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Bridal Shower Ideas & Planning Guide

A bridal shower is an exciting pre wedding event leading up to the big day, and it’s a chance for friends and family to come together to celebrate the bride-to-be. If you have been blessed with the honour of planning this special occasion, it may seem daunting at first, but with some creative ideas and careful planning, it can be a memorable experience for everyone. We’ve got you covered with some great ideas and tips to help make the planning process easy! First things first, consider the bride’s personality and what kind of party she would enjoy? Would she prefer a more traditional tea party or a wild night out with her friends? Once you know what type of bride you are dealing with here it’s time to start planning.

Bridal shower guest list

The first step in planning a bridal shower is creating a guest list for the bridal shower, based on the bride’s wishes, and gathering their contact information. This will help in sending out invitations and keeping track of RSVPs. Send out invitations at least 6-8 weeks before the bridal shower. Be sure to include all the details on the invites like the date, time, location, dress code, and any special instructions.


Image: Miranda Stokkel

Bridal shower Theme

The Bridal shower theme can be a tricky one to decide on. You could choose a theme based on a colour or incorporate the bride’s favourite hobbies or interests. For example, if she’s quite the trendy bride and is on the barbie bandwagon this year you could create an entire barbie themed bridal shower!  Create pink on theme cocktails, have a fun dress code, Hire a life sized barbie box to take photos in. An all-white theme is also popular for bridal showers it helps everyone get in the wedding spirit and looks great on camera. You can also choose the location they are getting married or having their honeymoon in as a theme. For example if they are getting married in a garden you could make it a high tea party theme. If they are honeymooning in Italy and the bride is a fan of Audrey Hepburn classics, the bridal showers theme could be ‘Roman Holiday’ which makes for a lush romantic bridal shower with food, music and decor being Italian inspired.

Bridal shower Decorations

The decorations can set the mood and tone of the Bridal shower event. When it comes to decorations, less is often more. Focus on a few key pieces like flowers, banner, balloons, that tie into your chosen theme. You can also add some personal touches like photos of the bride and groom or a guest book for everyone to sign or a polaroid camera or disposable cameras to pass around for everyone to document their time. If you are struggling for ideas Pinterest can be a great source of inspiration for Bridal shower decorations and Party ideas.

Wedding flowers on bridal tablescape
Image: Miranda Stokkel

Food ideas & Drinks

When it comes to food and drinks, there are plenty of delicious and creative options to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Consider the time of day and whether you want to provide a full meal or just appetisers. Grazing boards are popular and also make a stunning centrepiece. If you were going with the theme of a tea party you can serve an assortment of teas, cakes, scones and tasty sandwiches. They’re also great for big groups that have different dietary requirements as you can cover many bases with this style of food. Another cool idea is to set up a DIY dessert or cocktail station, where guests can decorate their own cupcakes and create their own cocktails. The key is to find the right balance between savoury and sweet options for guests to enjoy.

Bridal Shower Games & Activities

Bridal shower games are a great way to break the ice and provide some juicy entertainment. Some classic game options include bridal bingo, the toilet paper wedding dress game, and a trivia quiz about the happy couple. You could all have a cocktail making competition, floral bouquets throwing competition, or a scavenger hunt. Choosing activities that get everyone moving and interacting with the bride to be that are light hearted

Cocktail cart at wedding reception featuring elegant neutral flowers and wine. Photo by Lei Lei Clavey
Images: Lei Lei Clavey | Adam Levi Browne

Bridal Shower Gifts

Finding the perfect bridal shower gift for the bride-to-be is an exciting and thoughtful way to celebrate her upcoming wedding. Whether you’re a close friend, family member, or part of the wedding party, selecting the right gift can show your love and support during this special time. From sentimental keepsakes to practical essentials, there are so many gifts to choose from. Personalised items, such as towels or jewellery. For the bride who may be a little stressed out with all the planning and needs some pampering, a spa gift set or a massage voucher could be perfect to use prior to the big day. The best bridal shower gift is one that will reflect the bride’s personality and interests, that she can treasure for years to come.

