Must-Read Steps to Planning an Amazing Bridal Shower
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Three (or More) Months Before
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Talk to the bride. Does she want all women or coed? Afternoon tea or a Saturday night soiree? Does she want a particular bridal shower theme, style or color? Does she want to gather at a fun restaurant, quaint tea salon, her parents\' patio, a spa or your apartment? While most of the bridal shower details and decisions will be up to you, make sure you plan according to her input.
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Set the date—shoot for a month or two before the wedding. If certain bridesmaids and important family and friends can\'t convene until a few days before, hold off until then.
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If the bridal shower will take place at a tea salon, private dining room, restaurant or nightclub, make the reservations as soon as possible.
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Create the guest list for the bridal shower. And take note: Anyone you invite to the shower must also be invited to the wedding.
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Two Months Before
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Send a save-the-date email or call important guests to see if there might be any scheduling conflicts.
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As a courtesy, call any guests who\'ll have to travel some distance to attend—they\'ll appreciate the advance notice.
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Confer with the bridesmaids to establish a budget.
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Purchase bridal shower invitations or materials to make them.
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Hold a brainstorming session to finalize decisions about table linens, flowers, menu, decorations, favors, music and activities.
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Order special menu items through the bakery or caterer, and rent linens and other equipment from a rental company, if necessary.
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Compile addresses for the guest list.
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Make a detailed to-do list and assign tasks.
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One Month Before
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Assemble and address invitations. Don\'t forget to include information about the couple\'s registries. And, if it\'s a theme party, make sure to provide proper gift-giving instructions.
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Mail invitations.
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Shop for decorations, paper goods and other party props.
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Purchase favors.
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If guests have offered to bring desserts and other treats, email or call to confirm what they plan to bring.
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Two (or More) Weeks Before
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Place flower order.
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Buy your shower gift for the bride.
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Make a shopping list for the food and drinks. Buy any hard-to-find ingredients.
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Purchase spirits, if you\'re having cocktails.
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Pick up any baskets, CDs, cake stands, audio equipment or serving ware that friends or neighbors have offered to lend.
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One Week Before
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Confirm reservations.
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Confirm orders and delivery times.
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Confirm RSVPs.
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Assemble and gift wrap favors.
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Buy groceries.
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Create a mental floor plan to facilitate decorating and setting up.
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Organize shower games and activities.
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One Day Before
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Prepare any menu items that can be made in advance (or just do prep work).
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Receive and set up equipment, assemble decorations and favors, and set table(s).
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Touch base with the bridesmaids—confirm who\'s bringing what and ask them to arrive early to help.
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Run any last-minute errands.