How to Plan A Bridal Shower | Ideas and Checklist
If you are looking for tips for how to plan a bridal shower, you are in the right place!
Planning a bridal shower doesn’t have to be stressful. With this simple guide, you’ll have everything you need to plan a fun, memorable event without feeling overwhelmed.
Let’s get started!
1. Start with the Basics
Planning a bridal shower begins with a few key steps to get organized. From understanding the bride’s preferences to setting a budget and picking a date, these basics will set the foundation for a successful event.
Understand the Bride’s Preferences
The first step is to figure out what the bride wants.
- Does she prefer a casual gathering or something more formal?
- Ask about her favorite themes, foods, and colors.
- If the shower is a surprise, talk to someone close to her for ideas.
You’ll also need to ask about the guest list:
- Are there people she really wants to invite?
- Would she prefer a smaller, more intimate group or a larger party?
Getting these details early will make the rest of the planning easier.
Set a Budget
Once you know what the bride has in mind, it’s time to set the budget.
- Decide who is paying for the shower. Traditionally, the host covers the cost, but today it’s common for the bridal party or family to chip in.
- Talk to anyone helping with expenses before making plans.
Here’s a rough idea of costs:
- At home or backyard: $15–$25 per person.
- Restaurant: $20–$50 per person.
- Small venue: $50–$150 per person.
- Large venue or spa day: $150+ per person.
Want to save money? Host at a free or low-cost location like a family home, park, or community center.
Choose a Date and Time
Pick a date that works best for the bride and her key guests.
- The shower is usually 2–3 months before the wedding.
- Check the bride’s calendar to avoid conflicts.
Consider these tips when scheduling:
- Make sure out-of-town guests have enough time to plan their travel.
- Avoid the same weekend as other big events, like the bachelorette party.
Once the date is set, you’re ready to move on to the fun details!
2. Create the Guest List
A well-thought-out guest list ensures the shower feels personal and meaningful. Work with the bride to invite her closest friends and family while following simple etiquette guidelines.
Work with the Bride to Finalize the List
The guest list is one of the most important parts of planning the shower. Keep it small and meaningful.
- Focus on close family members, the bridal party, and the bride’s closest friends.
- Ask the bride who absolutely must be there, and start from there.
- Keep the bride’s personality in mind—she might prefer an intimate gathering over a big party.
Avoid Etiquette Mistakes
When it comes to invites, follow this simple rule:
- Only invite people who are also invited to the wedding.
It’s considered bad etiquette to invite someone to the shower if they aren’t included in the wedding guest list. Double-check with the bride to make sure no one is left out or added unnecessarily.
3. Pick a Theme
A theme can make the bridal shower more cohesive and easier to plan. It helps tie together the decor, food, games, and overall vibe of the event.
Why a Theme Helps
- Themes create a unified look and feel.
- They make it easier to choose decorations, menu items, and activities.
- A theme adds a fun, personal touch that reflects the bride’s style.
Popular Theme Ideas
- Garden party: Perfect for spring or summer with floral decor and outdoor seating.
- Boho: Think earthy tones, macramé decor, and relaxed vibes.
- Rustic: Wooden accents, mason jars, and a cozy, country feel.
- Vintage: Retro-inspired decor and classic touches.
- Tea party: Elegant with finger sandwiches, tea sets, and pastel colors.
- Tropical: Bright colors, palm leaves, and fruity drinks.
- Color-themed: Pick the bride’s favorite colors for a simple but beautiful theme.
For even more ideas, check out our detailed list of bridal shower themes!
4. Choose a Venue
The venue sets the stage for the bridal shower, so choose a space that fits the bride’s style and your budget. Whether it’s a cozy backyard gathering or a party at a local restaurant, the right location makes all the difference.
Venue Options
Here are some popular choices for bridal shower venues:
- Home or backyard: Great for an intimate, budget-friendly gathering.
- Park: Perfect for outdoor lovers, with plenty of space for games and activities.
- Restaurant: Ideal for a low-maintenance event with no cleanup.
- Community center: Affordable and often includes tables and chairs.
