Historically, brides have been showered with love and gifts on their bridal shower party. Although the maid of honor normally organizes the bridal shower, showers can be organized by anyone close to the bride.
To be more politically correct, couples may decide to opt for a couple shower. It is the same concept as a bridal shower, but it is not exclusive to female friends and family. A couple shower enables friends and family to celebrate both bride and groom. Whether it's a bridal shower or a couple shower, planning the event takes considerable effort. So, read on to learn some fun and helpful bridal shower planning tips.
Who's Responsible for Planning
Planning the shower is the responsibility of the honor attendant or honor attendants. It is quite possible for the bride to choose more than one honor attendant. So, it is quite possible that planning the shower would be a team effort. If there is only one maid of honor, she shouldn't hesitate to ask for help from the other bridesmaids, friends, and family.
Hint: several people involved in the planning process can help, but it can also create conflict.
Choosing a Proper Date
Choosing the right date for the bridal shower is of paramount importance. There is no rule about how much time before the wedding a shower needs to take place. It can take place several months or a couple of weeks prior the wedding day. Often, bridal showers are planned in the form of a surprise party. Regardless of the date of the shower, guest should be notified well in advance. Make sure that the date doesn't conflict with holidays or other events that would prevent the guests from attending the party.
Shower Expenses
A bridal shower doesn't need to be an expensive party, but it certainly can be. Be sure that your budget is set early in the planning process. Once your budget has been determined, be sure the required funds are set aside. Don't be a hero and ask for help. Just because you plan the shower, it doesn't mean you have to pay for the whole thing. Unless you are independently wealthy, ask all the bridesmaids to help out.
Discreet or Extravagant
A bridal shower can be a discreet get together or an extravagant party with some great bridal shower favors. The sky is the limit, and, of course, your budget. If you organize the party, you should know enough about the bride to determine what kind of shower she would enjoy the most. Would she enjoy a relaxed shower at somebody's house, or is she expecting a more formal party in a hotel ballroom? Does she have specific hobbies or interests that would provide an interesting theme for the party?
Who to Invite
You should only invite guest to the bridal shower who will also be invited to the wedding. If you are unsure about who should be on the guest list, feel free to ask the bride to help out. If you are organizing a surprise shower, ask the bride's mother or someone who would know about the wedding reception guest list.
Guests and Gifts
It is very smart to include information about where guests can purchase presents in the shower invitations. The guests will appreciate your guidance. After all, it makes it easier for them purchase the proper gifts.
Shower Invitations
The bridal shower invitations can be traditional cards or even e-cards. Most people have an e-mail address, so an electronic invitation might be a feasible option for your shower. E-cards are not only freely offered on many Web sites, but they are also fast. You send them out one-minute and they are delivered the next. If you have a larger budget, you might be interested in sending out personalized chocolate bars as bridal shower invitations. Regardless of what form of invitations you decide to use, make sure they are sent out well in advance. The bridal shower invitations should be sent out about two months prior to the bridal shower party.
Food
Food is an important aspect of the planning process, and it is very much influenced by where the bridal shower is held. If you're planning an at-home bridal shower, you may prepare the food yourself or you have a catered party. If you're having the shower in a restaurant or a hotel, make sure they prepare one of the bride's favorite meals.
Enjoy Yourselves
Remember: Bridal showers are supposed to be fun, so don't stress too much. After all, you are planning a party.
