostess is free to choose whatever menu she wants. When the shower includes the elderly relatives, it can be an elaborate sit down dinner. If it includes the groom and his buddies, a barbeque might be right. An evening at an upscale restaurant might be right for a shower thrown by the bridesmaids and includes the bride's friends.

Invitation List?

A crucial element to planning a successful bridal shower is creating the right guest list. Attention should be taken to only invite to the shower those who have been invited to the wedding. While it's not obligatory to invite every woman on the wedding invitation guest list, it is proper to invite all of the bride's female relatives, as well as her closest female friends.

If the maid of honor and the mother are hosting separate bridal showers, it's important to coordinate the efforts to be certain there aren't any overlapping guests. There is a growing trend for co-ed showers where both the bride and groom participate. While these showers don't follow tradition, they allow the groom to share in the fun with his friends, too.

There are many details to pull together when organizing a winning bridal shower. It can feel daunting at times because there are so many decisions. It's important to remember that you aren't bound by traditions. You are free to select any theme, menu and location that you know the bride will appreciate. The key to planning a great bridal shower is to keep the bride's taste in mind during all the planning stages.