Your best friend is finally tying the knot, and you know you could be directly responsible for every detail of your BFF’s wedding: the gown, hair and makeup, wedding and engagement rings, and the catering services. But there’s one thing you can do to help, and it’s planning the bridal shower. Whether you’re the maid-of-honor or a family member, it can be challenging to handle all the planning to make this small but special event special.
Planning all the surprise activities can be overwhelming, and you have to please not only the bride-to-be but also the guests. It’s not unusual to come across several planning and etiquette questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones related to planning a bridal shower.
Who could be the host?
It’s the maid-of-honor who could act as host. If she’s not available, a close family can take on the task. But you could ask anyone willing to make this day special and unforgettable for the bride can play host – her sister, aunt, best friend, college roommates and even work colleagues.
But you could also hire a professional host so everyone could enjoy the fun and games you plan for the bride and her guests. The host may not know the bride as well as her friends, but you could prepare games that will focus on the bride and groom, and all the happiness and love she could look forward to once her married life begins.
Who should be invited?
Here’s one rule you should remember: whoever gets an invite to the shower should also be on the wedding guest list. If the bride wants the shower to have a theme, make sure the guests will follow the theme. If you plan it as a surprise, collaborate with your guests and make sure they will keep the lid on it until that day. Make sure to send the invitations six to eight weeks before the event, so everyone could plan and join the party.
Should the bride have a role in the planning process?
When the bride says, “Surprise me!” then you can automatically assume that you’ll be in charge of everything. Otherwise, you have to consult with her regarding her preferences. As the host, you’ll ultimately take the reins, but ask the bride about key points such as the logistics (her available date, time, and preferred place). Is she into having afternoon tea time with her ladies or doing a typical party with some fun music? Even if you want to surprise her, it won’t hurt her to ask her about the more important details.
A bridal shower is an integral part of any bride’s pre-wedding ritual, not only as a way to celebrate her union, but also as a way to strengthen their bonds as friends and family as she begins to start a new chapter in her life. Plan a bridal shower that will be all that: fun, loving, and full of laughter and memories that she could take once she says, “I do.”
