A bridal shower is a fantastic way to officially celebrate a bride-to-be. Not only is it one of the first pre-wedding events where friends and family from both sides get to meet each other, it’s also filled with fun decor, snacks, gifts, and games—and it’s the perfect excuse to get fancy! If you’re in search of bridal shower planning tips and ideas, consider this your one-stop-shop. Whether you’re a seasoned bridal shower planner in need of some last-minute advice or you’re hosting your first party and have no idea where to begin, this guide covers the bridal shower planning process from start to finish, including game ideas, a bridal shower itinerary, and more. From finding a location to choosing a theme and beyond, here's exactly how to plan a bridal shower step-by-step.
What Happens at a Bridal Shower?
If you’ve never planned a bridal shower before, you may be wondering what is supposed to happen during this pre-wedding event. Bridal shower activities include having food and drinks, opening gifts, and playing games while celebrating the bride. Bridal showers should be as unique as the bride herself. Not all brides will want to play games, and not all brides will want drinks. Some brides will want a casual potluck, while others may prefer an upscale brunch.
Planning a bridal shower is much like planning any other party. If you’re hosting a bridal shower and need a little guidance, here’s a step-by-step planning timeline to help you figure out what you need to do, and in what order, to pull off a great party.
Who Throws a Bridal Shower?
Bridal showers are typically hosted by someone close to the bride—like the maid of honor, a family member, members of the bridal party or wedding party (like the bridesmaids), or close friends.
Who Should Be Invited To The Bridal Shower?
Historically, bridal showers were events for the important women in the bride’s life—including their family members, their partner’s family members, their bridal party, and their close friends. However, couples’ and co-ed showers are becoming more the norm—so, depending on the bride’s vision, you can include anyone and everyone that she’d like to invite.
Steps To Plan The Perfect Bridal Shower
1. Decide on a bridal shower budget.
Before picking a menu or choosing a theme, the first step of bridal shower planning is deciding on a budget. The host traditionally pays for the shower, and while your first instinct may be to go all out and spoil the bride, we suggest choosing an amount of money that you can easily afford without breaking the bank. We promise she’ll be grateful no matter what!
2. Set a date for the shower
We recommend starting to plan the bridal shower at least six months before the big day, and no less than four months out. The bridal shower should take place about two months before the wedding—consult the bride before you finalize the date to ensure that it works for her schedule and also accommodates her family members.
3. Create the guest list
The size of your guest list helps you determine what size venue and how much food you’ll need. That’s why it’s helpful to compile the guest list early in the planning process.
Start working on the guest list around the same time you pick a date—guest availability can inform the date you choose.
So, who gets invited to the shower? Traditionally, a bridal shower only includes close female friends and relatives—but don’t feel obligated to make this a gender-exclusive event! It’s pretty common for the groom to make an appearance at the end of the bridal shower, and co-ed couple showers are gaining popularity, too.
The most important guest list advice here is to only invite those who are invited to the wedding. If the engaged couple hasn’t yet solidified the wedding guest list, wait to confirm your shower guest list to avoid leaving anyone out. Ask the bride to approve the guest list before you send out invitations.
4. A Great Location
Once you’ve finalized the date and have an approximate guest count, you should then decide where you want the party to take place. If you have enough space to host the bridal shower at your house, that is the most traditional option. If not, consider the home of a relative who is close to the bride. You can also host a bridal shower at a restaurant, a private banquet room, or any venue that speaks to the bride’s interest, such as an art gallery or spa. When in doubt, ask the bride for her opinion! Most importantly, make sure the location is easy to get to, has ample parking, and has enough space to accommodate all of your guests (on the assumption that everyone you invite will attend).
5. Choose a bridal shower theme
You don’t need to have a bridal shower theme, but a theme is a surefire way to make the shower extra special. Guests enjoy themes—and it helps make planning everything else just a little bit easier.
Decide on a theme shortly after picking a date—at least three months before the event. The standard approach is to build your theme on something the bride adores and appreciates—like a style of cuisine, an activity the bride enjoys, or a city the couple loves visiting. The more personalized the bridal shower is, the more meaningful it will be.