- Rented venue: Best for larger or more formal showers.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Use a family member’s home or backyard for a free venue.
- Check out local parks for a scenic and cost-effective option.
- If someone in your group has access to a college campus, inquire about renting event spaces at a discounted rate.
Choose a venue that works for your budget while still making the bride feel special!
5. Send Out Invitations
Invitations set the tone for the bridal shower and ensure guests have plenty of time to plan. Whether you choose physical cards or digital invites, make sure all the key details are included.
Timing
- Send out invitations 6–8 weeks before the event.
- This gives guests enough time to RSVP and arrange travel if needed.
Types of Invitations
- Physical invitations: Great for a formal or traditional shower.
- Digital invitations: Convenient and cost-effective options like Paperless Post or Evite.
What to Include
Every invitation should clearly list the following:
- Date and time of the event.
- Location with an address and parking details, if needed.
- RSVP information with a deadline and a contact person.
- Gift registry details, if applicable.
A well-timed and detailed invitation ensures everyone is ready for the big day!
6. Plan the Activities
Fun activities keep the bridal shower lively and memorable. From engaging games to music and gift opening, the right mix of activities will ensure everyone has a great time.
Games
Games are a staple of bridal showers and a great way to break the ice.
- Offer a mix of classic and unique options to keep things fun for all ages.
- Popular choices include:
- Bridal Bingo: Guests fill out bingo cards based on the gifts the bride receives.
- He Said/She Said: Guests guess which statements came from the bride or groom.
- What’s in Your Purse: A points-based scavenger hunt using items guests have on hand.
For more ideas and free printables, check out our full article on bridal shower games!
Gift Opening
- It’s traditional for the bride to open gifts during the shower.
- If she prefers not to, consider hosting a luncheon or informal gathering without gifts.
- Tip: Play a game or have light music in the background to keep the atmosphere fun while gifts are opened.
Entertainment
- Create a themed playlist with songs the bride loves or tunes that fit the party’s theme.
- Keep the music light so it doesn’t overpower conversations.
Thoughtfully planned activities will ensure the bridal shower is fun, interactive, and unforgettable!
7. Organize Food and Drinks
A delicious menu is essential to any great bridal shower. Whether you’re going for simple snacks or a full meal, the food and drinks should reflect the bride’s preferences and fit the overall vibe of the event.
Menu Planning
- Focus on the bride’s favorite foods—this is her special day!
- Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies among the guests.
- Keep it simple with easy-to-serve options like finger foods, appetizers, or a light buffet.
Options for Every Budget
- Potluck: Ask guests to bring a dish to share, saving time and money.
- Catering: Great for a hands-off approach, especially with a larger group.
- DIY: Prepare simple dishes like sandwiches, fruit platters, and cupcakes for a budget-friendly option.
Desserts
No bridal shower is complete without sweet treats! Desserts are the perfect way to end the meal on a high note and can tie into the shower’s theme. Whether you go for homemade goodies or store-bought favorites, make sure there’s something for everyone.
- Cake: The perfect dessert choice if the guest list is on the smaller side.
- Cupcakes: Easy to serve and customize with frosting and toppings that match the shower’s colors or theme.
- Cake Pops: Fun, bite-sized treats that are perfect for guests to grab and enjoy.
- Mini Desserts: Individual servings of cheesecake, tarts, or brownies are ideal for keeping portions small and sweet.
- Fruit Tart or Pie: A light and refreshing option, great for spring or summer showers.
- Cookies: Decorated sugar cookies or classic chocolate chip cookies can be made to fit the theme and are always crowd-pleasers.
- Candy Bar: Set up a small candy station with an assortment of treats that guests can take home or snack on.
With these delightful desserts, your bridal shower will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth!
Signature Drinks
Add a special touch with creative beverages:
- Mimosa bar: Offer a variety of juices and sparkling wine for a fun DIY station.
- Mocktails: Perfect for a non-alcoholic option everyone can enjoy.
- Themed cocktails: Match the drinks to the bridal shower theme or the bride’s favorite flavors.
