Bridal Shower Boot Camp
Written by Heather Pieczonka
Bridal Shower Games A to Z
Maids of Honor, at this point, you may be wondering what you got yourself into! Keeping the bride sane, focused, and driving her around to every wedding cake tasting, planning meeting and dress shop may be overwhelming! But the Bridal shower doesn't have to be. The key is to get the other bridesmaids involved in helping you...
A SENSIBLE BUDGET
Here are the 8 major costs for a Bridal Shower...
1. Invitations
2. Favors
3. Pictures and film developing
4. Food and beverages
5. Cake
6. Paper products like plates, cups, napkins and plastic utensils
7. Decorations like streamers, balloons, and fresh flowers
8. Games and prizes
How do you keep the cost under control? By setting a budget and limit on your spending...and sticking to it! When costs start getting out of control, the easiest way to save is to cut back on the food and alcohol...or cut back on the number of guests.
Additionally, get the other bridesmaids to help. Let one of them take care of the invitations, another the favors, while another can take on the games and the game prizes. You'll still get to do the majority of work and shoulder a majority of the expense, but the extra help will let you relax a little.
THE GUEST LIST
Not everyone on the wedding invite list needs to be invited to the shower. In fact, this pre-wedding party is usually limited to the Bride's close friends and family.
Many brides are opting for couples showers where the groom can be included, but don't feel pressured to have a huge list of guests...decide whether you'd like just the girls or an all couples shower, and lets get this party started!
LOCATION, DATE & TIME
You can host at your own home, reserve tables at your favorite restaurant, rent a reception hall, picnic at a park if you'll be including children, or if this is a small group of female friends, why not make it a day at the spa with a catered lunch?
It's always a good idea to schedule the bridal Shower at least one month in advance of the wedding. You want the bride relaxed and enjoying her shower, and you won't find a relaxed bride the day before her wedding!
The time of day to host the shower is personal preference, and can be used to determine appropriate food and drink. Morning snacks, afternoon tea, dinner buffet, or anything in-between!
DECORATIONS AND THEMES
A theme can serve as inspiration for decorations and games, even the invitations, favors, and name tags. It makes planning and preparation simpler to have one central theme. Check online for some fun new bridal Shower themes and ideas.
GAMES
About three games for a two-hour shower are just right. Bridal Shower games should be the fun part of planning your Shower, so don't wait until last minute to think about them! Better yet, find one of the bridesmaids who would like to be the game coordinator and work with her to pick out some fun games that go along with your theme.
INVITATIONS
Finalize that guest list because you want to send the invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance, allowing time for the guests to clear their schedules and find that perfect gift.
Don't forget to include special instructions in the invitations. Many games, and even some themes, require guests to bring special items to the shower and you'll want to let them know inside their invitation.
FOOD & DRINK
Finger foods set around the room work great and encourage guests to mingle. You can even do a food theme, like a wine and cheese tasting, an all-salad buffet, or an entire Italian dinner.
GETTING HELP
Last minute tips for shower day...designate a photographer to snap photos and a gift recorder to write down any gifts the bride receives. If you can get someone coordinated before the shower, you will be free to greet guests, refill the punch bowl, and keep everyone mingling...the job of every great hostess!
Don't lose sight of what this day is all about...A CELEBRATION! So remember to relax and have fun with your planning and hosting!
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