Bridal Shower Ideas: Planning the Perfect Party

Planning

A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning the Perfect Bridal Shower

Bridal Shower Ideas group of girls

From the invite list and party games, to decorations and food, we’ve got your bridal shower planning covered

Looking for bridal shower ideas? From the invite list and party games, to the decoration and food. If you’re feeling riddled with responsibility, don’t panic. Whether you have been set this task as the Maid of Honour, Mother of the Bride, or a perfectionist bride taking the reins yourself, you are the perfect person for the job.

Follow our step-by-step guide full of bridal shower ideas to make sure the day runs as smoothly as possible for the nearly-wed.

What is a bridal shower?

A bridal shower is a wedding tradition in America, but one which has been welcomed with open arms in recent years in the UK. The bridal shower is a chance to shower the bride-to-be with wishes, good luck and gifts. A pre-wedding party that’s slightly more civilised than the hen night!

Who should be invited?

Bridal Shower Ideas close friends

Traditionally an all-women affair, close friends, sisters and mothers of the bride (and groom) would be expecting an invitation. However, you know the bride best. Perhaps she isn’t all that traditional. There are no rules, only patterns from which you might be able to take inspiration. If ‘girls only’ isn’t your bride-to-be’s style, go against the grain. Invite your bride’s nearest, dearest and anyone up for a celebration. Although, typically bridal shower guests would also be wedding guests (things could get awkward otherwise).

How will I make sure my guests mingle?

At bridal showers, there’s a mixture of friends and family. Both of the bride and of the groom. For this reason, anxieties can naturally build, for the organiser, regarding everybody enjoying themselves. Party games are the best icebreaker. They transcend generations and are a sure way of getting everybody chatting and remembering each other’s faces fondly on the big day.

Bridal Shower Party Game Ideas:

Guest Clue: The host will write down questions which apply to each of the guests. The guests will then have an hour to mingle and work out who everyone is. Example: Who is the bride’s oldest friend?

Would She Rather? This game is a party favourite. The rules are self-explanatory: show how well you know the bride by answering multiple choice questions about what she’d rather do. Example: Would she rather never drink again or shave her head?

When should the Bridal Shower be held?

Generally held 3 months to 2 weeks before the Wedding Day, bridal showers are an opportunity for an excitable catch up and warm up. It’s best to avoid setting the bridal shower date too close or too far away from the big day. This is because you want it to be all part of the build-up. Maintain the excitement for the wedding.

Should there be a theme?

There is no rule that there should be a theme, but it can be a lovely way to really personalise the bridal shower to the bride. Thoughtfulness is the key to a great bridal shower. So, if there is something the bride-to-be is known to love, embrace that.

Bridal Shower Theme Ideas:

New York Theme: If your bride-to-be loves everything New York from the high-rise buildings to the bagels, bring that feeling to her bridal shower. A Central Park bench photo booth would be a brilliant way to capture the memories and add some New York flare to the shower. Decorate the walls with Subway maps and Broadway posters and buy yellow cab name place clips for the table. Cosmopolitans may be the drink of choice. And, to snack on, a few stands generously stacked with American treats like soft pretzels and doughnuts could also be a nice touch.

Mexican Theme: A Mexican theme means lots of colour, cocktails and music. Buy some cacti, colourful bunting and sombreros. With so much going on, it will get conversation going among newly introduced guests. Some salsa, guacamole and margaritas should help, too.

Mexican Theme Bridal Shower
Credit: Jessica To’oto’o via Unsplash

Tea Party Theme: Flowers, flowers everywhere. If it’s a summertime affair, why not host the bridal shower in the garden? With cake stands stacked with sandwiches and fairy cakes, the tea party theme is the perfect choice for a beautiful, budget bash.

For venue inspo, check out the best afternoon tea spots in London.

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