There are many wonderful marking points which lead up to and enrich the experience of your wedding; the Bridal Shower is one of them.
Traditionally, this event was given as a way to shower the bride with gifts, to help set up her home, either because her future spouse was poor or disapproved of by her father. Today it is a fun celebration and opportunity for family and friends to get together and give gifts as a show of care and affection. These gifts do not have to necessarily be for the home, they can now range from anything which the bride personally enjoys, including hobbies, clothing etc.
The bridal shower is traditionally held at any time, usually within nine weeks leading up to the wedding but must not be confused with the “Bachelorette party” which is a totally different celebration. The shower is meant to be a surprise but must be a date which comfortably fits in with everyone. The maid of honour would naturally know most of the bride’s schedule or not have much trouble finding out.
PLANNING TIPS
The bridal shower is generally hosted by the Maid of Honour with the help of the Bridesmaids. She will do all the organizing and basic decisions as to where, when and how it will be held.
A close friend can also host the shower if a maid of honour is not present or unable.
Please note that while we are talking about the official bridal shower, the bride can have many showers depending on what her other friends, family or co-workers decide to do.
WHERE
The shower can be held at any place which is convenient; it does not necessarily have to be at the bride’s home.
Themes can also be taken into consideration and used as a backdrop to further incorporate into or intensify the image. Consider Poolside, Garden, Clubhouse, Restaurant etc.
However, when contemplating an outdoor setting be sure to have a back-up location in case of bad weather.
WHO TO INVITE
Generally the bridal shower is seen as a ladies event but unlike the bachelorette night, you can invite couples. Generally only people who are invited to the wedding should be at the bridal shower. The hostess usually sets the limit, as a result, the budget of the maid of honour and bridesmaids should be taken into consideration before an invited person contemplates bringing an extra guest or guests.
ABOUT INVITATIONS
When constructing your invitations be sure to include:
Name of the bride
Date and Time of the occasion
Address of the event
Date, time & number for RSVP
Shower theme if applicable
Contact hostess name and number
Any home décor or other colour preferences for consideration when choosing gifts, if applicable
Surprise shower statement if applicable
Please post early to allow plenty of time for the guest to reply preferably at least three weeks before the shower. Be aware that some people might reply late and a follow-up call may be necessary.
BUDGET
The cost is accounted for according to the venue and the number of guests invited.
This budget can be streamlined by enlisting the help of family and friends to contribute items, like cake, food, drink bottles etc, which in singularity, would not put a great strain on the donator.
Engage the most computer literate person involved to make invitations on the computer and print them at home.
Enjoy mind games like Charades, Eat & Tell or Play Detective which basically cost nothing (these games are meant to be fun not reveal personal secrets), or making a toilet paper wedding gown which can be relatively cheap as you will only need to use the lowest quality paper.
Purchase disposable utensils, cups and plates bit by bit as the weeks go by so that by the time you are hosting, everything is ready without having the major bulk to buy.
Including guest favours will increase your cost but remember that the gifts do not have to be expensive to be appreciated; some can also be put together beautifully. It is up to the host to decide if favours fit into the budget.
SHOWER THEME IDEAS
CLOTHING
This is a good time for the bride to stock up on personal apparel items which will be very useful to her for the events leading up to the wedding, the honeymoon and beyond. She wants to look nice for every event during this time and would appreciate items such as:
SUGGESTED GIFTS
Dress
Casual wear, tops, skirt, shorts etc
Shoes
Swimwear, full suit, bikini, sarong etc
Scarves or sunhat
HOBBIES
A very personal way to treat the bride to something which she can use for activities which she really enjoys, or always wanted the motivation to explore.
Your knowledge of the bride and her favourite pastimes can guide you or enquire from people who really know her like members of the wedding party, family, co-workers and friends. SUGGESTED GIFTS
Recipe books
Fine art materials
Movies/DVD's
Craft projects
Books
Music
Outdoor activity subscription or membership
LINGERIE
This includes "must have" article inclusions for the bride's packing list, which she will greatly appreciate as she definitely needs these items as foundations for her clothing and for the wedding night and beyond, consider and include:
SUGGESTED GIFTS
Bathrobes
Negligee
Lounge wear
Slips
Bustier
Panties etc
JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES
The bride will need accessories and they do not necessarily need to be expensive as it is in fact better for the bride to travel with costume jewellery which will also be more versatile.
Today you can find some very beautiful pieces which while not real, very closely mimic the real thing and look equally as beautiful. Of course if the bride is very special to a guest they can consider the real thing if their budget allows.
For the rest of us remember that accessories also include other items:
SUGGESTED GIFTS
Earrings
Bangles
Necklaces
Lightweight belts
Foldable bags
Fashion Sunshades
Hair Adornment &Accessories
These are only samples ... Imagination and knowledge of the bride can be used, to tailor the perfect shower.
It should be a fun memory for everyone involved. You can have a PowerPoint presentation which afterwards can be given to the bride as a memento. Remember to include pictures and movies from the groom and his family members,
Buy disposable cameras or use the wedding photographer / videographer and capture all the Treasured Memories.
