A lot of us can feel overwhelmed at the thought of planning an event. What’s the first step? How do I find the right venue? How can I stick to my budget?
Bridal showers are a popular pre-wedding event – but they can certainly be difficult to navigate. They give the bride’s friends and family a chance to celebrate her upcoming nuptials with various traditions and etiquettes.
If you’ve been honoured with the task of planning a bridal shower, you’ll need to understand exactly what it takes to pull off the event and organize the party of the bride’s dreams. So whether you’re the Maid of Honour, the bride’s best friend, or a close relative, this is your chance to show the bride-to-be just how special she is. And if you’re as lost as most of us would be, here’s a handy bridal shower checklist and timeline to help you plan an unforgettable party.
Phase 1: 3-4 Months Before The Shower
- Set the Date
The bridal shower typically takes place 1-2 months prior to the wedding. It can take place over an afternoon/evening or can even run for an entire weekend. - Establish a Budget
Decide how much money you’d like the party to cost and designate co-hosts (other bridesmaids or relatives) who will help plan and contribute to the event. - Create the Guest List
- It’s important to decide whether this will be a “girls only” event or if you’d like to mix it up with the opposite sex.
- You should also consult your budget and determine if this will be a small rendezvous or a large pre-wedding party.
- Establish a Theme/Setting. Some popular options include:
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Cozy restaurant gathering
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Girls day at a salon or spa
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Posh tea-time in a garden
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Rustic outdoor barbeque in someone’s backyard
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Large gathering at a banquet hall
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Wild night out at a nightclub
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Phase 2: 2-3 Months Before The Shower
- Send Out Save-The-Dates
You can do this via mail or email. - Send Out Shower Invites
This should be done no later than one month before the event. - Make Reservations
As soon as you’ve nailed down exactly where and when your bride’s shower will be taking place, you’ll need to make reservations to guarantee your spot! - Create a Menu
This will require hiring caterers or assigning certain dishes to your co-hosts or the bride’s relatives. - Nail Down the Decorations
This is your opportunity to truly make your bride’s event one-of-a-kind. You can keep things low-key with all-white décor such as flowers and linens or go all out and hire photo booths or balloon backdrops, two of the hottest wedding trends this season. - Plan Some Activities
- There are so many hilarious games to choose from, it’ll be hard to narrow it down! Some games include a remake of “pin the tail on the donkey” – known as “pin the veil on the bride” or a scavenger hunt.
- If you prefer activities over games, some options include wine tasting or a movie screening.
Phase 3: 1 Month Before The Shower
- Start Putting Together the Wedding Favours
These can include anything small and cute that you think your guests would enjoy – from candies to passport covers to jewellery to pajamas – the sky’s the limit! - Make a Shopping List
You’ll need to plan for any food, booze and any extra decorations that you will need to purchase for the event - Confirm Reservations and RSVPs
Whether you’re an overwhelmed Maid of Honor or a close relative of the bride, we hope this check-list will help you nail down all the tiny details and plan the perfect event!