Bridal Shower Page (www.AnnapolisValleyWeddings.ca)
Bridal Shower Ideas

How to make your shower fun and enjoyable.

 
How to plan a bridal shower
Bridal shower ideas
Games for every crowd
Shower Favours
Shower Etiquette
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How To Plan A Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is an opportunity for the bride's closest family and friends to enjoy a relaxing moment with the bride before the big day.

The bridal shower is normally held within two months of the wedding; the latest it should be held is two weeks before the big day. The bridal shower is traditionally hosted by the maid of honor (it's often considered one the maid of honor responsibilities). However, it can also be hosted by sisters, aunts, cousins or close friends. According to etiquette it is poor taste for either of the mothers (especially the bride's mother) to host the bridal shower. Otherwise, anyone who wants to host it can!
  1. Create the guest list
    2. The first thing to remember is that only those invited to the wedding should be invited to the bridal shower. To invite someone to the bridal shower but not the wedding is rude and inconsiderate. Otherwise invite anyone who would appreciate attending or the bride would like to include. If you need help creating the list ask the bridesmaids and the bride's family for assistance. This will be especially helpful for gathering contact information - a must when mailing the bridal shower invitations. If the groom's family doesn't know the bride very well include the words "Groom's (name) fiance" somewhere on the invitation.

  2. Create a theme
    3. The bridal shower's theme will determine when and where the bridal shower is hosted. In particular the shower decorations go a long way in setting the theme. There are numerous bridal shower ideas as it pertains the theme and style; from a formal afternoon tea to a backyard barbeque.

  3. Food
    4. The traditional fare of choice is finger food and hors d'oeuvres with a sheet cake for dessert. Usually a punch or wine is served. The cost of food can add up quickly, so have the entire bridal party contribute to the cost.

  4. Games
    5. There are many bridal shower game ideas. They range from trivia games to silly (but entertaining) games involving toilet paper.

  5. Distribute bridal shower favors
    6. Every guest of the bridal shower should receive a small token of thanks for their attendance. These bridal shower favors can range from simple to lavish.
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BRIDAL SHOWER IDEAS

It is common for the bridal shower to have a particular theme. The theme in turn dictates where the bridal shower is hosted and the bridal shower gifts. In particular the decorations can help set the theme of the bridal shower. Overall the bridal shower theme should reflect the personality and taste of the bride. As each bridal shower will be as unique as its guest of honor there is no one set bridal shower theme. Use your imagination - if you have no ideas here are some to get you started.

  • Afternoon tea bridal shower:
    • host the bridal shower at a pretty bed and breakfast or a luxurious hotel that serves formal afternoon tea. Serve tiny sandwiches, scones, crumpets, jam, clotted cream and tea. Think crisp white tablecloths, fresh flowers in elegant vases and an overall air of refinement and sophistication. You can also incorporate tea into the bridal shower gifts; have the guests bring antique tea cups and saucers, silver teaspoons, china teapot or a silver serving tray.

  • Lingerie bridal shower:
    • this type of bridal shower is still tasteful despite its "racy" theme. This shower is best held in someone's home to avoid any possible embarrassment. Decorate with striking white, black and silver. Place deep red roses on the tables. The lingerie is the only other decoration required. Guests each bring a piece of lingerie for the bride - perfect for the honeymoon!

  • Wine and cheese bridal shower:
    • each guest brings two bottles of wine, one as a gift for the bride and the other to be shared during the shower. Cheese and crackers are also served. Decorate with dried vine wreaths, grape bunches, fresh flowers and candles inserted into old wine bottles. The overall impression should be of a charming Italian bistro. Consider giving guests a hand painted wine glass as their bridal shower favor.

  • Garden brunch bridal shower:
    • if you have a large backyard garden a brunch can be a delightful bridal shower. Just don't host it too early; 11:00 is probably a safe time. Hang mini-lights on backyard shrub and place pastel colored table clothes over the tables. Scatter rose petals on the table clothes. Place a framed picture of the bride or groom on each table. Childhood photos are especially sweet. You won't need too many decorations as the garden itself is the main focus. Serve a continental breakfast, complete with fruit salad, muffins, bagels, pastries and mimosas (champagne and orange juice mixed together). Guests are invited to bring a gift of their choice. Favors can have a garden theme: from mini watering cans, to flower seeds, to trowels to a live mini rose bush or garden plaque with the bride's name engraved. Or perhaps, get the kits where you can create your own stepping stone and use it as a game.

