BRIDAL SHOWER CHECKLIST
A bridal shower is a fun and highly anticipated celebration for the bride-to-be, giving her a chance to take a day off from the stresses of wedding planning.
bridal shower
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3 MONTHS BEFORE
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Set a date - The shower can be held anywhere from two weeks to two months before the wedding. Select a date that works best for your circumstances and, if it’s not a surprise, check with the bride. The earlier the better!
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Coordinate with the bride - If it’s not a surprise, get the bride’s input on whom to include and specifics details such as the date, theme or style.
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Create a budget - To avoid overspending, set a budget and coordinate with the people involved to balance out costs.
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Select and book venue - Whether held at a home, an event space or an outdoor location, reserve a venue that best suits the bride’s personality and tastes. Consider the costs in line with your budget
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Decide on theme - Although not necessary, a creative bridal shower theme can liven up the event. It may dictate the drinks, food and activities you choose, so don’t be afraid to have some fun with it!
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Create guest list - Although it doesn’t have to align with the wedding invite list, be sure you invite all important figures in the bride’s life. Determine if you want it to be co-ed or just an all ladies affair.
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Finalize time - After you choose the date, pick a time to hold the shower. Take into account that a bridal shower typically lasts 2-4 hours.
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Select invitations - Bridal shower invitations should tie into the style or theme of the shower. Include directions, attire, registry details, how to RSVP and any other essential details.
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2 MONTHS BEFORE
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Send a save the date email - If important guests are traveling from out of town, confirm there are no scheduling conflicts.
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Collect addresses or emails for invites - Whether you plan on sending an Evite or a physical invite, make a list of all addresses you will need ahead of time.
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Create a planning committee - If you need the extra help, get a group together and delegate tasks and roles for each person. Keep communication open to address any questions or concerns.
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Start planning - Make a list to finalize decisions on decorations, flowers, favors, music and menu items. Be sure it ties into the theme!
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Place rental order - If the venue doesn’t include it already, be sure to reserve tables, chairs and linens as needed.
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Consider hiring staff - To serve drinks or food on the day of the event, be sure to book staff in advance if you go that route.
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Order special items - Call the bakery, caterer and flower shop of choice to place orders in advance.
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1 MONTH BEFORE
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Send out invitations - Give guests about a month to save the special day on their calendar and make accommodations.
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Share details with the groom - If the groom will be making a guest appearance at the shower, be sure to send him all the details separately.
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Decide on activities - Staying within theme and budget, make a plan for interactive bridal shower themed games or activities. Incorporate music or even a photo booth if it fits!
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Order food and drinks - For the catering or bartending service route, place your orders at least a month out.
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Check in on committee - Ask the bridesmaids, friends or family members assisting on the committee to confirm their assigned items. Offer to help if they need it.
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Decide on a take home favor - Pick a creative gift that guests can bring home. Whether it’s a succulent or wine tumbler, tie it into the theme and place the order for pick up in advance.
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THE WEEK OF
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Confirm reservations - Make quick calls to all orders to confirm delivery times and details.
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Purchase food or drinks - If you’re making food yourself, buy and begin preparations for any menu items that can be made in advance. Also, be sure to purchase spirits if you’re making cocktails.
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Pick up decor - To avoid stressing on the day of the event, pick up decorations or flowers the week of.
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Assemble take home favors - If your take home gifts require gift wrapping or assembly, put these together in a fun way!
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Create floor plan - Put together a venue map to facilitate layout of equipment, tables, decorations and favors
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Touch base with committee - Ask whoever is available if they can come early to help set up on the day of the event.
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THE DAY OF
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Set up - Setup tables, chairs, activities, food and drink displays.
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Decorate - Whether you use banners, balloons, streamers or a fun photo booth table, be sure to set up your decorations in a way that makes sense for the venue.
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Designate gift opening area - Have a specific area that guests can gather around the bride as she opens. Assign someone to keep a list of who gifts the bride what for thank you notes later.
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Have fun! - The most important part of the process is to enjoy it. Remember why a bridal shower is so special in the first place–to celebrate the beautiful couple!
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