What is a Bridal Shower? Everything You Need to Know About It
Getting married is one of the most significant events of one’s life and this milestone moment calls for all the celebrations and joy. It doesn’t come as a surprise that there is a range of events that take place leading up to the big day. You have the engagement party, the bachelorette party, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinner. Traditionally, the bridal shower is hosted by the maid-of-honor and bridesmaids to celebrate and honor the bride as she starts a new chapter of her life. But today, couples are defying the traditional norms and going for joint celebrations where the happy couple can fully partake in all festivities.
Here is a guide to everything you need to know about hosting a bridal shower, some bridal shower ideas, and the type of gifts that are perfect for the occasion.
What Is a Bridal Shower?
Before planning, you must first understand the importance of this event for the bride and what this occasion is all about. Bridal showers are daytime soirées that are put together by the bride’s closest friends and family members. This is a great way to mingle with wedding guests and a chance to get to know the families better. Guests bring gifts, the hosts arrange fun games and activities, and everyone enjoys their time in a relaxed setting. Instead of having a formal dinner or lunch, light appetizers and snacks are provided like mini sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres, fruit platters, charcuterie boards, etc. For beverages, you can have a selection of mimosas, cocktails, champagne, and wine.
What Happens at a Bridal Shower
Traditionally, the bridal shower has been hosted by the bride’s mother and the bridal party. But these days, couples are becoming more involved with their events. The bridesmaids and groomsmen can collaborate with the couple’s parents and organize a joint event. Calling close friends and family makes the event all the more meaningful and special. One thing of key importance is that when it comes to planning the bridal shower, communication is everything – make sure you’re in touch with the organizing committee throughout to ensure everyone is on the same page.
For activities and games, the event organizers are advised to plan how they want to entertain the guests. You can get printable bridal shower games and personalize them to fit the wedding couple. You can even set up a table with blank flashcards and pens and ask your guests to leave a note of well wishes and marriage, and even advice for the soon-to-be-married couple. You can even choose to set up a bridal shower gifts corner where the guests can leave presents for the married couple. Setting up a photo booth for Instagram-worthy pictures will make the event even more memorable.
Where to Host a Bridal Shower and Who Gets Invited?
The venue of the event depends on the theme and style of bridal shower you are going for. Most people prefer to host it in their backyard for an intimate gathering of close friends and family. At the same time, some like to go for an over-the-top setting at a fancy banquet hall, restaurant or garden. As the host of the event, keep in mind to choose a location that is feasible for the guests.
If you are unsure of who to invite, it’s always a good idea to consult with the soon-to-be-wed couple and ask them the specifics. The guest list for the bridal shower typically includes the wedding couple, their family members, and close friends. Just make sure that all the guests invited to the bridal shower are also invited to the main function.
Bridal showers are centered on the celebration of two people coming together and choosing to spend their lives together. As host of the bridal shower, you might have a lot of expectations riding on you, but don’t you worry – by focusing on key areas of arranging the event, the bride and groom are bound to love everything about the special day.
