So your BFF’s asked you to throw her bridal shower? Don’t panic! Being the shower host can be a little daunting. After all, you want to get it just right. But throwing a memorable bridal shower is easy when you know how. It all comes down to good planning and thoughtful details, whatever your style and budget. Here are some of the ingredients for throwing a shower the bride (and all the guests) will still be talking about when the wedding rolls around.
Pick the perfect theme. A theme is a great way to make the rest of your ideas cohesive. Ideally, it should be something that relates to the bride or couple in some way. For example, you could give a nod to one of their favorite destinations with a Hawaiian luau or Mexican fiesta. Or how about honoring the bride’s love of vintage with a Gatsby themed soiree?
Invite the right guests. Even if you want to keep some parts of the day a surprise, the bridal shower guest list should always be bride-approved and supplied by her first.
Choose a fabulous venue. Whether the shower is held at a restaurant, a private home or some other venue, the location will set the tone for the event. Choosing the right venue may also help cut down on decorations, since the in-house décor can do most of the work for you.
Include the bride’s faves. This is her day after all! For example, you could serve up her favorite foods and signature drink, decorate in (or wear) her favorite color or reference a film or book she loves in the theme and décor. It’s a fun way to make the bride feel extra special on her big day.
Add personal details. The guests should feel special too. Be sure to include personal details like handwritten name tags at their place setting or personalized favors.
Include the groom. The tradition of the groom showing up with a bouquet of flowers before the end of the shower has become more popular again. Guests who haven’t met him yet will especially enjoy it. If he can’t be there in person, include him in another way. For example, ask him to list some of the things he loves most about his bride-to-be, then frame and display them as part of the décor or use his answers in a game.
Have a statement piece. The secret to memorable bridal shower décor is to have one feature that serves as a talking point and is instantly Instagrammable. For example, an oversize floral arrangement, an interactive food station, a balloon arch or a custom backdrop.
Plan an activity. Planning an activity for a bridal shower doesn’t have to be cheesy! Use your theme as a guide and choose something that will get guests engaged and talking to one another like flower arranging or co*cktail mixing.
A little thought and planning goes a long way when it comes to throwing a bridal shower. Most importantly, relax and have fun!
xoxo,
Mindy
Image by Elizabeth Messina Photography
