Congratulations! Your best gal pal is getting married and she’s chosen you as her Maid of Honor! And at the top of your to-do list? Planning and executing the bridal shower. Hosting the bridal shower is one of the maid (or matron) of honor’s most important jobs. And with so much to get done before the big day, it can be a daunting task. But with a little preparation – and help from our handy checklist – you’ll be planning the perfect party for the bride to be in no time!
Bridal Shower Checklist
3+ Months Before
Save a Date
If the party isn’t a surprise – get with the bride and choose a date together. Plan on throwing the shower 2-4 weeks before the wedding.
Compile a Guest List
Not everyone invited to the wedding needs to be invited to the bridal shower…BUT…everyone invited to the bridal shower needs to be invited to the wedding. Keep this in mind while compiling your guest list. You will also need to decide if you are going to throw a co-ed shower (ie. a couple’s shower) or keep it girls only.
Choose a Theme
The theme doesn’t have to match the wedding – so don’t be afraid to have some fun with it! Are the bride and groom die hard Game of Thrones fans? Plan a cocktail menu inspired by their favorite characters – with a signature drink sign to match! The bridal shower is a chance to get together and celebrate the bride (or couple) without all of the pressure and stress of the big day. So keep it relaxed. Have a loose schedule of events but not a strict timeline.
Choose a Location
Decide where the shower will take place. If it’s at a tea room or bar be sure to make your reservations early.
Pro Tip – If you are planning an outdoor shower, make sure you have an indoor back up plan in case of unexpected weather.
Delegate Tasks
You don’t have to do it alone! So get together with the rest of the bridal party or wedding VIPs and delegate tasks.
2 Months Before
Make and Send out Invitations
If the shower is a surprise, be sure to mention it on the invitation itself so nobody lets it slip to the bride. Plan an “assembly night” with the rest of the bridal party to stuff and address invitations.
Plan the Menu
Whether you’re serving finger food, a potluck, or a full on catered meal it’s always a good idea to plan the menu early. We recommend a light brunch paired with a build your own mimosa bar!
1 Month Before
Plan an Activity
A cupcake decorating contest, a fortune teller, a band – the sky is the limit for bridal shower activities! Order any props or materials you will need ahead of time.
Pro Tip – Don’t do anything your bride will not be comfortable with.
Shop for Decorations
Decide on final decorations and centerpieces. Shop for any additional decor items you’ll need.
2 Weeks Before
Confirm RSVPs
Count RSVPs and compile a final guest list. If you’re having a caterer make sure you get the final numbers to them as soon as possible.
Assemble Favors
Assemble and tie off your favors with a Marrygrams tag! We adore these little teaspoon favors.
The Week of
Purchase Gift
If you haven’t already, purchase and wrap your gift for the bride to be. A good rule of thumb is to spend more than $30 but less than $50.
Confirm Flowers & Food
Confirm delivery times and make sure everyone knows what they are in charge of bringing.
The Day Of
Decorate
Get with the rest of the bridal party early to decorate and organize the party space. Designate a specific “gift opening area” with scissors, a notepad to write down who gifted what, and a box to put all of her new goodies in.
Last Minute Errands
Pick up any last minute items and put the finishing touches on the party space.
PARTY!
Pour yourself a glass of champagne – you did it! Celebrate and don’t forget a gorgeous card for the bride-to-be!
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