A bridal shower is an excellent way to officially celebrate a first pre-wedding event where friends and family from both sides get to meet each other.
If you’re wondering how to plan a bridal shower, here are tips and ideas. We at the Picnic Makers event planning company will cover the bridal shower planning process from start to finish, including game ideas, a bridal shower itinerary, and more.
From setting a time and date to choosing a theme, here’s exactly how to plan a bridal shower step-by-step.
Navigate through the ideas:
- What happens at a bridal shower
- Bridal shower planning tips
- Bridal shower itinerary example
- Bridal shower vs. wedding shower
- FAQs
What happens at a bridal shower
A bridal shower is a pre-wedding celebration where the bride is showered with love, gifts, and wishes from her closest friends and family members. Typically, the bridal shower event includes:
Socializing 💬 Guests mingle, catch up, and share stories about the bride.
Food and Drink 🍽️ A variety of refreshments served, from finger foods and desserts to more unique meals.
Games and activities 🎲 Organize fun, bridal-themed games and activities to keep guests entertained.
Gift Presentations 🎁 Guests give the bride gifts, often from her registry.
Speeches and toasts 🥂 Close friends and family may give short speeches or toasts celebrating the bride.
Gift Opening 🎀 The bride opens her gifts in front of her guests, often with the help of her bridesmaids.
So, let`s look at the ways to plan a successful bridal shower.
Bridal shower planning tips + FREE checklist
The process of planning a bridal shower can be as enjoyable as the event itself.
Follow these steps to ensure that every stage of the celebration perfectly aligns with the bride’s dreams and your vision for an extraordinary day.
1. Set up the budget
The first important step in planning a bridal shower is to set a budget.
Before you dive into the details, set a time limit for the event. This will guide your decisions about the venue, cuisine, decorations, and other elements to effectively manage your resources.
Traditionally, the host or hosts pay for the bridal shower.
This often includes the maid of honor, bridesmaids, or other close friends or family members organizing the event.
The cost may be divided among the organizers, and while it’s possible to ask guests to contribute, this should be done with sensitivity to avoid any awkwardness.
Nowadays, it’s common for the couple to pitch in, especially for lavish or large showers. This can help accommodate a more extravagant celebration without overburdening the traditional hosts.
Bridal shower budget examples:
- Modest Affair 💐 For smaller, more basic showers, budgets range from $300 to $500.
Moderate Affair 🎉 A moderately sized shower with elaborate decorations and food can range from $500 to $1,500.
Lavish Event ✨ Budgets for a large, fancy bridal shower, especially in a high-cost area or luxurious venue, can easily exceed $1,500 or more.
Need a step-by-step planning checklist? Just make a copy of our FREE Bridal Shower Checklist template.
2. Compile the guest list
At Picnic Makers, we understand that creating a bridal shower guest list is delicate. It’s important to decide whether you’re planning a cozy, intimate, or a larger, more vibrant bridal shower.
Include the bride’s closest friends and family, as is tradition.
Today, inviting male friends and family to join the festivities is also thoughtful.
Always coordinate with the bride to honor her preferences and ensure that those invited to the shower are also on the wedding guest list. This coordination is key to a seamless celebration.
Download Bridal Shower Guest List Invitation Tracker.
3. Choose the date
At our Picnic Makers company, we recommend scheduling the bridal shower 1 – 3 months before the wedding. This allows the bride to relax between the shower and the big day.
When choosing a date, consult with key attendees such as bridesmaids and close family members to ensure their availability.
Note: avoid dates close to major holidays or the wedding date to prevent scheduling conflicts.
4. Select the venue
Choosing the right location for a bridal shower is as crucial as choosing the time and setting a guest list. Venues range from private homes to restaurants, parks, or even unique spots such as spas or cooking classes tailored to the shower’s theme.
When choosing a venue, consider the number of guests, your budget, logistical convenience, and, most importantly – the bride’s personal preferences.
This careful consideration will ensure that the venue enhances the overall bridal shower experience.
5. Send out the invitations
Invitations should be sent out:
- 4-6 weeks in advance: to give guests ample time to RSVP and make arrangements.
- Include key details: date, time, location, RSVP information, and gift registry details.
