How to Host a Perfect Bridal Shower
A bridal shower is an integral part of the wedding planning process - one that is especially meaningful to the bride and her closest friends and family. Show your bride-to-be how loved she is by spoiling her and throwing her the bridal shower of the century!
What is a bridal shower?
Often confused with a wedding shower, a bridal shower is one of the most beloved wedding planning traditions. It exists to celebrate the bride-to-be and all her closest friends and family. A bridal shower is typically an all-female event, but don’t feel obligated to adhere to that tradition if it’s not what your bride would want.
Who Plans the Bridal Shower?
The bridal shower is typically one of the first significant tasks the maid of honor completes. The mother of the bride will often help plan this event as well. Because the purpose is to shower the bride with love and gifts, this is not something the bride should plan herself.
Planning the Bridal Shower
Theme
Every aspect of the event should reflect the bride’s personality. Choosing a bridal shower theme that she will love is a beautiful way to add a personalized touch to the day! The theme can be specific, like a particular movie or show, or general, like her favorite colors. Use your best judgment to choose a bridal shower theme that will make your bride feel loved and appreciated.
Guest List
The bride should always be involved in curating a guest list. She is the only one who knows who she does or does not want in attendance. Set aside a time to meet with the bride and gather a list of guests she definitely wants at her shower and a separate list of guests she would like to be there if there is room. If you are throwing a surprise bridal shower, gather this information long before the event date so that the bride is still surprised!
Location
Choose the bridal shower venue carefully, ensuring it is within the set budget and can accommodate the guest list. For smaller parties, consider hosting the event at someone’s home. For larger parties, local event venues and restaurants are popular choices. When you tour potential venues, ask about decorations, food and drinks, payments, and capacity.
Activities
As one of the less formal wedding events, a bridal shower is a fun opportunity to bond with the influential women in the bride’s life. Include fun get-to-know-you games in the itinerary to help break the ice. Additionally, choose one or two games that show how much the guests know about the bride-to-be. You could have guests predict what the wedding dress will look like, give wedding advice for her to open after the special day, or play a trivia game centered around the bride!
Gifts
Bridal showers get their name because the bride is “showered” with love and gifts. The presents often come from the couple’s wedding registry. Gifts can also follow a certain theme like wedding night attire. Consider what the bride would want and who is in attendance. Make sure to include gift information such as registry or theme details on the bridal shower invitation. During the event, set aside time for the bride to open the gifts with all her loved ones!
Bridal Showers at Belle Hills
We love love and are here to help you celebrate every aspect of it. The supportive team at The Barn at Belle Hills is excited to help you plan the bridal shower that every bride deserves. Contact us to schedule a tour of our breathtaking rustic venue!