Since the guest list is likely to span people of various ages, backgrounds, and tastes, it’s generally a good idea to choose a fairly sophisticated, non-controversial theme and save the more risque stuff for the bachelorette party.
Examples of fun bridal shower themes include:
A chic and luxurious poolside brunch
A French-inspired wine and cheese tasting
A garden party with tea and tiny cakes
A color-themed shower, like pastels, metallics, or black and white
An enchanted evening with fairy lights and live music
Once you’ve chosen your theme, use it to inspire the other elements of your bridal shower planning, like food, party favors, and—of course—invitations.
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6. Send the invitations
With six to eight weeks to go before the bridal shower takes place, now is the perfect time to send out invitations.
Since bridal showers are generally intimate gatherings of close family and friends, there’s often little travel planning needed. Still, you’ll want to send the date to guests about a six to eight weeks in advance so they don’t make other plans.
When you send your invitations, include all the key details about the bridal shower. Include the date, location, and any relevant information such as party theme, dress code, or gift registry.
7.Choose the menu
When planning the menu for the bridal shower, consider adding personal touches related to the couple you’re celebrating—think sugar cookies printed with the couple’s faces or a cake decorated with their wedding date. Get as creative as you like with the food—special touches add an extra layer of festivity.
For drinks, champagne is a popular crowd-pleaser—and perfect for toasting the bride. Fancy cocktails are a hit, too—but include plenty of tasty non-alcoholic drink options, too.
Some of our favorite ideas for a memorable bridal shower spread include:
A brunch buffet
A picnic lunch
Tea and cake
Afternoon cocktails
An appetizer bar
A catered dinner
Evening drinks and dessert
If you’re hosting at a restaurant, you’re already in good hands—have a call or meeting with the venue at least a month in advance to discuss your food and drink menu options.
If the shower will be taking place at another location, whether the host (that’s you) will provide the food or you want to have it catered. Depending on your guest count, catering will make your life easier—but it’ll also “eat up” more of your budget.
8. Pick your bridal shower decor
To keep the vibe elevated and elegant, you’ll want to determine your strategy for bridal shower decor. If you’re going with a French-inspired wine-and-cheese theme, choose decorations that embody a rustic countryside chateau—like candles, lace, and roses. Gold or silver tableware makes any bride feel like royalty at a tea party fit for a queen.
Professional flower arrangements make any event fancier. If the bride has a favorite flower, make it a focal point of the arrangements.
Whatever theme or vibe you’re going for, remember that the main objective is to make the bride-to-be feel special and loved. reserve a special seat for the bride to sit in when she’s opening her gifts, and deck it out with balloons or a floral garland. Designate and decorate an area for guests to place their bridal shower gifts as they enter the party.
Set up a festive photo backdrop, personalized signs, and accessories for taking photos with the person of the hour. Visit the Paperless Post Party Shop for everything you need to make the bride’s special day one to remember. Order your decor and party supplies about a month before the date to avoid potential shipping delays.
Boho Bash
These days all things boho chic are totally on trend—including bridal shower ideas! When it comes to hosting a boho-themed bridal shower, start with the decor. Earth tones, pampas grass, fringe, greenery, and more can decorate your space. If possible, host the celebration outdoors and set up low tables with guests sitting on pillows on the ground, a donut wall, and maybe an open-air photo booth to boot. And if your guests can dress in their best Coachella-inspired attire, all the better!
9. Plan out the bridal shower games
While you're shopping for decor, it's a good idea to also look into bridal shower games to entertain guests at the party. Some of the classic bridal shower games include bridal bingo, wedding mad libs, and guessing trivia about the bride. Games are a good way to help your guests break the ice, especially if many of them have never met before. Plan the games for when there's a natural lull in the bridal shower itinerary, such as after everyone has finished eating and before the bride opens her gifts.
10. Create an uplifting playlist
While music isn't the main focus of the day, it's nice to have some background noise as guests are arriving, chatting, and enjoying their refreshments. Create a bridal shower playlist with mood-boosting and age-appropriate songs—bonus points if they're about romance or marriage!
