Have you ever wondered what the purpose of a bridal shower truly is? While the name might give it away, there’s much more to a shower than meets the eye. A bridal shower is a way to honor the bride and wish her well as she enters the next phase of her life. It’s also the perfect opportunity to pamper her, make her feel special, and give her a well-deserved break from wedding planning. From deciding who plans the shower to budgeting, this blog post covers everything you need to know to create a memorable bridal shower.

What is a bridal shower?

A bridal shower is an intimate celebration to honor the bride-to-be, traditionally, bringing together close friends and family, often women, who are closest to the bride. Typical guests include bridesmaids, siblings, close friends, and future in-laws. However, bridal showers have evolved! Recently, couples showers or “Jack and Jill” showers have gained popularity, allowing everyone to join in the pre-wedding fun. This way, the groom can celebrate with his close male friends and family members, and even receive a few gifts. Regardless of the type, one thing remains true: showers should be filled with people who genuinely care about the couple.

Now during a bridal or couple’s shower, you’ll want to include essentials like food, drinks, games, and an opportunity to shower the bride or couple with love, support, and gifts. To make planning smoother, start by choosing a date, setting a theme, and establishing a budget. From there, you can focus on the venue, guest list, and other exciting details!

Who plans the bridal shower?

Traditionally, the maid of honor takes on the responsibility of planning the bridal shower. These days though, any close friend or relative of the bride (or groom) can step up to plan and host the event. While one person might lead the charge, it often helps to have support from others. Don’t hesitate to rely on the other bridesmaids, the bride’s family, and even her in-laws if they’re willing to pitch in!

If no one has offered to host a shower for you, it’s natural to feel a bit hurt or disappointed. Keep in mind that no one is obligated to plan one. If you’re comfortable, consider directly asking someone close to you (like your maid of honor or mother) if they’d be willing to take on the task. And if that still doesn’t pan out, you can always host it yourself and ask for a little help along the way.

When should I have my shower?

Timing is everything when it comes to planning a bridal shower. Most bridal showers are held about a month before the wedding, though anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months in advance is ideal. The key is to avoid scheduling it too far ahead or too close to the big day.

Consider factors like the bride’s preferences, venue availability, and the VIP’s schedules. Try to choose a date that the bride can commit to. For this reason, it’s best to avoid a surprise shower. Additionally, aim for a date that most of the guest list can attend. Start planning early, and send out invitations at least a month before the event. This gives guests ample time to RSVP and make arrangements but avoids the risk of them forgetting about it. On the invitations, be sure to include the following key details: the bride’s name, the date and time, location, any dress code or theme, RSVP instructions, and registry information if applicable.

Who attends the shower?

Crafting your bridal shower guest list can feel like a daunting task, especially after narrowing down your wedding guest list. To simplify the process, the bride and host should collaborate to create a list and agree on the guest count. The bride should start with a “must-have” list to ensure VIPs (such as bridesmaids, siblings, mothers, and grandmothers from both sides if applicable) are included. Be mindful of venue capacity and budget, and focus on close friends and family who will make the day extra special.

You don’t need to invite your entire wedding guest list to your bridal shower. It’s essential to avoid inviting anyone who isn’t also invited to the wedding, as this can come across as impolite or gift-focused. Bridal showers are traditionally intimate gatherings, so don’t feel pressured to include distant relatives or acquaintances unless they’re truly meaningful to you. The more intimate the shower, the deeper your connection with each guest.

Out-of-town guests can be tricky. If someone is close to you, it’s thoughtful to send an invite, even if it’s unlikely they’ll attend. It shows you value their presence and keeps the connection strong. Plus, you might be pleasantly surprised if they do manage to make it!

How much should I spend?

Since the bridal shower is hosted in honor of the bride, the bride typically does not pay for the shower. However, the host should still set a reasonable budget to ensure a lovely celebration without going overboard.

One way to manage costs is by sharing hosting duties- splitting the responsibilities among multiple people, like the bridesmaids or close friends, can ease the financial burden. Hosting the shower at someone’s home instead of a restaurant or venue is another cost-saving option. It allows for personalized decorations, like potted plants instead of expensive floral arrangements, and helps keep the guest list more intimate due to space limitations. For food, consider a potluck, bulk orders from places like Costco or even making simple snacks yourself. Keep entertainment affordable with free games and a Spotify playlist for background music, and skip the extras like game prizes or party favors. They aren’t necessary to create a warm and memorable event.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the bridal shower is a special time to celebrate with close friends and family. By focusing on people who truly know and love the bride, you’ll create an event that feels both meaningful and memorable.