Fun Fact: Did you know bridal showers came from 16th century Holland? 

It was serving as the replacement to the traditional dowery agreement. Either due to the bride’s family being poor or the father disapproving of the match. 

When a bride’s family could not provide a dowery, family and friends would arrange the bridal shower to collect gifts for the soon to be married couple.

1. Bridal Shower Budget

When planning any event, the first step would be to determine your budget. Be mindful that the budget may flex a little, so choose a number you are comfortable with as a starting budget and then a number you will not exceed

2. Guestlist

Choose how you want to send out your invitations.

Decide how many guests you will be inviting to your event. You can go the traditional route and send them through the mail or use a website like Evite. 

Send your invitations directly to everyone’s phones and make RSVPing as simple as clicking a button. If you opt to send your invitations through the mail, make sure to include an RSVP deadline.  

3. Choose a Bridal Shower Host

Even though a bride can host her event, I strongly discourage it. 

The bride should enjoy this event, soak up every second and unwind before her big day. 

Asking a bridesmaid or family member to host the event allows your bride to be present in her marvelous moment. 

4. Choose Your Venue

Commonly bridal showers host at someone’s home. Take time to map out your space, determining where each game will take place. Plan the layout of your food/appetizers/desserts. 

Where will guests arrive and depart? 

Place signs on restrooms and exits. Have a changing area for anyone with small children if children are allowed. Have a place for shoes and personal items such as purses and coats.

5. Create A Timeline

Timelines can be tricky because things do not always run on time, but having an idea of the order you would like your activities to flow in will save your guest from feeling bored and confused.

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Have a backup plan to have activities in mind that can be fillers for any delays in time, for example, if your bride is running late.

6. Communicate With Your Bride

Ask questions to determine if your bride wants to open her presents in front of everyone. 

Does she want to send out thank you cards? 

Maybe your bride has input on what games she wants to be played, prizes, and party favors she wants guests to receive. Talk about the music.  

Think about maybe having food and beverages served to your guest during the event. Will alcoholic beverages be served? A full meal or just appetizers? Is there going to be a dessert table or just a cake?

Unless your event is a surprise, sitting down with your bride should happen in the beginning stages of planning.

7. Personalized Touches

Create personalized touches to make the event more memorable. Ideas can be a slide show, speeches from guests, invite the groom to drop by, or play a game based on the bride’s likes and dislikes. 

Remember, this event is all about the soon to be married couple allows them to shine and be the center of attention. Use specific colors for the decorations. 

You can go with the wedding colors, create a dress code to organize your event further, and have your photos pop.

8. Capture The Day

Make room in your budget for a photographer. Laughter and smiles will be in abundance today capture these moments on camera. Social media is essential to assign someone the responsibility of creating snap chat filters to personalize for the occasion. 

Design a hashtag for the group to use throughout the event. The popular idea is to create a photo backdrop with props for guests to utilize in their photos.

9. Do Your Research

If you are not the most creative person, get on Pinterest or Google ideas. There are uniquely designed bridal shower games out there. Choose your favorites to create an experience your guest will never forget!

10. What is Appropriate?

Though there are no set rules, bridal showers can be a formal event or a more relaxed event. Some brides will prefer no explicit items at their bridal shower, so no male genital games and no lingerie. 

While other brides prefer provocative touches to make the event fun!

Make sure you know your audience and what is appropriate or not.

Over time bridal showers have evolved. 

You can keep it simple with a small get together or do it big with many guests. You can play games, share a meal, and exchange gifts. Whether you choose a little tea party or a large extravagant event, make this moment your own. 

You can include personal touches, choose a theme, dare I say, make the event cohort.

Most importantly, make this a Marvelous Moment to remember!

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Every Moment Counts,

Cynthia Boodhoo