The first bridal shower
Many moons ago a Dutch girl fell in love with a poor miller’s son and wanted to marry him. However, her father had other ideas for her future, one that entailed a wealthy pig farmer. He told her not to marry the boy and that if she did, he would take away her dowry. This bold Dutch girl doesn’t listen to her father and decides to marry the miller’s son anyways because she is in love with him. Her friends and village people heard about this and wanted to show their support, so they gave them gifts to help them begin their life as a couple. It was said that the father was so touched by this that he ended up helping them out with money. Thus, the beginning of what we know now as a Bridal Shower.
Three Months Before
- Decide on a theme. A theme can tie the decor and food together while adding a personal touch. It can be simple like a garden or tea party, or more elaborate as a Luau or beach party.
- Get a guest list from the bride. This event is for her close family and friends. Let the bride decide who should be there.
- Choose a location. Bridal showers can be as formal or relaxed as you want. They can be held in a chandelier-filled event space or in someone’s backyard. Your venue should comfortably accommodate all your guests and match the theme.
- Make sure the couple has a registry. Guests traditionally bring gifts to a bridal shower, and many like to choose from the couple’s registry. Make sure it is ready to go before you send out bridal shower invitations.
Two Months Before
One Month Before
- Finalize details and confirm vendors. Now is the time to check in with the venue and vendors to make sure contracts have been signed, menu items have been chosen, and all the logistical details are set.
- Work on game ideas. A fun part of any bridal shower is playing games. They encourage guests to mingle and always get the room laughing.
Two Weeks Before
- Confirm attendees. Follow-up with guests who haven’t RSVPed and finalize the number of attendees.
- Finalize decor. Make sure all the decorations have arrived and that you have everything you need to make the venue look gorgeous.
- Create a playlist. Make a fun playlist to set the tone for the party. Consider incorporating the bride’s favorite tunes and artists or songs that match the theme.
One Week Before
- Create a checklist of to-dos. To eliminate stress on the day of the bridal shower, make sure you have a game plan. Delegate to those willing to help. That way no one has an overwhelming amount to do.
One Day Before
- Cook and clean. If the event is at someone’s house, make sure the setting is clean and ready to welcome guests. Prep any food that you are making, and if other people are making items, check in on them to see if they need anything.
- Decorate the space. If you have access to the venue the day before the bridal shower, consider decorating early to alleviate some stress on the day-of. If you can’t decorate the room early, make sure to leave ample time on the morning of the shower to get it ready.
- Check things off the list. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and forget important tasks. Consult your checklist to make sure you have all tasks completed.