Perfect Bridal Shower Planning Timeline | How to Organize an Amazing Bridal Shower (2024)

@hoskelsa , @art_petrov

A bridal shower is an exciting and special event for the bride-to-be, but it can also be overwhelming for the person in charge of organizing it. From picking the perfect theme to creating a guest list, there are many details to consider when planning a bridal shower. In this article, we will discuss helpful advice and come up with a planning timeline on how to make a memorable and stress-free bridal shower for the bride and guests will cherish forever.

Start by Sorting Out All the Formal Arrangements

Before you start planning, set a budget for the bridal shower. This will help you decide on the venue, food, decorations and entertainment, as well as avoid future frustration if an element of the planning is more expensive than possible. Consult with the bride to choose a date and time that is convenient for her and the main guests. Together with the bride, make a list of loved ones to invite, and be sure to gather contact information for easy communication.

@biancatuzee , @naturalartflowers

Choose a Theme or Define the Aesthetics

When planning a bridal shower, choosing the main theme or defining the event vibe can set the tone for the entire celebration and create a cohesive and visually appealing experience. Take into account the bride's personal style, interests, and favorite colors when choosing a theme — whether she prefers a classic and elegant look or a fun aesthetic. Also, consider selecting a theme that is meaningful to the bride and groom. This could be based on their shared interests, favorite movies, travel destinations, or cultural backgrounds. To visualize the event aesthetics, create a mood board with images, color swatches, and inspiration pieces that capture the look and feel you want to achieve for the bridal shower.

@slater_events

The Right Venue is Key

Selecting the right venue for a bridal shower is a crucial aspect of event planning, as it can greatly influence the overall atmosphere, experience, and success of the celebration. The venue should be able to comfortably accommodate the number of guests on the invite list. The venue should also align with the chosen theme or event aesthetics for the bridal shower. Whether it's a garden party, a chic restaurant, a cozy home, or a glamorous event space, the venue should enhance the desired ambiance. If the bridal shower is an outdoor event, have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Choose a venue that offers indoor spaces or tent options to ensure the event can proceed smoothly regardless of weather conditions.

@gohar.world , @art_petrov

Think of a Set Design

If you want the event to not only impress guests and the bride, but also to be photogenic and particularly memorable, then we suggest thinking about including a trendy set design for the dining table or in a photobooth-like location. This could be an unusual floral design, an eccentric abundance of dramatic candles for an evening occasion, or a set design which corresponds with a particular aesthetic that is close to the bride's heart and vibe.

@kirthanee ,@stories_to_gather

Plan the Food and co*cktails Menus

Take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences of the bride and guests when planning the menu. Offer a variety of options to accommodate different tastes, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free choices. Also determine whether you will be serving a sit-down meal, buffet-style spread, or a selection of appetizers and finger foods. Don’t forget to align the food and co*cktail menus with the chosen theme of the bridal shower. Offer a variety of beverage options to cater to different preferences, such as mocktails, as well as alcoholic options. Create a co*cktail that reflects the bride's favorite flavors or the theme of the bridal shower. Decide whether you will hire a catering service to handle food and drink preparation or opt for a handmade approach.

@hayleymarsh , @gosha.buro

Consider How to Entertain the Guests

Traditionally, people play games and trivia, enjoy socializing and present gifts to the bride. However, you can come up with all sorts of themed activities that will not only cheer up the guests and diversify the atmosphere, but also give a sense of productivity and fond memories. For example, you can keep guests busy with the bride's hobby or something she herself has wanted to do for a long time. Try organizing art therapy or inviting consultants to create a personalized fragrance. This way, each guest and bride can leave a physical memory of the event in the form of a painting or scent.

@natpetrevski , @biancatuzee

Don’t Forget to Capture Moments

Inviting a photographer to the bridal shower is certainly a great idea that will also add extra content to the wedding photos. Pictures taken at the bridal shower can be shared with friends and family members who were unable to attend the event due to distance or other commitments. To reflect the spirit of the event even more in the photos, and to add a personalized and private feel to each shot, you can hand out a disposable film camera to each guest. This way, after the party, you'll have plenty of film shots from different perspectives.

@kindredweddings , @foliagepaper

Perfect Bridal Shower Planning Timeline | How to Organize an Amazing Bridal Shower (2024)

FAQs

Perfect Bridal Shower Planning Timeline | How to Organize an Amazing Bridal Shower? ›

The best time to host a bridal shower is between 2 months and 2 weeks before the wedding. This gives the bride-to-be a couple of weeks to relax before the big day, while also being close enough that the excitement is really starting to build!

