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Friday, June 13, 2008

Bridal Shower Tips--You're Invited!


In the weeks to come, I’ll be blogging on everything and anything related to wedding showers. So if you’re interested in the topic, keep checking back for more.

Start Early. A shower should take place about six weeks prior to the wedding and may take several weeks to plan.

Who’s the host? Traditionally, the maid of honor leads the charge, assisted by the bride’s maids.

Guests. Mothers of the bride and groom will likely have guest lists. Decide in advance how many you wish to invite, if the shower is for ladies only or couples, and if it is to be an all-inclusive or a more intimate gathering of close friends and relatives. Keep in mind the importance of introducing all these people to one another.

Invitations. Many hosts today use email or hand-crafted, computer generated invitations. The latter can be personalized and quite lovely while saving time and money. If you choose to order printed invitations, order early.

Budget. Decide in advance but don’t break the bank. A beautiful shower can be accomplished on a limited budget.


Refreshments. Traditionally, punch and cake were the mainstays of bridal showers. Today, the sky is the limit. Choose from-hor’dourves, fruit and veggie arrangements, a buffet meal, or something as fun as a chocolate fountain/fondue. Keep the bride and guests in mind when making the decision.

Theme or Type. Again, consult with the bride. A typical bridal shower includes any and all household items. But perhaps the bride would prefer a linen shower or a kitchen shower.

a. Groom shower. In recent years, the groom shower has gained some popularity. Generally given by the best man, gifts range from tools to yard or car care items-anything that says ‘guy’. Consequently, the games and refreshments will also be male-focused. A game of pool, a round of poker, some pizza or chip and dip. The important thing is giving the groom his equal due.

Games. Though not a must, at least one game is a way to break the ice and create an entertaining atmosphere. Bridal shower games are easy to find on-line. Kits can also be purchased for more elaborate fun.

Most importantly, have fun!

I’d love to hear about anything unique, cute, or special you experienced at a shower. What kind of themes have you encountered? Have you played any fun games?

Please share your thoughts and tips, do’s and don’ts for a successful bridal shower! I’ll be back with more….










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13 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I mentioned this in a previous post but I see now it belongs here.

I recently went to a bridal shower that was for kitchen stuff and they made it Pampered Chef. The rep was there and took orders and coordinated so there weren't duplicates. The items went to the bride, avoiding wrapping paper, etc.

It was easy to do, yet lacked a bit of creativity. It eliminated the chance to give the nice cut-glass bowls and special things, some from from antique markets, which I was given.

The food was displayed beautifully, including two full pineapples stuck with toothpicks of a pickle wrapped in cold cuts, etc. Yummy and pretty.

June 13, 2008 at 6:33 AM  
Blogger Linda Goodnight said...

Ooh, I love the pineapple/pickle idea. That would be so pretty and unique.

The theme of Pampered Chef was great since that must have been what the bride wanted most. For non-shoppers like me, it would be ideal. For those who enjoy the shopping and choosing, though, I can see where it wouldn't be as much fun.

In the weeks to come, I plan to talk about different types of foods, so if you don't mind, I may share the above idea. It's very cute. I'll also blog in detail about all other aspects, from decorations and games to themes and favors.

Stay tuned and keep those ideas coming. Future brides want to know...

June 13, 2008 at 9:01 AM  
Blogger Linda Goodnight said...

Ooh, I love the pineapple/pickle idea. That would be so pretty and unique.

The theme of Pampered Chef was great since that must have been what the bride wanted most. For non-shoppers like me, it would be ideal. For those who enjoy the shopping and choosing, though, I can see where it wouldn't be as much fun.

In the weeks to come, I plan to talk about different types of foods, so if you don't mind, I may share the above idea. It's very cute. I'll also blog in detail about all other aspects, from decorations and games to themes and favors.

Stay tuned and keep those ideas coming. Future brides want to know...

June 13, 2008 at 9:02 AM  
Blogger Shirley said...

When I was a bride, we did Princess House (I think that's what it was called)--the glassware stuff. We had a PH party and I made a wish list, so that people could order for me if they wanted, and then at my regular shower, I received some PH stuff. It was nice. I still have loads of that stuff, 18 years later :-).

Shirley

June 13, 2008 at 10:08 AM  
Blogger catslady said...

My daughter just had her shower this past week and it turned out wonderfully. We had a room at a local restaurant. My other daughter is the maid of honor (and an art student) and she did a lovely job of decorating. We had half a dozen games with prizes that everyone seemed to really enjoy. A big hit was the clothes pin game - everyone gets one and they're told not to say certain words or you get to take it from them. This was a good way for people to mingle too. Another good one is have the bride-to-be leave the room and then you ask questions about what she was wearing. I have to say everyone enjoyed themselves and I was completely pleased with everything.

June 13, 2008 at 12:52 PM  
Blogger Nathalie said...

I have never been to a bridal shower... it must be great :)

Can I have a piece of cake please!

June 13, 2008 at 4:19 PM  
Blogger Nathalie said...

I did not know there was a protocole for such things... bride's maids hosting it does make sense though!

June 13, 2008 at 4:23 PM  
Blogger catslady said...

Sorry I can't give some of all the left over cake Nathalie - I'm going to get fat because it's so good lol.

June 14, 2008 at 8:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have to say the shower itself was fun. At one point us girls pulled a gag on our friend. We gave her gag gifts(lingerie, condoms, etc) before we gave her the real gifts. You should have seen her face. The best part is when her mother brought everyone goody bags. That was real sweet. We loved it.

June 14, 2008 at 4:19 PM  
Blogger Lily said...

I think this is just too cute... and preparing this must be nice for the entourage and the bride :)

June 14, 2008 at 6:19 PM  
Blogger robynl said...

my one shower in my home town was a miscellaneous shower-anything goes; the one where I lived and the groom came from they hosted a linens shower which was very nice. We received towels, bedding, blankets, etc.

the last shower I was at my sisters' and I hosted for our niece.

June 15, 2008 at 2:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My bridal shower was wonderful. My maid of honor hosted it along with my mom. We played "Who Knows the Bride Best" "Bridal Bingo" and "Bridal Word Search" I was so grateful to have a room filled with so much love.

June 17, 2008 at 1:21 PM  
Anonymous wedding gown alterations OC said...

These are great information for planning a wedding shower. These ideas are helpful and effective in ensuring that all details are properly planned. Thanks for sharing a very informative article.

June 22, 2012 at 2:49 AM  

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