People's Choice: Planning the Perfect Bridal Shower

River girl and I at my bridal shower

Yay! You're reading the first official post in the "People's Choice" category! This is a special category made for blog post topics that have been requested by readers. The vast majority of my audience tends to be brides, (both "to be" as well as former), and bridesmaids. When I first started the blog, I asked you all via Instagram stories for what you want to read! A friend of mine is a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding, and she asked for bridal shower ideas and to include the "haves" and "have nots" of a shower. If you want to know too, keep reading!

Planning a bridal shower takes a lot of work, most of which comes from the heart. Typically bridesmaids are close friends and family of the bride, so they should naturally want to go above and beyond to help make the bride's time special, even her shower. So what exactly makes a shower special?

As tradition calls for, the bridesmaids are usually in charge of planning and executing the shower. The maid of honor should be organized in planning and well versed at delegating duties to the other girls, rather than barking out orders. She should have some sort of meeting where you all can decide the theme/color scheme, menu, venue, games and invitations.

First and foremost, you have to decide whether or not the shower will be a surprise! I honestly preferred to know the date of the shower, but I did not want to know details like the theme, menu, etc. I just wanted to know where I needed to be, and what time I needed to get there. However, traditionally, showers are a surprise, and I personally think surprises are a fun way to show someone how much you care; They add an element of fun to any event. Just know that if you are keeping it a surprise, it's a good idea to grab the guest list from the bride ASAP.

When planning the theme or even simply a themeless color scheme for a shower, keep your bride in mind. What does she like? What reminds you of her? For example, one of my showers was a country, lemonade theme! (Sooo cute and so me, right?!) .....Also, where is your venue? Sometimes a venue can easily dictate a theme. For example, a marina could suitably accompany a beach theme. Regardless, whether you're going for Breakfast at Tiffany's or rustic chic, your bride will love the effort you put into the theme and decor.

Menu planning can be fun...or completely stressful. One of my favorite mantras comes in handy when planning food for any event: "Less is more." Just keep it simple! You do not need ten entrees and twenty sides. Try sticking to only two or three main entrees and maybe four sides as well as some snack-type of foods. There will be something for everyone, and if not, they can eat when they leave; plain and simple. Whether you're having it catered or making the food yourself, less is always more. If you decide to make the food yourselves, have each bridesmaid sign up to make/buy a dish or two. I'm sure the mother of the bride and groom will also be willing to bring a dish as well! I vote for making your own food versus catering because it will ultimately help keep your budget down, allowing a larger budget for the bride's gift.

An example DIY Bridesmaid Lunchtime Shower Menu:

*Chicken Salad

*Shrimp Salad

*Macaroni Salad

*Potato Salad

*Spinach Souffle

*Veggie Tray

*Chips & Dip (Buffalo Chicken Dip, French Onion Dip, etc)

*Desserts (Cake, cookies, colored candies, etc)

*The bride's favorite drink (or something to match the theme)

To have a venue or not to have a venue? If you want my honest opinion, having a bridal shower at a venue is the biggest waste of money. If you have a bride who wants to keep up her appearance on social media and have a shower at some fancy venue, and she expects you and your fellow bridesmaids to pay for it, I feel for you. However, some brides have such a large guest list, that they NEED a venue large enough to accommodate everyone. And some brides or their parents may also have the money to pay for a venue, and do not mind doing so. I made it clear that I did not want anyone to spend money on a venue, but would much rather it just take place at a house. Luckily, my mother and father in law's dining room is large enough to seat 80 people, (yes insane, I know), so their house is much more accommodating than the average, to say the least. Regardless, if your guest list consists of only 20-30 or less, you can 100% manage an at-home shower. Providing figurative numbers, ditching a venue can help your bridesmaids only have to spend $100 each on food and decor, versus $300 each on food, decor and the venue.

Finally, the invitations! Again, the bottom line for anything is money. Depending on your group budget, you may or may not be able to splurge on beautiful hand crafted invitations. If not, the odds are, someone in your group is tech savvy and can easily design a beautiful invitation to have printed and mailed out. Places like Office Depot and even shipping companies will gladly print colored copies on card stock for you, and they usually offer coupons. Keep in mind that most invitations are chosen or designed to match the theme or color scheme of the shower itself. Be sure to add into the design not only the RSVP date, but also where the bride/groom are registered! ***An important "must" for the invitations would be to include the words, "Surprise Shower," if you are planning to keep the shower a surprise. If not, you'll have the bride's Grandmom calling her to tell her she got her shower invite and that she'll be there on "June 2nd at 3:00." Avoid the spoilers - make sure to note that it's a surprise!***

Below is a list of my bridal shower "haves" and "have nots." The "have nots" are what I consider to be unnecessary, and potential wastes of money. Remember, these are strictly my opinion...and you know what they say about opinions.

Haves:

*Food

*2-3 Games & prizes for winners

- An example of a nice prize for game winners include Bath & Body Works lotion/spray gift set or even a Bath & Body Works candle!

*"Lady drinks" (mimosas, sangria, etc) or themed drinks

*Special chair for the bride to be

*Fun cheap photo booth w/ cute props (check out these budget friendly props on Amazon)

*Invitations

*Reasonable Favors (Pinterest will help with that)

*If you want to have centerpieces, keep them reasonable. There's no need to spend hundreds on them - They only get thrown away.

Have Nots:

*"Bride To Be" Sash (save that for the bachelorette party if she wants one)

*A ton of alcohol like beer and liquor (Keep it classy; nobody needs to get wasted)

*A fancy caterer $$$$$$$$$

*Expensive, over the top favors

*Too many games

*Expensive centerpieces

*Anything that requires you to go above your means (budget)

In conclusion, planning a shower can be lots of fun, or stressful; It is what you make it! At the end of the day, the bride will love the shower that you planned for her. It's a day for you all to get together, and shower her with beautiful gifts for her and her future husband to enjoy in their home.