Think of all the bridal showers women attend throughout their lifetimes! One way to make your bridal shower one that your guests will remember is to give them a token of your thanks for attending — a bridal shower favor.
Choosing the right bridal shower favor is important, not just to serve as a reminder of the shower, but to complement the theme. The best favors are fun and decorative -- even destined to bring a touch of satisfaction to your guests for years to come.
Cookie Cutters
One inexpensive, cute and popular shower favor is cookie cutters. With such a wide selection available online and off, it should be easy to find a cutter that fits your theme. If you can't, or don't want to stick to a theme, get cutters in the shape of a heart with a homey little message (for example - "cut out for love.") They're cute, creative, and whenever your guests open that drawer or even make cookies (sometime in 2008, no doubt), they'll remember your party.
Photo Albums
Another great idea is a miniature photo album. No matter your price range, you're bound to find something adorable. If you've got the extra time to personalize them, try decorating them yourself, or pre-populating the albums with a few photos of "the girls" or the bride. Or buy one that's designed to fit your shower theme. Now your guests have a terrific place to save their own snapshots of the shower ... or the wedding.
Disposable Camera
Do you want to make sure you get some good, candid pictures of your shower? Many hosts opt to scatter around a few disposable cameras, which can double as a shower favor. Like most favors, disposable cameras come in a dizzying variety of themes and styles. If you have some special shots you'd like to make sure your guests capture, tell them so with a cute tag:
"You may see photo ops others might not, so pick up this camera and take your best shot!"
You can even make a "scavenger hunt" of photos you'd like your guests to take and award a small prize to those who complete the list.
Potpourri Sachets
It's old-fashioned, romantic and totally girly. Potpourri sachets, a timeless gift that reminds us of parasols, wardrobes and English roses, appeals to all our senses. There are a plenty of choices on the market, from sultry burgundy satin to shiny pastel numbers topped off with silk roses. Every time one of your guests cracks a drawer, they'll feel a little extra romantic ... and remember your party.
Sewing Kit
The bride is "sew in love" -- what better opportunity to hand round a miniature sewing kit? They're handy to tuck in a purse, glove box, or any other place there might be a "wardrobe emergency." Maybe Janet Jackson could have used one at the Super Bowl.
Photo Frame
Everybody uses photo frames, and they coming in a dizzying array of styles, from shabby chic to totally cosmo. Give your guests a photo frame, but slip a special, personalized message inside each one (spritz with your favorite fragrance to heighten the girly factor). Later, your guests can slip in a pic from your wedding, or one of their own favorite couples photos.
Recipe Card Holder
A recipe cardholder can help you send a special message to your friends, while providing them with something they can use for a long time after. You can buy recipe holders online, or at most department, or even office supply stores. Many showers have kitchen tools as a theme, and what better compliment than a recipe box? You can include a card with a special message, or even include a favorite recipe of your own. After the shower, your guests can reach for a new recipe and think of the new couple!
Cheese Grater
This idea is cheesy... really cheesy. Yes, why not give a cheese grater as a favor? By adding some ribbon to the grater, you can add a special decorative touch. A note saying "I'm Grateful" or "Love is Grate" can add a humorous touch. Now every time your guests grate their cheese, veggies or fruit, they'll remember your shower. Hopefully, they won't grind their fingers!
Manicure Set and Compact Mirror
Your guests will certainly have something to remember if you provide them with a heart-shaped manicure set. They're available online, or from bridal specialty stores. You could round out the manicure sets with a compact mirror and a note inviting them to "Look into the eyes of love." You might even find a set to match your shower theme.
Key Chain
Another genuinely useful item that doubles as a shower favor is a key chain. There are countless designs, colors and styles available — so many that you should be able to find one to suit just about any shower theme. Or fill a picture frame keychain with a tiny photo, or personalize a clear plastic one with a special message you've jotted down for each guest.
Tags: bridal shower favor
August 21st, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Is It proper to put on the bridal shower invite’s regestired at so & so travel for the honeymoon????? Also if the grooms parent’s are paying for the shower is it right that they say the shower is given by bridesmaid when they don’t pay?
July 14th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Help! I am having a really hard time planning my best friend’s bridal shower. The shower is at the end of August, and I want to do like a picnic or tea party theme. I have no idea what to give as a favor! Any suggestions on the favor or tips on how to make the shower better than ordinary? Thanks! ( This is the first shower I’ve thrown…can you tell?)
July 8th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I understand that it is customary to give a gift to the hostesses of the shower. Can you give me some ideas of an appropriate gift?