11. Choose and Purchase Shower Favors
If you’re going to hand out party favors to guest, you’ll want to buy or order them at least two weeks before the event—and have them packaged and ready to go to the venue on the day of the event.
Not sure what to give out as favors? Some ideas include small potted plants or succulents, hand lotion, nail polish, lip balm, soaps, candles, a kitchen tool or gadget, a mini bottle of wine, a stemless wine glass, or something related to the shower theme.
Our Purple theme party package is specifically designed for bridal shower party in Auckland area！ The party decoration package is perfect for bridal shower celebrating decoration which will bring guests a romantic vibes. If you need to customize themed decorations for your child's birthday party, please contact our team info@justjoyevents.co.nz
12.An Easy Dress Code
Set some sort of standard for your celebrants' attire, whether you pick out a color palette or ask them to dress to a certain level of formality. It makes photos that much better. That being said, don't confuse your loved ones by opting for anything too obscure.
13. Photography
Hire a photographer or set up a photography booth to capture the memories of the event. You could even buy all the guests disposable film cameras to share around to capture fun candid memories on the day. Alternatively, setting up a polaroid camera and scrapbook photo album where guests can take a photo with the bride to be and write a message next to their picture together. This acts as a nice gift idea to cherish the day.
Remember, the most important thing is to make the bride feel special and loved. With these tips and ideas, you’re well on your way to planning an unforgettable bridal shower that the bride-to-be, her family and guests will remember forever.. With this guide, you should feel more confident in planning a memorable bridal shower. The key is to stay organised, communicate with the bride and guests, and have fun!
A bridal shower is an important pre-wedding celebration. If you are considering organising a bridal shower, don’t hesitate to begin the bridal shower planning process! The benefits and joy that come along with this special celebration are endless, and it’s a heartfelt way to show your love and support to the bride-to-be as she approaches her big day.
Bridal shower FAQs
Still have questions about bridal shower basics? Here are some answers.
What does the groom do at a bridal shower?
The bridal shower is all about the bride, so the groom’s role is minimal. Typically, he’ll show up at the very end of the event to say hello to guests just before they depart and introduce himself to anyone he hasn’t had the chance to meet yet. As for what he should do with himself during the show itself? That’s up to him—he may want to make a day of it with some of the partners of other shower guests.
What’s the difference between a bridal shower and a wedding shower?
A wedding shower can be a gender-inclusive version of a bridal shower or a shower held for both partners instead of just the bride. As far as the actual celebration itself is concerned, there are no differences.
Who plans the bridal shower?
Ultimately, who plans the bridal shower is up to the bride but the privilege is often given to the maid of honor. Other common hosts include the mother of the bride, another close relative, bridesmaids, or a group of friends.
What’s the dress code at a bridal shower?
Here’s a real treat: The bride and guests get to set the dress code—or opt for none at all. It’s fun to choose outfits that complement the theme and setting, but it isn’t necessary if the bride doesn’t think so. If there is a dress code, include that information in the bridal shower invitation—we make it easy with customizable Blocks.
Does the bride need to have a registry for a bridal shower?
A registry isn’t a requirement, but it can be immensely helpful for guests wondering what to bring. Thankfully, Paperless Post makes that part a breeze— include a link to the registry right in your invitation with a Registry Block, and guests will have instant access to it, making the search for a gift quick and easy.
Do bridal shower guests give the couple two gifts?
Traditionally, bridal shower gifts are related to creating a home—think kitchen or gardening gadgets and hosting items. A second gift, which is often monetary, is given to the newlyweds at the wedding. Guests who don’t attend the bridal shower aren’t expected to send a gift—but if they have a very close relationship with the bride, it’s not uncommon (and is always appreciated.)
How long should a bridal shower itinerary last?
Most bridal showers last between two and four hours. They typically take place during the late morning or early afternoon—think brunch or luncheon.
How much does a bridal shower cost?
There’s no exact amount of money you should spend when hosting a bridal shower. The cost will vary depending on where the party is taking place, how many guests are invited, the decorations, and the food and beverages served. You can throw a bridal shower on a budget by hosting the party at your house, keeping the food and refreshments simple, and avoiding elaborate favors.
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