What is the proper timeline for a bridal shower? ›

Most bridal showers are usually held three weeks to three months before the wedding. The trick is not to plan it too far in advance or too close to the wedding date.

How do you Organise a bridal shower? ›

The first step in planning a bridal shower is to create a budget for the entire process. This includes food, drinks, decorations, venue, rentals, event design, photography, videography, and any other vendors or expenses.

What is protocol for bridal showers? ›

The rule is that only wedding guests should be invited to showers, so as long as the guests are on your wedding guest list, they can be invited. But it would look gift-grabby to invite people as guests solely to include them in shower invitations if the bride or groom isn't close to them.

Who pays for bridal shower? ›

In short, the host is the one who pays for the bridal shower—or at least some of it. Most commonly, this is the maid of honor, but the couple's relatives, friends or even the to-be-weds themselves can all pitch in to cover the cost of the wedding shower.

Should a bridal shower be on a Saturday or Sunday? ›

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.

How many games should be played at a bridal shower? ›

How many bridal shower games should be played? Depending on how long the bridal shower will last and the time duration of each game, you can plan for two to four of them—just be sure to leave guests plenty of time to eat, drink, and mingle, too.

How do you make a bridal shower not boring? ›

Go Somewhere Unique. You're not obligated to sit on the back patio or stake out your parents' country club. Head to a pasta-making class, boozy art class, vineyard, brewery, salon, beach or gorgeous restaurant to spice things up and make your shower feel extra special (and worth the trip for any out-of-town friends).

Does the mother of the bride pay for the bridal shower? ›

Although once upon a time it was expected that the bride's family would foot the bridal shower bill, modern society has changed the rules. Nowadays, the person (or people) hosting the bridal shower are responsible for covering the costs associated with the shower.

Do you open gifts at a bridal shower? ›

Some reasons guests may look forward to the guest of honor opening gifts at a bridal shower are to see their reaction or share their excitement about their gift with others. That said, not opening gifts at a bridal shower could make some of your guests feel disappointed.

What can I do at my bridal shower instead of games? ›

Here, we spoke with wedding planning experts on the latest-and-greatest bridal shower activities and fun bridal shower games:
  • Create a signature co*cktail during the bridal shower. ...
  • Create a sweet memory book for the bride-to-be. ...
  • Play wedding traditions trivia… ...
  • ...or couples trivia. ...
  • Collect date night ideas.
Jun 29, 2021

What gifts are given at a bridal shower? ›

Common bridal shower gifts include kitchenware, from small appliances or utensils to towels or dishes. Shower gifts tend to stick to the event's specific theme if it has one. A cooking class shower might require a gift of your favorite cookbook, while the hostesses of a lingerie shower will ask for, well, lingerie.

Who should not host a bridal shower? ›

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Nancy is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.

How many people should be invited to a bridal shower? ›

A bridal shower should be an event for those closest to the bride, both in relationship and location. I'm often asked how many guests should be invited to a shower, and I usually recommend keeping it to around 25 guests if possible. Everyone wants to see their gift opened and the reaction on the bride's face.

What does the mother of the groom give at the bridal shower? ›

Think: a luxurious getting-ready robe, something blue or travel essentials for the honeymoon. And if you find yourself unsure about what to gift the bride as her future mother-in-law, check the couple's wedding registry for their specific needs.

Is 2 hours too short for bridal shower? ›

Weichelt says bridal showers should ideally last between two and four hours. Anything shorter and guests will feel like they didn't have a chance to spend time with the bride; anything longer and they'll be itching to head home. Three hours might just be the sweet spot, then.

What comes first bridal shower or bachelorette party? ›

Typically, your bachelorette party would take place a few months before your wedding day. If you're being whisked away for a weekend or weeklong getaway, you might decide to host it even further ahead of your big day. Bridal showers happen much closer to the big day — often only a few weeks beforehand.

What is the difference between a bridal shower and a wedding shower? ›

A bridal shower honors the member of the couple who identifies as the bride; for a wedding with two brides, it can honor either (or both). A wedding shower honors a couple—and, like a bridal shower, is planned by friends or family members of either partner.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Trent Wehner

Last Updated:

Views: 6017

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Trent Wehner

Birthday: 1993-03-14

Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

Phone: +18698800304764

Job: Senior Farming Developer

Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.