There are a ton of ways to celebrate your wedding before it ever arrives. People will want to make toasts and throw dinner parties to congratulate you after your engagement, but then there’s usually a big party to celebrate your upcoming wedding.
That party is known as the bridal shower, where your friends and family come over to eat good food and watch you open gifts that will traditionally help you set up your new home. It’s something many brides and their families look forward to after the initial engagement celebrations, but how do you host one when your bridal shower actually starts?
Read on to learn some bridal shower hosting hacks for any bride-to-be. Your bridal shower can be whatever you want it to be, so get creative and have fun with your party.
1. Invite Mainly Wedding Guests
Traditionally, bridal showers were a way to bring together wedding guests before your actual wedding. Guests will appreciate the chance to mingle and get to know each other, that way there are no uncomfortable silences amongst strangers during cocktail hour.
It’s a good idea to invite mainly wedding guests, although you can also invite people who won’t be able to make it to your wedding. The guest list is up to you, so make it as big or small as you’d like for an enjoyable wedding shower.
2. Schedule It Two Months Out
Some brides start planning their wedding a year or more out, which gives you plenty of time to book venues and beauty appointments. As much as you may want to start celebrating, you’ll want to schedule your bridal shower at least two months out from your wedding so everyone can enjoy the pre-wedding buzz that will be in the air.
Hosting your shower closer to your wedding also keeps your house from being full of gifts that you can’t use yet, which takes up unnecessary space.
3. Pick the Right Venue
Take some time to think about where you want to host your bridal shower. You can do it at home or another place that’s perfect for the size of your bridal party.
Many brides choose a venue that matches their floral theme so nothing looks out of place. If you want to host somewhere that accentuates your flower arrangements, look for a venue that uses plenty of natural lighting.
4. Feature a Suggestion Jar
You may read about bridal shower games that would be fun to do, but still prefer to keep the activities low-key. That’s easy to do if you bring a suggestion jar to your venue.
Depending on what you want people to suggest, create a sign and set it up by slips of paper and pens so guests know what to write. Ask them to drop in their favorite date ideas, wedding advice or even just meal suggestions for two. You can go through them after the shower is over and hold onto them as your own bridal shower favors.
5. Make Your Flowers Meaningful
If you do end up ordering flowers for your bridal shower, make sure you know what they mean. Every flower symbolizes a unique meaning since they all stand for something different. Fill your bridal shower venue with red carnations for love and admiration or hydrangeas for gratitude.
6. Turn It Into a Potluck
Some brides feel anxious about throwing a bridal shower because they’re on an extremely tight budget. You can cut costs and still have your shower if you turn it into a potluck. Ask everyone to bring one dish, side, drink or dessert so there’s more than enough food to go around without leaving you a big bill at the end.
Have Fun With It
Bridal showers are a fun way for everyone to show you how much they love you. While you’re planning out your shower, remember to have fun with it. It’s meant to be a relaxing way to enjoy each other’s company without the stress of a huge party. As long as you have fun, your bridal party will be a success.
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