Being asked to become a bridesmaid (especially the Maid of Honor) is one of the greatest compliments you can be given, and it carries with it a certain amount of responsibility. When the big day comes, the bride will rely on you more than ever to make sure everything goes smoothly (and to help calm her wedding day jitters). However, your first responsibility to the bride begins months before the wedding day arrives, since you are expected to plan and host her bridal shower. Before you dive headfirst into the party-planning details, here are a few bridal shower ideas and tips you should keep in mind in order to host a great shower.
Image via Sivan Ayla
Don’t Be a Hero
Just because you are in charge does not mean you have to do everything yourself. In fact, attempting to be the sole performer of all bridal shower duties can not only burn you out quickly, but it can also increase the chances that you will forget an important step in the shower-planning process. Delegating responsibilities to others is not a sign of weakness and can help ensure that everything comes together smoothly. Only delegate important responsibilities to people you can count on to come through for you and the bride.
Set the Date and Location a Month in Advance
Have a date and location already planned at least a month prior to the shower. Create the guest list as soon as you can, so you can get that step out of the way before the bride’s attention becomes swallowed up in wedding day arrangements. If the shower is a surprise to the bride, get together with a member of her close family to create the guest list.
Make sure you check the availability of VIPs (family members, best friends, etc.) If the bride’s favorite people are unable to attend it will definitely put a damper on the occasion. While you may not be able to find a time that accommodates everyone, you should be able to choose a date that will be suitable for a majority of the bride’s VIPs. Ideally, the shower should be scheduled to occur a month or two prior to the wedding date.
Image via Sivan Ayla
Choose Invitations That Match the Wedding Theme
Get invitations ready to go at least a month before the event. They should ideally be ordered and ready to send out between six and eight weeks before the shower. Choose invitations that match the wedding theme, whether it be formal, casual, vintage or rustic. Including an RSVP request on each invitation is a great way to plan appropriate food and seating arrangements.
For an extra-special keepsake, set aside one invitation to give to the bride once the shower is over. She will appreciate your thoughtfulness and will enjoy being able to have a tangible reminder of the special occasion.
Gift Guidelines Are Encouraged
Hopefully, the bride has already had the chance to register for gifts at her favorite locations, which should be listed on the invitation itself or on a separate insert. However, you may still want to include guidelines for gifts on the invitations just in case guests do not purchase items from the registry. This is especially important for guests who may be traveling into town for the occasion and do not have access to any of the locations where the bride is registered.
It Is Polite to Invite People Even if You Know They Cannot Come
Many bridesmaids make the mistake of leaving faraway relatives and friends off of the guest list because they automatically assume they cannot make it. However, this can feel like a snub to individuals who would love to be there if they could. It is always a nice gesture to send invitations to the important people in the bride’s life, even if there is very little chance that they can attend the event.
Image via Sivan Ayla
Finger Food Is Ideal
Although you may be tempted to go all-out on a 5-course meal, finger food is ideal for most bridal showers. It is easy to display, easy to serve and typically mess-free. Choose items that can be purchased or made in advance so that you have as little stress as possible when the big day arrives. As with the invitations, try to tie the refreshments into the overall theme of the wedding, if possible.
Image via Sivan Ayla
Hosting a bridal shower can be quite enjoyable if you know what to expect and how to plan the event properly. Take these important notes and tips into consideration and you will be able to pull off the perfectly-hosted bridal shower.
Shop Featured Bridal Shower Invitation | Flowery Circlet
See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration
- Will You Be My Bridesmaid Party Idea
- Rustic Glamour Bridal Shower Ideas
- Inspiration Board: Black and White Bridal Shower
