Bridal Showers
The bridal shower is one of the first exciting events for a bride-to-be.
It is at the bridal shower that friends and family meet to celebrate
her upcoming nuptials and to celebrate her engagement. There are
many things involved in a bridal shower and luckily, this is one
thing that the bride-to-be doesn't have to worry about or plan.
When planning a bridal shower, there are some important things to
consider.
Usually a close friend of the bride plans the shower. It is considered
inappropriate for a family member to host the bridal shower as showers
are mainly used as a gift-giving event.
It is traditional for the Maid of Honor to host the bridal shower.
If it's a case of the bride's sister being the Maid of Honor, it
is then appropriate for a family member to host the bridal shower.
A typical bridal shower can include anywhere from five to twenty
people. These are not by any means set in stone rules for a guest
list but there should be enough people that the bride can spend
some time with each of them.
Don't overcrowd the bridal shower and leave some guests without
a chance to talk to the bride. The bride should be consulted when
planning the guest list to see whom she would like to include. Close
family members of the bride and the groom should definitely be invited.
Also, anyone who is invited to the shower should also be invited
to the wedding.
The bride should also be consulted when it comes to planning the
date for the shower. The shower should usually be held one to two
months before the wedding so this will be a busy time for the bride.
You don't want to have it any closer than that as the bride is likely
to be too busy and too stressed to enjoy a shower. The bridal shower
may also be held earlier than two months prior but by having it
closer to the wedding makes it more exciting as everyone has marriage
and weddings on their minds.
Bridal showers should last however long people want to stay. On
the invitation, you can estimate two hours as an appropriate time
but some people may leave early. More than likely, people will linger
longer than two hours as they mingle and chat while noshing on the
food.
The type of food served at bridal showers is usually not a meal
but rather, snacks and refreshments. A selection of pastries, chips,
pretzels, fruit, vegetables and dip are often a good choice. There
is usually a cake there as well to add to the festivities. Having
a large selection of drinks such as tea, coffee, soft drinks, juice
drinks, and alcoholic drinks (if preferred) is also recommended.
The choice of whether or not to have party favors is completely
up to the hostess and the bride-to-be. In some areas, it's a must
and in others it's unheard of. Ask around and think about bridal
showers you have attended to remember if there have been favors.
If you decide to hand out favors, make them simple such as potpourri
sachets or scented candles. But, the most important thing about
bridal showers is to hand out most of the compliments to the bride.
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