Planning a Bridal Shower: Bridal Shower Checklist

Throwing a Bridal Shower is one of the best ways to celebrate the bride-to-be. It’s time to make her feel special before her big day and planning a Bridal Shower is so much fun. Filled with fun decor, gifts, and maybe even some bubbly, Bridal Showers are one of the first pre-wedding events where friends and family meet. That said, planning a shower can be a little daunting if you’re not sure where to start and what to focus your time on. We’ve put together an easy-to-follow bridal shower planning checklist to make sure every guest is happy!

4-6 Months Before Wedding…

1. Decide on a budget

Before choosing a theme and deciding on a menu, you’ll need to figure out some of the logistics of the shower. Arguably the most important part of planning is deciding on (and sticking to!) a budget. Without a budget, it’s easy to go overboard on things like flower arrangements, center pieces, appetizers, cute wall banners, and more. Be honest with yourself about how much you can realistically afford – a bridal shower shouldn’t break the bank! Many memorable and beautiful Bridal Showers have been created on the tightest of budgets, so no matter what you’re working on, you can be sure you and your girlfriends will have a great party!

2. Set a date

Bridal showers should be held between two weeks and two months before the wedding. Be sure to check with the bride to make sure the day will work for her and the key people she wants to attend.

3. Make a guest list

After settling on a date and time, you’ll need to know how many people will be attending. Once a ballpark number is determined (usually between 10 to 30 guests), ask the bride to compile a draft guest list. Remember to include addresses and emails depending on how you intend to send the invitations.

4. Choose a location

Once the date is set and you have a good idea of ​​how many guests there will be, you will need to find a location where the shower will take place. Often, the bridal shower is held at the home of the hostess. However, depending on the number of guests and other factors, this may not be an option. If this is the case, look at nearby places, such as local restaurants, bars, hotels. Free places like parks or woods can also be a good choice.

5. Choose a Bridal Shower theme

This is where it gets fun! While having a theme isn’t essential, it can be a fun way to add personality to the bridal shower and make it more memorable for friends and family. From Paris Romance in Beach Bonanza, try to go for a theme that fits the bride’s personality and interests. This will help you narrow down the food, decor, and activities.

For our rundown on this year’s top Bridal Shower themes, check out our post here. If Boho is your thing, check out our guide to Planning the Best Boho Bridal Shower here.

Four to Six Weeks before the Bridal Shower…

• Send invitations about 6-8 weeks before the event to give guests enough time to RSVP.
• Decide on decorations according to your theme. Make sure you can order them online in time or find them in store.
• Plan the menu and drinks. Even if you don’t plan to feed guests a full meal, having some finger food appetizers and goodies is a must! A Bridal Shower cake makes a great centerpiece checkout our top 10 Bridal Shower Cakes here.
• A grazing platter can be a nice and easy way to feed everyone.

• Prepare an activity. Games can be a great way for everyone to chat and interact. Fun games like Bridal Bingo and Who Knows the Bride Best? are classics and will really liven up your party!

Bridal Shower Week…

• Shop for and prepare food and drinks, as appropriate.

The Day of the Bridal Shower..

• Set up the decor.
• Designate an area for gift opening. You want the guest of honor to have a chair that everyone can see, with a pair of scissors, some trash bags, and a notebook and pen to record the gifts.

And finally, remember to enjoy every moment! Take lots of pictures (or take your friends and family) and cherish your special celebration with the ones you love around you.