By Todd Mumford
A bridal shower is an excellent way for the bride to surround herself
with her closest friends and family and relax, loosen up and have
some fun. The bride can also use this time to share the experiences
of those that have already married, and in a general way, talk about
her expectations and dreams for the new adventure she's about to
undertake.
The bridal shower should be memorable for the bride-to-be
and her guests and can be based on a particular theme, just like
the wedding.
Games, themes, decorations, and gifts are all important
to include in the bridal shower. Many couples choose to have “couple
showers,” where both bride and groom are able to share the
time together. Other brides choose to have their bridal showers
in a creative ‘themed’ location – a beautiful
ocean-side resort comes to mind, for example. Using your unique
ideas will help you create a distinctive setting for your event.
While the goal is to have fun and enjoy the event, there are some
simple plans you can follow to make your bridal shower a most memorable
occasion for everyone involved.
Send out Invitations Early, Then Follow Up
Send your bridal shower invitations early and include the latest
date in which to respond. Knowing the exact number of patrons is
pretty much a “must know” in order to complete all of
the plans. Include any special directions or details with the invitation.
Prioritize your guest-list so that the most important friends and
some family are involved. Plan on following up on invitations at
least one week before the ending RSVP date.
Themed Bridal Showers
Many brides choose to have themed showers, which involve the guests
bringing special items, gifts or favors. Here you can get creative
and come up with original and unique ideas in order to have a unique
event – think “outside of the box.” Valentine
themed bridal showers involve candles, gifts and favors relating
to romance and love. Heart shaped cuisine, desserts and gifts, as
well as pink, maroon and burgundy dresses and robes help reinforce
a valentine theme. Basket or box themes are also very popular. Guests
are each asked to bring a ‘themed basket’ – from
Easter candies and gifts to soaps and bath items.
“Stock the
bar” is also a classic bridal shower theme. Many times the
guests will receive the standards – beer, wine, mixers and
martini glasses as well as foods made with alcohol (tasty brandy
and rum chocolates and confectionary). The bridesmaids or maids
of honor usually coordinate showers and ensure that the plans are
well though out and well in advance of the occasion. Be sure to
include all the details on the invitations.
Decorations
Make sure to coordinate and match the theme with the decorations.
If the theme is a Valentines shower, include pink and red hearts
and streamers with red ribbon or something similar. If the bridal
shower is set in a theme-specific location, decorate the setting
accordingly. Ocean themes, western themes and the like, require
a significant amount of planning in advance of the shower to make
the event a success!
Menu items
Most times, finger foods and light salads are the best way to go
with bridal showers. Light foods are easy to serve, and are generally
quite easy to prepare. Consider crab stuffed mushroom, escargot,
mandarin orange salads with vinaigrette dressing, or any number
of assorted hors d'oeuvres. A follow up dessert such as chocolate
éclair or shortcake is very appropriate. Again, if it is
a themed shower, consider foods and desserts which fit the theme.
Photos
Consider hiring a photographer for the shower. Lasting memories
are created from having professional photos taken during a special
bridal shower.
Favors, Gifts and Closure
It is very appropriate, and indeed, a special touch to give every
guest a small favor in order for them to remember the event. Favor
ideas should be coordinated with the theme – ocean showers
can involve shell shaped bath and soap favors, while a Valentine
theme can include a heart shaped box favor or heart candle placecard
holder. Both of these are elegant ways to show your guests how much
you appreciate their presence. The ideas are limited only by your
imagination.
About the Author
Todd Mumford is team member and writer for My
Wedding Blog, a wedding and bridal articles and planning guide.
Complete with a wedding directory, and resource links to shopping,
gifts, favors and accessories.
September 11th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Who should receive a corsage at a bridal shower