Looking for Tips on
Planning a Bridal Shower?

All great questions that form the pivotal starting point when planning a bridal shower. Sure, they may seem simple enough, but each question can contain its own set of complexities. Sift through them now and bring your plan into focus.

Consider these nuggets of bridal shower etiquette, seasoned with equal dashes of compassion and common sense:

WHO. Identify everyone who will be contributing to the bridal shower effort in some way. This step is so important, it fills the top slot in my exhaustive bridal shower checklist.

Often the maid of honor and bridesmaids collectively host the wedding shower. I guarantee, however, that the number of people who would love to (and should) help does not end there.
To begin, you might want to write down the names of the women whom the bride is closest to. This includes:

(and possibly)
4. the groom's mother
5. his sisters.

Your list might seem longer than you had originally hoped. But don't worry. Most likely only one or two women will be the real "brains" behind the party, supplying the ideas that the bride will absolutely love.

The others on the list play an equally valuable part: putting those plans into action! Later, when it comes time to divvy up the tasks, allow each woman to choose what she would like to accomplish, such as ordering the cake or helping to make favors. Not only will she appreciate the gesture, but you''ll feel your load lighten!

After you complete your list, round up each person's phone number and get talking!

If you are not a member of the bride's immediate family, it's a great idea to visit or talk with them early in the stages of planning a bridal shower. Sit down with the bride's mother and sisters. Bounce your ideas off of them. If there is something you're really excited about, describe why your idea would add a touch so unique the bride will go absolutely crazy over it.

-- Planning A Bridal Shower --

Listen as the mother of the bride and bride's sisters present their own preliminary ideas. Value and genuinely consider each one. An interesting bridal shower plan might take shape, whisking you down unexpected avenues. Just make sure that the ideas are ultimately for the joy of the bride and the wedding shower guests - not for the whims of the hostesses.

Also discuss possible days and locations for the party. The bride's family might know better than anyone what her calendar looks like.

Finally, get a sense of how each person would like to help. But don't distribute tasks or finalize plans. Not yet. There are still people to talk with and ideas to mull over. For now, the bride's family will undoubtedly be glad to have had a central role in the initial process of planning a bridal shower for the her.

Now, find the other bridesmaids and repeat!

Once you settle upon the best bridal shower ideas, see to it that the mother of the bride has a fairly important task - something that she'll really enjoy doing for her daughter. And for extra measure, include the groom's mother when distributing jobs. She will feel delighted to be part of the circle!

-- Planning A Bridal Shower --

WHAT. Surprises are wonderful. Well, they're the whole point.

The bride entertains visions of everything, including her own bridal shower. I do not mean you should let her get away with planning a bridal shower for herself. After all, this is your gift to her. But before you wholeheartedly plunge into your ideas, pose these questions to her:

1. Do you want the shower to coordinate with your wedding?

Some brides are particular on this subject, so it's always wise to ask first. A color. An image. If she does wish that you weave a wedding element into the bridal shower, use your judgment in how far to go with it. Your guests should not feel as though they're at the wedding reception! On the other hand, you might offer your interpretation on the theme, pushing it to the extreme. For example, if the bride chose a yellow color palette, cover the tables with a patterned yellow tablecloth, group punchy yellow dahlias in glass vases, use yellow paper plates, and so on. Keep the bridal shower fun, never bogged down!

2. What type of bridal shower do you want?

Ask the bride if she wants a traditional, women-only affair or a couples shower, in which both men and women attend.

These questions might even spark a few more ideas from the bride. Once you know the basic parameters of the shower, the fun really begins!

The best bridal shower is as unique as the woman it honors. Show the bride how greatly she is loved with a party reflective of who she is. Fuel your creativity with ideas for a personalized bridal shower.

And draw inspiration from these bridal shower themes Whether you want an overall party theme, a gift theme, or a combination of the two, you'll find some innovative, new ideas as well as fresh takes on the old ones.

-- Planning A Bridal Shower --

WHERE. Ready to choose a bridal shower location? Fantastic! Just keep in mind:

1. How many guests are invited?Even if the room looks beautiful, your guests won't be able to appreciate it if they're sitting in each other's laps.

* For relatively intimate gatherings, the home of a friend or relative might meet your needs perfectly. Does anybody have an airy living room, a spacious sunroom, or a welcoming backyard? Ensure that the location offers guests plentiful space and seating. Also, renting a dining room at the bride's favorite restaurant is certainly manageable if you expect only a few handfuls of guests.

* To keep larger groups comfortable, reserve a room at your local church or community center, rent out a banquet hall, or tuck everyone under a pavilion in a nearby park.

2. What best fits your budget? It's easy to overlook certain costs when planning a bridal shower. The venue might be a bargain (or free!). If it doesn't offer sufficient seating, however, you may need to add chair and table rentals to your tab. And restaurants will charge you more if you reserve a room at a busy time of the day.

3. Pick a shower location that the bride knows well. The surprise factor might dwindle if she starts thinking it odd that you need her to accompany you into a fire hall.

4. Scout available parking. If space is limited, encourage guests to carpool or ask a couple friends to shuttle people from a parking lot to the bridal shower. This is espcially useful if you'll be celebrating at someone's home. And please - hide the cars that the bride is sure to recognize!

-- Planning A Bridal Shower --

WHEN. Plan that the bridal shower take place anywhere from eight weeks to four weeks before the wedding. This time slot is "just right." Cutting it any closer might lead to a very frazzled bride!



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