Thank you,
Sandy
February 13th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Hi Barbara, welcome!
Okay, first, breathe. It’s all good.
Now, second! Showers are kind of casual affairs, all about friendship … not meeting the Queen. So call up the hostess, don’t be nervous about asking questions!
Ask her if there’s a theme, or even a ‘dress code.’ (At some theme showers, the guests are asked to dress a certain way, like in all pink, or even ’80s style, etc.)
Then, are you worrying about what gift to get? Ask for the bride’s registry info. Chances are at least some of the registry’s online. Registries are a GREAT way to pick out a fairly inexpensive gift you know the bride will want. Failing that, a theme shower sometimes dictates what type of gift you get (household goods, wine, lingerie, grilling accessories for a couples’ shower … )
Hope that helps — if you still have questions, post back here!
February 13th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
OMG I was invited to a shower that is in 3 days what do I do? I have never been to one of these before she didn’t give me a theme shes giving me a invitation tomarrow so I don’t know themes and I really don’t know what to do please help
January 27th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Helping with favors for a shower. It is a pottery shower for the handthrown pottery/dishes the bride has registered for. The favor is a ceramic/pottery heart filled with chocolate truffles. Any ideas for something cute to put on the favor tag?
January 20th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I am attempting to plan a wedding shower for my sister. We both live out of town and so in planning this shower in our home town, I was wondering if there was a way to encourage guests to do gift cards or have gifts shipped to the Bride and Groom without affending them? I would really appreciate some help on this one. Thanks dm
September 17th, 2007 at 11:20 am
The aunts are hosting a shower for our niece. Their is 130 people
invited to the wedding. The mother of the bride wants to invite
150 ladies to the shower. I thought only the women from the wedding
guest list get invited. Can we say anything to the mother that she is
inviting way to many ladies?
July 10th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Go to this web site for directions on how to make the little wedding dress on a hanger …
bumblebeelinens.com/weddingdresshankies.php
June 22nd, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Hi,
Does anyone have directions for making your own bridal shower favor that is a bridal dress? They hang on a tiny hanger and
are so cute.
June 21st, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Laura,
I think maybe a cookie cutter or mini grater, something small and kitchen-gadget like is appropriate, or even a tiny bottle or sachet with the bride’s favourite spice/herb would be a cute idea. You can either attach a small card or label to personalize it, and it is something people can use/keep.
Cheers and good luck.
June 18th, 2007 at 9:00 am
I would like to host a really nice bridal shower for my sister.
Do have any ideas to make the shower intimate and personal.
June 11th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Does anyone have any ideas for some cute favors to give out at a bridal shower being held as a picnic in the park? Preferably something that I can make on my own.
May 29th, 2007 at 9:51 am
I am planning a “recipe” shower, where guests will be asked to bring a favorite recipe along with an ingredient or tool (like a whisk) required to make it. This is the bride’s 3rd shower, so I thought I’d make it easy on everyone’s pocketbook! Any ideas for party favors for the guests??
April 26th, 2007 at 8:26 am
Ellen I think that sending the gifts will be greatly appreciated by your bride to be if she is not in the state your guests are coming from. As for a theme, I have found that a tea theme has been popular this year. You can also see if you can find something in a color the bride likes, flowers she likes, a certain activity she enjoys.
Rose, for cinqo de mayo you could have candy in magharhita glasses for your favors, chocolates or hot tamales.
April 25th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
I would like to host a bridal shower for my niece, she is from out of town and how do I suggest to my guests that they purchase a gift from her registry and have it shipped to her rather than having her ship her gifts back with her. Any ideas for a menu/theme for a luncheon?
April 12th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
i need ideas for favors for a cinqo d mayo themed shower thanks
April 12th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Carol: it depends on the group and the day, as well as the itenarary. For example, a fancy formal shower with a full dinner works best in an evening on either a Friday or Saturday. If you are going less formal, then an afternoon brunch is lovely. Also, if the shower is during the week in order to match schedules, you may need to do an evening so people are not at work.
Karen: It depends on the shower. If your guest list includes a fairly young, fun crowd - then go for it. On the other hand, if your guest list includes you ultra-conservative grandmother and great aunts, etc - then probably not.
April 12th, 2007 at 12:37 am
Carol: I think late morning or any time in the afternoon is ideal for a shower.
Question: Is giving out personalized underwear (cute boy-short types) appropriate as a bridal shower party favor?
March 26th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
What is a good time of day to have a shower?