Bridal shower Favours

As well as getting a gift for the bride to be it is also important that there are party favours for your guests. Party favours are a great way to thank bridal shower guests for their attendance and participation on the special day. Consider items that are pretty practical and useful, such as personalised candles or bath bombs, succulents, wine glasses, a small favour is a nice touch and a keepsake for all guests to remember the day by.

Photography

Hire a photographer or set up a photography booth to capture the memories of the event. You could even buy all the guests disposable film cameras to share around to capture fun candid memories on the day. Alternatively, setting up a polaroid camera and scrapbook photo album where guests can take a photo with the bride to be and write a message next to their picture together. This acts as a nice gift idea to cherish the day.

Remember, the most important thing is to make the bride feel special and loved. With these tips and ideas, you’re well on your way to planning an unforgettable bridal shower that the bride-to-be, her family and guests will remember forever.. With this guide, you should feel more confident in planning a memorable bridal shower. The key is to stay organised, communicate with the bride and guests, and have fun!

A bridal shower is an important pre-wedding celebration. If you are considering organising a bridal shower, don’t hesitate to begin the bridal shower planning process! The benefits and joy that come along with this special celebration are endless, and it’s a heartfelt way to show your love and support to the bride-to-be as she approaches her big day.

KWH bride Caity wearing the ivory Audrey gown with her bridesmaids.

FAQ

What is a bridal shower?

A bridal shower is a celebration held in honour of the bride-to-be before her wedding day. It is typically a gathering of close friends and family members who come together to shower the bride with love.

When should the bridal shower take place?

The bridal shower is usually held a few weeks to a couple of months before the wedding day. It is important to consider the bride’s schedule, as well as the availability of key guests, when choosing a date. Traditionally, bridal showers are held during the daytime on weekends, but there is flexibility to suit individual preferences.

Who should host the bridal shower?

The bridal shower is typically hosted by close friends or family members of the bride. It is common for bridesmaids, sisters, or the maid of honour to take on the responsibility of planning and hosting the event. However, anyone close to the bride can take on the role of the host.

How do I choose a theme for the bridal shower?

When choosing a theme for the bridal shower, consider the bride’s interests, hobbies, or favourite things. You can also draw inspiration from the wedding theme or colour scheme. Some popular themes include garden tea party, long lunch, wine tasting, or a spa day. The theme sets the tone for the decorations, activities, and overall ambiance of the event.

What kind of games can be played at a bridal shower?

There are various games that can be played at a bridal shower to keep guests entertained. Classic games like Bridal Bingo, Wedding Trivia, and the “How Well Do You Know the Bride?” game are always a hit. Other fun options include a photo booth, DIY craft stations, or even hiring a professional entertainer like a tarot card reader or caricature artist.

How can I make the bridal shower decorations special?

To make the bridal shower decorations special, consider incorporating personalised elements such as custom banners, signage, or monogrammed items. Use the bride’s favourite colours or the wedding colour scheme in the decorations. Adding fresh flowers, candles, and elegant table settings can also create a beautiful and memorable atmosphere.

What are some unique food and drink ideas for a bridal shower?

For a unique touch, consider serving a themed menu that reflects the bride’s preferences or the overall shower theme. You can have a DIY mimosa bar, a dessert table with a variety of sweets, or a gourmet cheese and charcuterie board. Another idea is to have a cooking class or interactive food station where guests can participate in making their own dishes.

How can I make the bridal shower memorable for the bride-to-be?

To make the bridal shower memorable for the bride-to-be, focus on personalisation and thoughtful touches. Include sentimental activities like sharing advice or creating a scrapbook with messages from all the guests. Consider surprising the bride with a special performance, slideshow, or video montage showcasing memories and well-wishes from loved ones.

Can I include a gift registry for the bridal shower?

Yes, it is common to include a gift registry for the bridal shower. The registry allows guests to choose gifts that the bride has specifically selected. When creating a gift registry, ensure a range of price points are available to accommodate different budgets. Provide the registry information on the bridal shower invitations or share it through word of mouth.

How can I stay organised while planning a bridal shower?

Staying organised is crucial when planning a bridal shower. Create a checklist or use a planning app to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and RSVPs. Delegate responsibilities to trusted friends or family members to alleviate some of the workload. Communicate regularly with the host team and vendors involved to ensure everything is on track.

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