What to Expect During Bridal Shower Planning

How to Plan a Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are a time to celebrate the lovely bride-to-be. Friends, family, coworkers, and other important people in the bride’s life come together to wish her well in her marriage and toast to the beautiful love she has found. It’s a time for delicious food, champagne, games, photos, and heartfelt anecdotes about the bride’s life.

Bridal shower planning usually takes two to four months. The sooner planning starts, the more likely it is that everything will go smoothly, and that first picks for caterers and venues will be available. Challenges may arise, such as scheduling conflicts or rainy weather during an outdoor party. Advanced planning allows for backup plans and adequate time to deal with issues as they arise.

Choose a Date and Budget

The first step to bridal shower planning is deciding on a budget and when the bridal shower will be held. The person who plans the bridal shower typically pays for it, or it can be a combined contribution of several bridesmaids and friends. A budget should allow for quality services and food without breaking the bank.

An efficient way to figure out the ideal date is to ask those closest to the bride about any schedule conflicts or send a poll in a group chat giving a few options of dates to see which would work best. Of course, if the bride has her heart set on a date that is near and dear to her, such as the anniversary of the couple’s first date, it’s an easy decision. Spring and summer are popular times for bridal showers to be held since the weather is lovely and photos with gorgeous scenery can be taken.

Check Out Bridal Shower Venues

When it comes to bridal shower planning, choosing bridal shower venues is a crucial part of the process. The location determines the atmosphere of your bridal shower celebration as well as how the photos will turn out. Choosing a classy and elegant bridal shower venue with refreshing drinks services (including mimosas!) and menu items will impress not only the bride but also all the guests.

Our bridal shower venues in Michigan offer audiovisual equipment perfect for displaying a heartwarming slideshow of the lovely couple, rooms with spectacular lakeshore views, outdoor seating options, fireplaces, built-in bars, and more.

Make a To-Do List

The planning process is far more likely to go smoothly with a bridal shower planning checklist. Small details can easily slip the mind. With a bridal shower planning checklist, you can keep track of who you delegate tasks to, what services have been booked, and everything in between. It’s the best way to stay organized and efficient.

Bridal Shower Planning Checklist

1. Make & Send Bridal Shower Invitations

Design is a very personal preference. That is why it’s best to check with the bride throughout the process to ensure she likes the invitations. The bridal shower invitations should be simple but eye-catching. They should also reflect the bride-to-be’s personality and style.

Invitations should be sent out four to eight weeks before the event. This gives people adequate time for travel arrangements and childcare planning. Bridal showers tend to be on the smaller side as far as celebrations go, with 10 to 30 guests.

Larger bridal showers can certainly be held but will be more expensive. Those who are most important in the bride’s life will be in attendance. This can include family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, mentors, and members of any clubs, organizations, or church groups she is part of.

2. Explore Bridal Shower Themes

Not all bridal showers have a theme, but it certainly is fun and can make sticking to a cohesive color scheme easier. Some examples of bridal shower themes include floral, tea party, or Parisian. The theme can be incorporated into the dress code, colors, decorations, food, and games.

3. Make or Buy Bridal Shower Decorations

Bridal shower decorations are what distinguish the bridal shower from any other large gathering. Balloons, bridal shower centerpieces, garlands, curtains, and other decorations can create a beautiful environment that makes the bride feel special. Our bridal shower venues in Michigan have a variety of decorations for a bridal shower including candles, white linen, simple centerpieces, square mirrors, chair covers, market lights, and more.

4. Choose Bridal Shower Games

Bridal shower games are the perfect thing to liven up a party and get everyone acquainted with one another while celebrating the bride-to-be. Trivia about the bride or the couple, scavenger hunts, or other activities like candle making entertain guests and guarantee a good time.

5. Create or Buy Bridal Shower Favors

Some bridal showers have bridal shower favors, but it’s entirely optional. They are usually relatively inexpensive gifts that remind the attendees of the beautiful marriage they’re celebrating. Personalized wine glasses, soap or lotion, candy, tea leaves, and baked goods are classic choices. Favors generally cost about $5 per person.

7. Select Bridal Shower Catering

The one thing that will have all the guests talking about the bridal shower for weeks is the food. Bridal shower catering should have a variety of menu options that accommodate all of those in attendance, and presentation is nearly as important as taste. Some classic food choices for bridal shower catering include cake pops, cupcakes, charcuterie boards, champagne, and seasonal fruit plates.

Our bridal shower venues offer delicious catering for your guests. The menus are filled with exquisite cuisine that all of the guests will surely adore and rave about to the shower planner.

Book Our Bridal Shower Venues in Michigan

Our RedWater bridal shower venues in Michigan can be used to create a beautiful party that celebrates the journey a bride is about to embark on. Get in contact with us to book a tour of one of our locations and discover what a magical bridal shower event we can create together.

Common Questions About Bridal Shower Planning

Who Plans the Bridal Shower?

Traditionally, the maid of honor plans the bridal shower. However, another bridesmaid, close friend, the mother of the bride, or other relative can step up and take charge of planning. It should be planned by someone who knows the bride’s likes and preferences so that the worry of bridal shower planning can be taken off her plate while she plans the wedding.

How Much Is the Average Budget for a Bridal Shower?

The cost of a wedding shower depends greatly upon the number of guests it plans to accommodate. The average shower costs between $15 and $45 per person. For instance, a bridal shower with 15 people would cost between $225 and $675.

When Should the Bridal Shower Be Held?

The bridal shower can be held any time before the wedding. It traditionally takes place between two weeks and three months before the ceremony. This is when spirits are high and excitement is in the air!

‍