Bridal Showers 101
Here we go!
Bridal showers are often considered the start of the exciting wedding events! People can gift the couple things for their new marriage and offer advice and blessings during this incredible time. Both sides of the family are able to officially meet one another. Traditionally, the Maid of Honor plans the bridal shower, with the help of the bridesmaids for ideas, decor, and setup. It’s not uncommon to have multiple hosts, as family members often co-host in spoiling the bride-to-be. There are no real etiquette “rules” to break, except only guests invited to the wedding should be invited to the shower. The most common questions we get when planning for bridal showers are: when do you throw one, when do send invitations out, who should be invited, and where to throw the event.
We created the essentials for planning a bridal shower.
Build a Bridal Shower Budget
A budget is key to any event that you’re throwing! Create a budget for the entire bridal shower planning process and who will be contributing. This includes the venue, food, drinks, decor, rentals, and other vendor expenses - such as event design, photography, florals, etc. Depending on the type of shower and what the bride wants, a typical bridal shower can cost anywhere from $10-100 per person. The host, in the end, picks the budget that everyone will be working within.
Choose a Date
Unless it’s a surprise, consult the bride on a date that fits the wedding timeline and her schedule. A bridal shower is held two to six months before the wedding. Another request we see a lot from guests, is to host the event on a Saturday. Typically, we find that guests really enjoy a Saturday event versus a Sunday - the day of rest - where they can come and enjoy without feeling rushed to get home.
Form a Guest List
A bridal shower usually includes the wedding party, the couple’s family, and close friends. Ask the bride for a must-have list from the while planning so you can build the budget around a guest list that is known. Have the bride double-check and approve before the invites are sent out to ensure that no one is left out. If it’s a surprise, the Maid of Honor and the Mother of the Bride generally work on the guest list together.
Select a Theme
A bridal shower does not technically need a themed, although it’s always fun to work around what the bride’s wedding vibe is. Choosing a theme at this stage is a fun way to the bride’s personality while narrowing down decor options later on. The person being showered may provide basic ideas on what she would like. Although, ultimately the host will make the final decisions.
Choose a Location
Generally, the host or another guest will offer their home to have the shower. Otherwise, you can find a venue that will hold all of your guests, cater the entire event, and stay within budget. Potential bridal shower venues can range from an Airbnb, a winery, a restaurant or an actual event space.
Send Invitations
Invitations should be mailed out four to six weeks before the bridal shower. Give your guests as much notice as possible so they'll be able to attend and purchase gifts! The host should start looking for and purchasing invitations (at least) a few weeks before sending them out. Be sure to include the bride’s name, the date, the time, the location, registry information, a way to RSVP, and the name of whoever is hosting.
Create the Menu
Whatever it is, make sure it’s something the bridge will love! Include options for any food restrictions. A great event is overall catered around the food and it should reflect what the bride would be happy to indulge in!
Desserts
Another important and key item that you’ll want to think about when planning a bridal shower is the sweets! All guests look forward to a decedant treat after their meal. This is a place you can really pull in the shower’s color palette and add some fun elements to the dessert table. Add some macarons for easy take away treats along with some cupcakes or a small cake with florals to add color to a dessert table.
Find Shower Decor
Following a theme or not, add personal touches just for the bride. Add a photo opportunity with a floral or balloon arch backdrop for guests to remember this special day! Use your venue to your advantage and think about how your guests will walk through the space.
Favors
While you don’t need to give favors our at a bridal shower, a lot of hosts choose to do so. It’s definitely a nice way to thank your guests who came to shower the bride-to-be! A really cute new trend that we are seeing that guests love is a bouquet bar or a flower cart where guests can build their own bouquet to take home! It doubles as an activity and a favor.
All in all, bridal showers are a fun event for the bride to look forward too! With all the wedding planning and stress from outside life, this is an event that the bride can look forward to and feel zero stress about. We are now offering couples and hosts planning and design services to take all of this off of your hands. We already know exactly what the bride loves, so make it easy and hire us to put together a cohesive bridal shower that matches her wedding vibes! Chat with us today and learn more about how we can help you!
