BRIDAL SHOWER TIPS!

Showering the bride with friendship and love is the purpose of a bridal shower. Below are some tips for a lovely shower that she’ll remember forever.

1. Who will plan: Typically, the host of the party is the bride's maid. The bride's maid and bride work the details together. If it is a surprise shower, then the bride's family helps out.
3. Guest List: Organize your guest list by asking the bride and groom who they would like to have at the shower. Usually the bride and groom's mother will have a list of who they would like to invite. Get address, phone numbers and email addresses. Decide if it will be a "girl's only" shower or "couples".
4. Invitations: Invitations can range from the casual (a phone call) to the most formal (printed invitations). You decide what will work for your shower. Be sure to include all necessary information on the invitation.
5. Theme and Decorations: While you may feel intimidated about choosing a theme, just consider the couple. If they have lived together, they may not need a kitchen shower, but the bride would love pretty lingerie. If they are moving right after the wedding, cash will allow them to choose what they need.
8. Select the date & time: The bridal shower is normally around eight weeks before the wedding. Showers are held on weekends and during the week. Try to make the time and day convenient for everyone including any out-of-town guests.
10. Games: Every fun bridal shower includes at least one game. And don't forget the prizes! Getting everyone involved via party games- but choose those games with care. Find out as much as you can about the likes and dislikes of your guests, and fashion your activities to match the interests and personalities of your guests. Choose themes that all guests can relate to.
11. Entertainment: Make sure to offer your guests liquid refreshments and whatever else you have provided. Set the mood with lighted candles, flowers, and decorations. You want your guests to enjoy the day (or evening) as much as the guest of honor. Plan to have some music going in the background to set the mood. This will assure that early lapses in conversation are not pronounced. Another idea would be to choose a CD of wedding music that will set the tone and provide a talking point with regard to the upcoming wedding. When the shower is over, give the CD to the bride. This will be of help to her when deciding upon what music to request for her walk down the aisle or for her first dance with her new husband.
12. Favors: Giving out bridal shower favors at such occasions is a growing tradition around the world. When planning a bridal shower, you’ll want to have some great bridal shower favors for your guests. Popular favors include customized Cosmetic bags, Photo Albums, handbag holders, bottle stoppers, Luggage Tags and more.
13. Toast: At some time during the meal, there should be a toast to the bride. Mimosa (orange juice with champagne) is always a hit at a brunch. If you don't want to serve liquor, there are many good non-alcoholic champagne choices available now.
14. Flick! Flick! Flick!: Be sure to have a camera handy to take plenty of photos. The bride will appreciate photos of her relatives and friends taken on this important occasion. Take some photos while the bride unwraps her gifts - there will be lots of smiles to capture.
15. Gifts: Schedule the gift unwrapping well before the party is due to end. Guests who have to leave at a fixed time are often disappointed when they don't get to see the bride open the gift that they have chosen for her. For the gift unwrapping ceremony, you will need a prominent chair for the bride, and a writing pad for the gift list.

While a bridal shower is especially for the bride, make it an occasion that all guests will remember fondly - including the hostess!