The bridal shower is traditionally for the bride and her closest female family and friends.  It is normally the maid of honor’s job to host the shower, but she can of course have help from other bridesmaids, the bride’s mother, sister, or other female relative.  The shower can be held months from the wedding date, or even just a week before.  Once you have picked your date, start thinking of ideas for the shower such as themes, where you want to have it held, food, entertainment, invitations, decorations, etc.

Location
Picking the location is the part where you can really get creative!  Think about what the bride likes- any special hobbies, favorite color, wedding colors, etc.  Keep in mind your budget, how many guests will be attending, the season, travel times.  Here are some ideas for the location for your bridal shower:

• Park
• Tea garden
• Beach
• Restaurant/Café
• Salon/Spa
• Beach
• Private home
• Country Club
• Poolside
• Yacht

Who to Invite

• The bride and groom’s close female friends
• Females in the wedding party
• The bride and groom’s female relatives

Make sure that everyone who is invited to the shower will also be invited to the wedding.  If out of town guests will be attending the shower, invitations should be sent out at least two months before.  If all the guests are local, invitations should be sent out about six weeks before.  Be sure to include on the invitation the date, time, location, where the bride and groom are registered, and any special instructions.  Guests should RSVP at least a couple weeks before the shower so you have time to make arrangements.  

Food
The food for the party can be catered, or you can make it yourself.  Think about your bridal theme, if you have one, and try to pick food that best compliments it.  For example, if you are having the party outside on a deck, you may want to grill hamburgers or have BBQ.  If the bride and groom are going to Hawaii for their honeymoon, you might want to do a Luau for the shower theme, with some coconut shrimp, fish, fresh fruit, banana cream pie.  Keep your guests in mind while choosing your menu, as they may have special needs such as vegetarian or kosher foods.  

Activities
Bridal shower games can be a fun way to entertain your guests.  It can allow your guests to interact and feel more relaxed.  Some popular games are:

• Bingo
• Unscramble
• Bride/Groom trivia
• Purse game
• Apron game
• Word Search

Gifts
Be sure the bride and groom have registered before the shower.  Include where they are registered on the bridal shower invitations.  If you want guests to bring in gifts that pertain to a certain theme, be sure to include special instructions on the invitations as well.  For example, if the bride and groom are going on a cruise for their honeymoon, ask the guests to bring an extra item for them to use on their cruise. 

Most importantly… eat, laugh, smile, and have fun!