- Follow up: a reminder to guests who haven’t responded as the date approaches.
Be sure to include the date, time and location of the event, and don’t forget to include information about the bride’s gift registry.
6. Select the bridal shower theme
Choosing the right theme means setting the tone for the bridal shower and making it a truly memorable occasion.
Do not mess up with the theme; pay it enough attention. Make sure every detail reflects the bride’s personality and the joy of the upcoming celebration.
Let these creative and stylish theme ideas inspire your planning:
Luxury pop-up picnic 🍾
An exclusive, elegant outdoor gathering tailored just for the bridal shower. The bridal shower feels special and memorable in a luxury setting with warm colors and a boho setup.
Picnic Makers brings this vision to life with our custom luxury pop-up bridal shower picnics. Set in beautiful, picturesque locations, our picnics combine the serenity of nature with the sophistication of a fine dining experience.
This theme is perfect for those who love the blend of natural beauty and upscale comfort.
Let us handle the details while you and your guests indulge in a lavish picnic experience that everyone will remember.
Vintage tea party 🌸
Take your guests back in time with a charming vintage tea party. Arrange delicate teacups, lace tablecloths, enchanting floral arrangements, and a pink backdrop to evoke a sense of old-times nostalgia and elegance.
This theme perfectly highlights a bridal shower’s classic beauty.
Tropical paradise 🍍
Turn your bridal shower into a vibrant tropical paradise that feels like a vacation. Decorate with lush palm leaves, bright pineapples, and bold floral arrangements to create a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Parisian chic 🇫🇷🥐
Bring the Paris atmosphere to your bridal shower. Set the scene with Eiffel Tower centerpieces, indulge in delicious French pastries, and decorate with elegant black and white accents.
This theme captures the essence of French elegance, making your party a stylish and sophisticated affair.
Tip: for more inspiring themes, look at the top 30 best bridal shower ideas, curated by the Picnic Makers team.
7. Decide on menu
The menu should complement the time of day, the theme, and the bride’s tastes.
For a morning event, set up a delicious brunch. For an afternoon or evening shower, choose some lunch or dinner menus or perhaps a mix of appetizers and desserts.
The menu may include a formal sit-down meal, a casual buffet, or a charming picnic-style spread.
Always remember to accommodate any dietary restrictions to bring the feast joy to each guest.
8. Organize the games & entertainment
Traditional activities often include bridal shower games, gift-giving, and light-hearted fun that celebrate the couple’s journey to marriage.
The opening of the bride’s gifts is usually a festive highlight that brings joy and anticipation to the attendees. If the guests leave heartfelt notes or mementos, it can also add a deeply personal element to the bridal shower.
Tailor these activities to reflect your own cultural traditions and personal tastes to create a truly unique and heartfelt event for the bride and her guests.
9. Arrange for transport
When planning a bridal shower, consider transportation logistics, especially if the venue is not easily accessible or if alcohol will be served.
We recommend facilitating transportation options for your guests. This can be as simple as providing details of local taxi services or as organized as arranging a shuttle bus.
Such arrangements allow guests to fully enjoy the festivities without having to worry about their return home.
10. Send thank you notes
After the bridal shower, the best practice for the bride-to-be is to send thank-you notes to your bridal shower`s participants.
This gesture shows gratitude for their gifts and presence and leaves a positive, lasting impression.
It’s a wonderful way to end the celebration on a warm note.
Download Bridal Shower Checklist FREE TEMPLATE.
Bridal shower itinerary example
Creating a structured itinerary will ensure that your bridal shower runs smoothly. As an event planning company, we understand the importance of deadlines and a smooth event process.
Here’s an example from our Picnic Makers team to guide you through a bridal shower event:
- 10:45 AM: Set-up and preparation. Event staff finalizes decorations and seating arrangements. The catering team prepares for guests to arrive.
- 11:00 AM: Arrival and greeting. Guests are greeted with a choice of welcome drinks: sparkling wine, mimosas or flavored sparkling water. Light background music adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
- 11:30 AM: Icebreaker games. The host introduces fun icebreaker games to help guests mingle. For example: “How well do you know the bride?” and bridal bingo.
