Wedding & Bridal Shower Themes, Games, Favors, Ideas Planner

Bridal Shower Planner
Showers are a special gathering for momentous occasions. The hostess for the shower should not be members of your immediate family. More appropriate hostesses might include friends, co-workers, cousins or a friend of your parents. Plan your event with the worksheets throughout this site and especially under the menu & table sections. See Table of Contents.

Check List
Invitations (printed?)
Calligrapher?
Stamps
Centerpiece/Theme Decor
Flowers
Corsages
Music
Confetti/Sprinkles

Table Cloth
Plates
Napkins (printed?)
Forks, Spoons, Knives
Coasters
Candles
Party Games?

Cake
Punch Ingredients & ice
Food Items
Camera/Film
Party Favors
Name Tags
Balloons

Determine the following:
Estimated Budget
How large do you want the shower to be?
Co-ed or just the girls?
Forecast weather conditions (warm, cold, wet)
Should the event be a surprise to the guest of honor?
Food, Cocktail party or Desserts?
Games & activities?
Theme & Decorations Expense
Select a “gift corner” where the bride can see in full view of her friends as she/he opens the gifts
Wicker lap trays can be used for each guest to serve cake & punch on
Have your guest bathroom/powder room well-stocked with pretty soaps, hand towels, lotion, potpourri and an extra roll of toilet tissue. Lit a scented candle.

Needed Items
Guest Registry Table & Book from Honoree
Old photos, trinkets, memorabilia for table
Card Basket
Assigned Table Server
Assigned Greeter
Person to Log in Gifts
Clean-up Assistance

Shower Do’s & Shower Don’ts

DON’T invite guests to more than one shower
DON’T allow immediate family to host the shower
DO invite immediate family & bridal attendants to all showers
DON’T expect those attending several showers to bring a gift to each
DO ask the bride what type of shower she prefers
DO note where the couple is registered on the invitation
DO have the bride & groom determine the list
DO consider group gifts for the more expensive items
DO assign someone to take photos

Displaying your Wedding Gifts

Displaying your gifts is a tradition that many brides choose. Choose a room that is not in use much and place white tablecloths or sheets on tables or other furniture items. Be festive by using the bows and ribbons from your packages to decorate the tables. You can group like items together in one area (i.e. crystal, silver, etc.). Everyone likes to admire wedding gifts. Ask friends to come over, host a bridesmaid tea or invite family members to see your gifts. IMPORTANT: If you leave your display up until the time of the ceremony, contact your local police department to watch the house. Coordinate with your neighborhood watch program or have a trusted neighbor to house sit. You might also need to check with your insurance company.

Wishing Well showers.....if you choose this theme style, remember that it is inappropriate to open the envelopes during the shower. This is done after the shower in private. Activities for the guests are important for this theme as well as hospitality and socializing, but remember....this theme is not well-accepted by many and it deflects the gift giving spirit.

Wishing Well Poem

Bridal Showers
In the "old days", the young, bride-to-be was expected to post her dowry. Her dowry could consist of money, household items, clothing, or even land.

Today's showers are an expression of support. Friends and family members gather to attend one or more scheduled shower dates. Some still prefer the traditional theme, while others add a bit more creativity. From Church Parlor to Antique Bordello, this is a very pleasant event for many brides.

Showers are traditionally a woman thing, yet couple showers have gained popularity over the years. The groomsmen could also give the groom a shower as well. This provides an advantage to the creativity of your shower theme.

Theme Ideas

Brunch

Rain or Shine!

Pantry Shower

Dessert Shower

Lingerie Shower

Gardening Shower

Paper & Plastic

Recipe Shower

Round-the-clock

Hobby Shower

Travel Shower

Entertainment Shower

Patio Party Shower

Picnic Shower

Pantry Shower

Crystal & Glass Shower

Gift Certificate Shower

1848 Requirements of the Husband & Wife

Bridal Game

Gather up 4-5 dolls (such as Barbie Dolls) and 4-5 rolls of toilet tissue paper. Break the group down into 4-5 team and give each team a doll and one roll of paper. Give each team 10-15 minutes to outfit the doll in a wedding dress and veil (using no tape or other help aids). After the time is up, have each team display their doll’s wedding dress and tell a little about their design. The bride gets to choose the gown of her choice and the team gets a prize for winning. A lot of humor goes into this game and it’s a great way to break the ice.

SPECIAL PARTY FAVORS

Party favors are a great way of remembering the special event. If your budget is limited, you may decide to be more creative and crafty.

Potpourri Sachet, Decorated place cards, doily-made umbrella, almond-filled (plastic) champagne glass.

Planner Worksheets

Wedding Things

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Bridal Shower Planning