Welcome back to Thoughts & Musings!
We love Wednesdays because that means that we can share some insight on whatever topic was requested most by our readers. In today’s post, we will not being talking about the wedding day specifically, but one of the events leading up to the big day:
THE BRIDAL SHOWER!
Traditionally, the Maid of Honor will throw the Bride a shower (along with the help of the other bridesmaids), although it could be anyone associated with the bride and/or groom. This can be an overwhelming task, especially if said person has never had to do it before, but that’s where we come in! Read on and you will have a easy-to-follow checklist and timeline to make the planning, the execution, and the fun all happen smoothly!
PREPARATION STAGE:
1. Pick a date! Speaking for the majority, most bridal showers are held about two weeks to two months before the wedding date.
2. Determine the budget! Check with the other bridesmaids and see what they are willing and able to contribute to the bridal shower. Keep in mind that, as a rule, guests shouldn’t ever be expected to pay for their own meals (or drinks, for that matter).
3. Choose a location! Once the budget is set, it will be easier to decide on whether to use a venue ($$), or have an intimate gathering at one’s home ($).
4. Gather a guest list! Once the budget is set, compile a list of guests that you (AND MOSTLY THE BRIDE) want to come celebrate. Be sure that anyone who is invited to the shower is also invited to the wedding!
5. Pick a theme! You can either have the bride help decide what theme the bridal shower will have, or keep it a secret. If you do keep it a surprise, just make sure it’s something that matches the bride’s interests and taste.
6. Invitations! You can either buy invitations from a party-chain store, make invitations yourself, or have them made (Etsy saves lives, y’all!). As a rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to put where the bride and groom are registered on the invite, so that guests know where to shop for the things the couple wants/needs, as well as an RSVP by date.
*PS - if you are keeping the bridal shower a surprise, as stated above, be sure to put that on the invite as well so nobody accidentally spoils it!
FOUR TO SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE SHOWER:
1. Send out the invitations! See above for invitation details. Add directions/address to the shower location!
2. Decide on decor! Are the centerpieces going to be floral arrangements? Does that match the theme of the event? Discuss and determine which person will be in charge of picking up/making items.
3. Call the rental company! Put in your rental order for tables, chairs, chair covers, linens, runners, etc.
*Pro tip: The extra couple of dollars it costs for set up and break down by the rental company’s staff is SO. WORTH. IT!
4. Pick your menu! If you know the Bride-to-be’s favorite meal, this is an easy decision. If not, well, it’s time to get creative. You can tie the menu into the theme - maybe a taco bar for a fiesta-themed shower. Or, if not, maybe soup and salads for a light lunch. Either way, make sure to have plenty of whatever you pick!
5. Choose which games you’ll play (if any)! We know, we know - most shower games are lame. However, if you are looking for a twist on the traditional bridal bingo, just search it on Pinterest! You’ll have endless options to choose from (that won’t make your guests’ eyes roll).
6. Purchase party favors/prizes! Even if you decide against games, you should still get something for your guests to go home with as a “thank you for your time, energy, gifts, and love”.
THE WEEK OF THE SHOWER:
1. Get the Bride-to-be a gift! As a rule of thumb, an appropriate amount to spend is between $30-$50. You are throwing the shower, after all!
2. Gather the last RSVPs! Despite the final RSVP date being days earlier, you are bound to have late bloomers and those whom just simply forget to reply to your invite. Take this time to reach out to those you have yet to hear from.
3. Confirm delivery times with vendors! The last thing you want is unnecessary stress on the day of the shower with incorrect or late deliveries. Be sure to call the venue, caterer, bakery, rental company, etc., just to confirm. Don’t worry about being needy; vendors are used to it by now!
ONE DAY BEFORE THE SHOWER:
1. Follow up with bridesmaids! Much like confirming the details with the vendors, you should do the same with the bridesmaids. It eliminates confusion and chaos the morning of the shower.
2. Prep what you can of the food! If you are catering the event yourself, it would be wise to prepare whatever you can of the food now. Cut the fruit for the trays, put the condiments in bowls, etc. Even completing the smallest tasks can be beneficial in crunch time.
SHOWER DAY!!!
1. Set up and HAVE FUN! Now’s the time to bring your weeks’ worth of hard work and dedication to fruition!
We hope this skeleton of shower planning helps ease some of the anxiety you may be feeling when you realize that you are the chosen one! And, of course, if you need some more guidance, feel free to give us a call! We’d be happy to help, or do it all, for you!
Talk to you next time on Thoughts & Musings!