- 12:00 PM: Brunch buffet opens. A lavish brunch buffet is served with classics such as quiche, smoked salmon, assorted pastries and a fresh fruit platter. A specialty coffee and tea station is available for guests as well.
- 1:00 PM: Toasts and speeches. Close friends and family give heartfelt toasts and short speeches celebrating the bride. A special video montage of the bride with friends and family is played.
- 1:30 PM: Gift opening. The bride opens the gifts, with an officiant announcing each gift to keep the event running smoothly. Guests gather in a semicircle for better viewing and interaction.
- 2:00 PM: Dessert and mingling. A dessert cart rolls in with an array of choices: macaroons, mini cheesecakes, and chocolate truffles. Casual mingling with a photo booth set up with props and a themed backdrop.
- 3:00 PM: Closing remarks and farewell. The bride gives a heartfelt thank you to everyone in attendance. Guests are given a small goody bag as a token of appreciation as they leave.
This timeline can be adjusted based on your specific needs and the overall feel you want for the event.
Bridal shower vs. wedding shower: what’s the difference?
When it comes to pre-wedding celebrations, understanding the difference between a bridal shower and a wedding shower is key. Let’s break it down:
Bridal shower
- Typically includes the bride and her female friends and relatives.
- A celebration that focuses on showering the bride-to-be with gifts and good wishes.
- Creates an intimate and special gathering for the bride and her closest female relatives.
Wedding shower
- Involves the bride and groom with guests of all genders.
- A shared celebration that includes the couple’s social circle.
- A wedding shower allows guests to come together and celebrate the upcoming wedding.
The choice between a bridal shower and a wedding shower depends on the couple’s preferences and the nature of their social circle.
Understanding this difference will help you plan an event that perfectly matches the couple’s wishes and creates a memorable and inclusive celebration for everyone.
What does the groom do?
Traditionally, the groom does not attend the bridal shower, as it is typically an event for the bride and her female friends and relatives. However, the groom may:
– Help with the planning. Assist the bride with logistical details as needed.
– May make a brief appearance at the end of the shower to say hello and thank the guests.
– Participate in co-ed showers. If the couple chooses to have a co-ed wedding shower, the groom will be fully included in the festivities.
Who throws a bridal shower?
The bridal shower is usually hosted by:
Maid of Honor: Often takes the lead in organizing the event.
Bridesmaids: Help with planning and co-hosting.
Close friends or family: Sometimes, they are responsible for hosting.
At Picnic Makers, we encourage collaboration to ensure that the event reflects the bride’s personality. It’s common for the maid of honor, bridesmaids and family members to work together on the shower.
Bridal shower dress code
The dress code for a bridal shower depends on the theme and venue:
- Casual: For informal settings such as a picnic or backyard gathering.
- Semi-formal: For events held at a restaurant or similar venue.
- Themed: In keeping with the specific theme of the shower (e.g., vintage tea party, tropical paradise).
- Guidelines: Include dress code information in invitations to guide guests.
How long does the bridal shower usually last?
A bridal shower typically lasts about 3 to 5 hours.
This time allows guests to enjoy activities, food, and company without feeling rushed.
Planning a bridal shower means creating an event filled with love, support, and camaraderie. It’s a treasured occasion that the bride-to-be will remember for years to come.
Whether you are planning a traditional event or looking for an extraordinary experience, this step-by-step guide will help you create a smooth and enjoyable bridal shower.
At Picnic Makers, we can help turn your vision into reality. As a leading LA luxury picnic company, we provide customized experiences for your needs and preferences. Serving Los Angeles, Orange County, and Malibu, we strive to make your bridal shower unforgettable.
FAQs
How can I decide on the best date for the bridal shower?
Bridal showers are usually held a few weeks to a few months before the wedding. Before finalizing the date, consult with key attendees such as bridesmaids and close family members.
Who should be invited to the bridal shower?
The guest list for a bridal shower usually includes the bride’s closest friends and family. If it is a wedding shower, male friends and family are invited. Consult with the bride to define the guest list.
What are some unique themes or entertainment ideas for a bridal shower?
You can choose a specific color scheme or a more detailed theme, such as a luxury beach picnic or high tea. For entertainment, consider hiring a professional (such as a musician or comedian), setting up a DIY photo booth, or creating a slideshow of the couple’s photos.
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