First came the ring, now it’s time to shower the bride! Maybe you are the bride yourself, or maybe you’re someone dear to the couple helping plan the shower. There are so many events that happen after the proposal, and a bridal shower is definitely an important one! Bridal and Couple Showers take some planning, creativity, and help from a team to organize properly. Keep reading to get some help with organization, inspiration and our “must haves” for your next Bridal Shower.
Pre-Planning
Select a Date, Time & Location
Have the bride tribe help you pick a date, venue, and time frame! Here are some questions to consider; where do we want to hold the party? What is a good day/weekend for everything, close to the wedding date, and what is a good time of day to hold the event? All these questions will help you in the next step of sending out invites! The options are unlimited; brunch at your aunt’s house, lunch in a park, or happy hour at a cute new venue space in your area. Details first, pretty invites and and decor next!
Budget
Before picking a menu or choosing a theme, setting a budget will help you figure out what all you can include! Traditionally, the host pays for the shower, but make sure that they can stick to a budget. Even though we want to spoil the bride, you don’t need to go overboard to give her a great time!
Guest List
After you have figured out when and how much, it’s time to figure out the who! Start with the bride and her must invite list. Make sure you grab the addresses of all of the must invite list to start! A good size is about 25-50 guests, this can fit most spaces that showers are typically held. Everyone who is invited to the shower must be invited to a wedding, something you think is a known, but just double check!
Next Steps
Pick a Theme
This is arguably one of the most fun parts of the bridal shower! Think of something the bride enjoys, or something that could go with a name is always fun too! You can do a typical classic bridal shower, and the theme can just be showering the bride. This gives you room too if you want parts within the shower to be themed.
Send Invites
Once you have a the time details and the guest list filtered out, it’s time to invite! Create something simple and sweet, you want your guests to have all the details but not too wordy. Do this about six to eight weeks prior to the event. This time frame gives guests plenty of time to check their schedules, find a gift, or let you know if they can’t attend.
Secure Rentals
While you are creating your list of things to have at the party, make sure you are noting if you need an outside vendor to help. If that is the case, some of these vendors need a little bit of notice to fill the orders or reserve something for your date. Examples of this are catering, balloon decor, or cupcake desserts. Make sure you take note of these, and reach out to local vendors to make the party unique and well thought out!
Day Of Set Up
Decorate
This not only includes all the cute decor that you have planned, but also other functional decor! This includes the table for gifts, box for cards, etc. This is a fun step, and something you can do with the whole group. Make sure to delegate, someone in charge of table decor, dessert/food table, gift table etc.
Pick Up Rentals
If there is a balloon garland, signs, flowers today is the day to grab them! Send someone who will be coming early to go get this so the person setting up does not have to be running to all different places, and has the time to be at the venue setting up.
Set Up Food/Drink
This will be one of the last steps because you want the food to be fresh, and the drinks to be bubbly! Do this so that when guests arrive, these things are there for the taking! Some fun drink ideas are mimosa bar, bloody mary bar, or create your own punch! The ideas are limitless, and food and drink bring people together.
BONUS:
Add in some fun games or an activity for your quests to participate in. This is something to do besides chatting, eating and drinking. And obviously who doesn’t love to play games! Here are some examples to look up: Vow Mad Libs, The Newlywed Game, and Pin the Ring on the Couple to name a few.
Complete Wedding Experts in Central Illinois
If you’re planning a wedding, you’ve come to the right place. At Complete Weddings + Events, our team of photographers, videographers, DJs, and event consultants specialize in wedding services to make your day a success and make sure you’re just worried about enjoying it. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding packages best for your special day!
Central Illinois’ leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, DJ services & photo booth rental.