With a thoughtful menu and festive drinks, your bridal shower will leave everyone raving!
8. Decorations
Decorations set the mood for the bridal shower and make the event feel extra special. You don’t have to spend a fortune—simple touches and personal details can create a stunning atmosphere.
The Basics
Start with these essentials:
- Table centerpieces: Flowers, candles, or themed decor.
- Balloons: Use colors that match the theme for an instant festive look.
- Signage: Welcome signs, gift table labels, or directional signs.
- Lighting: String lights or candles for a cozy ambiance.
Personal Touches
Make the space feel unique to the bride with these ideas:
- Photos: Display pictures of the bride and groom, or highlight moments from the bride’s life.
- Personalized banners: Include her name, wedding date, or a fun message.
- Keepsake stations: A guest book or advice cards for guests to leave thoughtful notes.
DIY or Budget-Friendly Ideas
Save money and add charm with DIY decorations:
- Mason jars: Use as vases, candle holders, or snack containers.
- Paper decorations: Create garlands, paper flowers, or custom signs.
- Repurpose household items: Use mirrors, trays, or picture frames to enhance the decor.
Thoughtful decorations don’t have to be expensive—they just need to reflect the bride’s personality and make the space feel special!
9. Favors for Guests
Favors are a thoughtful way to thank guests for celebrating the bride. They don’t need to be extravagant—simple and meaningful gifts are always appreciated.
Popular Favor Ideas
Here are a few crowd-pleasing options:
- Mini candles: Elegant and easy to personalize with labels.
- Succulents: Cute and low-maintenance plants guests can take home.
- Baked goods: Packaged cookies, macarons, or cupcakes make sweet parting gifts.
- Beauty items: Lip balms, bath bombs, or small lotions are practical and luxurious.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Keep costs low with these ideas:
- DIY favors: Make your own candles, baked goods, or scrubs to save money.
- Buy in bulk: Purchase items like mini jars or succulents in bulk for discounts.
- Simple packaging: Use kraft paper bags, ribbons, or mason jars to create polished, affordable favors.
Flower Bar
A flower bar is a unique and fun favor idea that doubles as an activity for guests! Set up a station with various fresh flowers, greenery, and vases or mason jars. Guests can create their own bouquets or floral arrangements to take home as a personalized favor.
- Flowers: Provide a variety of blooms, including roses, lilies, daisies, and seasonal flowers.
- Tools: Offer scissors, floral wire, and ribbon for guests to assemble their creations.
- Vases: Have small jars, vases, or even mason jars available for the arrangements.
This hands-on experience not only gives guests a beautiful keepsake, but it’s also a great conversation starter and a memorable part of the shower!
A small, thoughtful favor is the perfect way to end the bridal shower on a high note!
10. Finalize the Details
The final touches will ensure the bridal shower runs smoothly. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the day along with the bride.
Checklist for the Week Before
Make sure everything is ready by tackling these tasks:
- Confirm RSVPs: Double-check the guest count for seating and food planning.
- Finalize decor: Gather all decorations and any DIY items.
- Shop for groceries: Buy food, drinks, and any last-minute supplies.
- Organize games: Print or prep materials for activities and prizes.
Day-Of To-Do List
Get everything set up before guests arrive:
- Set up early: Decorate the space, arrange tables, and set up game stations.
- Arrange seating: Ensure there’s enough space for everyone to be comfortable.
- Prepare food: Get snacks and drinks ready or set up a buffet.
- Have an emergency kit: Pack items like scissors, tape, extra decorations, and a first-aid kit for any last-minute fixes.
With these final steps, you’ll be ready to host a stress-free and memorable bridal shower!
11. Virtual Bridal Showers
If hosting an in-person shower isn’t possible, a virtual bridal shower is a great alternative.
Use platforms like Zoom to bring everyone together, and keep it fun with digital games, virtual gift opening, and plenty of interaction.
With a little creativity, you can still make the day special for the bride!
More Bridal Shower and Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas
Here are a few more blog posts that you might find helpful during the planning process:
