The Bridal Shower is a time honored tradition and the Maid of Honor’s pre-wedding opportunity to shine.

If it is not possible for the Maid of Honor to host the bridal shower – don’t fret, ask a close friend or relative to host the party, but the Maid of Honor should handle most of the work load. Restaurants, day spas or an outdoor venue such as a local park also make a good setting for a bridal shower.

A bride is not limited to just one bridal shower. Co workers, family, friends, anyone can plan a shower for the bride and today it is not uncommon for a bride to have multiple showers.

No longer just an afternoon sipping tea with the relatives oo-ing and aw-ing over yet another set of tea towels, todays bridal showers often include the guys, are theme related, and a lot more fun!!

When planning the bridal shower, ask the bride what she would most appreciate, a shower that will include the guys or one just for the girls, and keep in mind that there may be other bridal showers planned. Couples may have specific ideas on what they would most appreciate for a bridal shower. Some may want to furnish a kitchen, others a tool shed.

Theme ideas for the bridal shower

Who pays for the bridal shower?

Traditionally the bridal shower is hosted by the maid of honor with help from the bridesmaids and expenses are shared equally. Keep in mind that each girl may be paying for her dress, shoes, accessories, hair etc. Be sensitive about what everyone is willing to contribute and decide on a budget everyone can live with.

Tips for planning a bridal shower….

Once the theme of the shower has been determined – girls only or couples – every one invited to the bridal shower is invited to the wedding.

Send out save the date card, an e-mail or call important guests to confirm that there are no scheduling conflicts. Invitations should be sent a month before the date.

Click here for more bridal shower invitation ideas.

Confer with the bridesmaids about the theme of the bridal shower, establish a budget, finalize decision about decorations, menu, favors, music and bridal shower games.

Choose someone reliable, usually one of the bridesmaids to record the gifts as they are being opened. Make note of who they are from as well as a description of each gift, this makes things so much easier for the bride and groom to send out thank you cards.

Countdown to the Bridal Shower – Use our handy Checklist to be sure you pull off a successful Bridal Shower.

Looking for party games for a bridal shower? – Some naughty, some nice.