A bridal shower is a special pre-wedding celebration where close friends and family gather to honor the bride-to-be. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand affair, following the right etiquette ensures a fun and memorable event. From who plans the bridal shower to bridal shower games, here’s a complete guide to the do’s and don’ts of throwing the perfect bridal shower.
1. Who Plans the Bridal Shower?
Traditionally, the maid of honor or bridesmaids take charge of planning the bridal shower. However, close friends, family members, or even a professional event coordinator can step in to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Do’s:
- ✅ Consult the Bride – While it’s a surprise for the bride, ensure the theme and date work with her schedule.
- ✅ Work with a Budget – Whether you’re planning a simple brunch or a lavish event, define a budget early on.
- ✅ Book a Venue Early – Popular destination wedding venues or local event spaces fill up fast, so secure your location in advance.
- ✅ Send Out Invitations on Time – Send out elegant luxury wedding invitations at least 4-6 weeks before the event.
Don’ts:
- ❌ Assume the Bride Will Help Plan – The bride has enough on her wedding planning list, so let her enjoy the celebration stress-free.
- ❌ Invite People Who Aren’t Invited to the Wedding – Stick to the guest list to avoid awkward situations.
- ❌ Overlook the Groom’s Side – If the groom’s family is close to the bride, consider including them in the planning.
2. Bridal Shower Games to Keep Guests Entertained
A bridal shower isn’t complete without fun games to break the ice and engage guests.
Do’s:
- ✅ Pick Games That Suit the Crowd – Whether it’s a mix of young and old guests or a small intimate party, choose games that fit the audience.
- ✅ Offer Small Prizes – Fun wedding favors for guests, like mini candles or personalized keychains, make great game prizes.
- ✅ Keep It Light and Fun – The goal is laughter and bonding, so avoid anything too embarrassing.
Popular Bridal Shower Games:
- 🎉 Bridal Bingo – Guests fill out a bingo card with gifts they think the bride will receive.
- 🎉 How Well Do You Know the Bride? – A trivia-style game with fun facts about the bride.
- 🎉 Wedding Pictionary – A classic game where guests draw wedding-related words while others guess.
- 🎉 Date Night Jar – Guests write date night ideas on slips of paper for the couple to use after the wedding.
Don’ts:
- ❌ Make the Games Too Long – Keep each game short and engaging to maintain interest.
- ❌ Exclude Guests Who Don’t Want to Participate – Some guests may prefer to watch, and that’s perfectly fine.
- ❌ Forget to Plan a Playlist – Set the mood with soft background music. Consider dj services pre-mix wedding music for a curated list.
3. Food and Drink Considerations
The bridal shower menu should reflect the theme and preferences of the bride. Whether you opt for a seated brunch, buffet, or cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a great food spread is essential.
Do’s:
- ✅ Hire Professional Catering – If hosting a large event, catering services NYC can provide a hassle-free dining experience.
- ✅ Offer a Signature Drink – Create a fun, customized drink to match the theme.
- ✅ Consider Dietary Restrictions – Offer vegetarian, gluten-free, or non-alcoholic options.
Don’ts:
- ❌ Go Overboard with a Complicated Menu – Keep it simple yet delicious to avoid food waste and logistical issues.
- ❌ Forget to Have Enough Drinks – Ensure guests have access to plenty of beverages, including water and mocktails.
4. Bridal Shower Etiquette and Final Touches
A well-planned bridal shower runs smoothly with thoughtful details and proper etiquette.
Do’s:
- ✅ Give Guests a Timeline – A schedule helps keep the event organized, following a seamless wedding reception timeline.
- ✅ Provide a Thank-You Gift – Unique wedding favor ideas NJ like scented candles or personalized gifts make thoughtful take-home favors.
- ✅ Document the Event – Assign someone to capture candid moments or hire a professional photographer.
Don’ts:
- ❌ Forget to Plan for Gifts – Designate a space for gifts and ensure someone records who gave what for thank-you notes.
- ❌ Ignore Accessibility Needs – If guests have mobility issues, ensure the venue has accessible seating and pathways.
Conclusion
A bridal shower is a heartfelt celebration that should be fun, well-organized, and stress-free. By following these bridal shower do’s and don’ts, you can create an event that the bride will cherish forever. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or an extravagant affair, having the right mix of bridal shower games, delicious food, and thoughtful touches ensures a perfect day.At White Wave Events, we specialize in seamless event planning, ensuring every bridal shower detail is handled with care. For more event inspiration and updates, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Blinq.me. Let White Wave Events bring your bridal shower vision to life!
