The Only Bridal Shower Checklist
You Need

-- Bridal Shower Checklist --

Planning a bridal shower can seem a bit intimidating..

Even though there is lots to do, remember that it's not often that you get the chance to organize such a special occasion.

Use this bridal shower checklist to stay on task. I've broken down the entire planning process into tiny, manageable steps. Tweak it. Add to it. Print it. Bridal showers allow you to be highly creative and have fun. What originally seemed like work becomes a joy to do because it finds its roots in love.

My bridal shower checklist keeps things simple so that, when the day arrives, you can feel confident and really enjoy yourself, too.

1. Identify everyone who will have a role in preparing for the bridal shower

• Compile their phone numbers and/or addresses

2. Meet with the bride's family

• Discuss preliminary ideas
• Throw around possible dates, times, locations

3. Repeat step #2 with the rest of the bridesmaids

4. For a sweet gesture, ask the bride's future mother-in-law to get in on the fun.

5. Ask the bride if she wants the shower to coordinate with her wedding in any way. Some will want to maintain a unifying theme. This might spark a few more special requests!

6. Brainstorm ideas for personalizing the party. Draw inspiration from the bride's own unique interests. Can you mold any of the things she loves into a full-blown theme?

7. Decide if you want an overall party theme, a gift theme, or even both. Check out these neat bridal shower themes. I promise you'll find something that you haven't seen before!

8. Meet with the bride's family and bridesmaids again. Together you can:

• Split up the tasks ahead.
• Allot a budget.
• Decide where to have the bridal shower. For tips on choosing the best location, please visit my planning page.
• Settle on a date and time for the party.
• Select someone to receive the RSVP phone calls.

9. Reserve the location as soon as possible.

10. Rent tables and chairs if necessary.

11. Create a list of the names and addresses of each wedding shower guest.

12. Find out where the bride registered for gifts. Include this info on the invitation.

13. Design and print the shower invitations if you are creating them yourself. Otherwise, browse different websites and stationery stores. Allow plenty of time for shipping if you need to order invitations.

14. Stamp and address the invitations.

15. Send out invitations at least one month before the shower. The earlier, the better!

16. Hunt for (or craft your own) bridal shower favors. Keep them in line with the shower theme if you chose one. Order favors at least three weeks before the party.

17. Order the cake.

18. If you plan to add to the look of the bridal shower site, purchase decorations, flowers, and any materials you need for crafts.

19. Choose a couple activities and games to play. Shower guests love games. Period.

20. Create a menu. Decide who will bring each dish and beverage.

21. Pick out your gifts for the bride!

• While you're out, find pretty gift wrap, ribbon, and a card.

22. Make or purchase centerpieces for each table. These are great for doubling as prizes.

23. Buy a vessel to act as the wishing well. Use anything from a laundry basket to a large galvanized tub to a beautiful picnic basket.

24. Confirm your reservations, rentals, and cake order.

25. Get disposable plates, cups, and silverware if you need them.

26. With the other "planners," decide what jobs everyone will fill the day of the bridal shower. Who will:

• greet guests as they arrive?
• prep the food in the kitchen?
• lead the games?
• record the gifts received?
• and so on.

27. The day before the shower:

• Pick up the cake.
• Prepare the food items.

-- Bridal Shower Checklist --

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