  • Jack and Jill wedding shower:
    • this shower includes men. A backyard barbeque is a great way to have a shower all can enjoy. Decorate with a mix of masculine and feminine touches: roses side by side with sports memorabilia or deep colors mixed with soft pastels. Games should likewise appeal to both sexes as well as taking advantage of the backyard. A limbo contest, horseshoe toss and a volleyball game are just some suggestions.

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    Games for Every Crowd

    While bridal shower games are not required they make a great ice-breaker. Games give the guests the opportunity to relax and learn more about their fellow guests. It's also a great opportunity to have good natured fun at the bride's expense. Here are some of the more popular bridal shower games:
    • Groom trivia:
      • In this bridal shower game the bride is asked 20 questions to see how well she knows the groom. Questions can range from "what's his favorite color?" to more intimate questions such as "what's the groom's most meaningful childhood memory?"

    • Toilet paper bride:
      • Each table at the bridal shower receives several rolls of toilet paper. The table of guests then designate a "bride" and uses the toilet paper to give the bride a dress. Guests can only use the toilet paper to "dress" the bride. The real bride then judges all the dresses and awards the winning group a small prize.

    • Make-up the bride:
      • have a variety of make-up on hand for the bridal shower. The bride sits in a chair in the center of the room. Ask for a volunteer. The volunteer is then blindfolded and directed on how to apply the make-up to the bride; "put lipstick on the bride"or "give her blush" etc. The results are messy, hilarious and make for great photos!

    • Bride trivia:
      • make up trivia cards in advance of the bridal shower for questions regarding the bride, "what was her first pet's name?", "how did she get the scar on her knee?" and so forth. Read the cards out to the guests. The guest that answers the most questions correctly wins a prize.

    • The apron game:
      • buy an apron and many kitchen utensils; be sure to include a couple of utensils that are less common. Attach the utensils to the apron. Have the bride wear the apron at the bridal shower for a few minutes walking around the room. Have the bride leave the room. The guests must then name as many of the utensils as possible. The guest with the most correct items wins a prize. The bride also gets to keep the apron and the utensils.

    • Skirt tails:
      • when the wedding shower guests arrive, clip a decorated clothes pin to the hem of their skirt or the bottom of their pants. The guests are informed they are not allowed to cross their legs. If they're caught crossing their legs (including their ankles) another guest can steal their clothes pin. The guest with the most clothes pins at the end of the bridal shower wins a prize. All the clothes pins are then given to the bride as keepsakes.

    • Make a bouquet:
      • gather simple construction materials such as tissue paper, construction paper and pipe cleaners and give the wedding shower guests one minute to create a bouquet. The hectic pace is often a lot of fun as guests scramble to create their "masterpiece". The bouquets are then judged by the bride and the winning bouquet is tossed by the bride. The winning bouquet designer and the guest that catches the bouquet are given a prize.
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    Shower Favours

    Favors for your shower guests.

    • Spa bath items: bubble baths, bath oils, scented talc's and scented lotions
    • Exotic teas: variety packages of quality teas
    • Small boxes of chocolates
    • Candles: scented votive's in simple holders
    • Bud vases with silk flowers
    • Small bottles of wines or liquors
    • Wine glasses engraved with guest's names
    • Gourmet jelly beans: packaged in pretty colored organza bags
    • Picture frames: with pictures of the bride and each guest
    • Painted terra cotta pots with packages of flower seeds
    • Mini rose bushes
    • Scented bath soaps complete with delicate glass soap dishes
    • Christmas ornaments: perfect for a bridal shower near Christmas
    • Gourmet coffees and coffee mugs
    • Bracelets: tasteful beaded bracelets (or silver if affordable)
    • Small houseplants in interesting pots




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    Ten Tips for Bridal Shower Etiquette

    1. Who throws the bridal shower
      2. Traditionally, the maid of honor and the bride work together to plan the bridal shower, but there is no hard and fast rule about who throws the bridal shower. These days, close friends and family can opt to plan and host the shower festivities. Commonly, showers are held at the home of a bridesmaid or family. For larger parties you may want to rent hall space or a party room in a nice restaurant

    2. When should the bridal shower take place?
      3. Bridal showers are usually held 1 - 2 months before the wedding. This will be a very busy time for the bride and her bridesmaids, so consider holding the shower slightly earlier to ensure a well-planned and much enjoyed gathering.

    3. Who pays for the bridal shower?
      4. Customarily, if she is planning and hosting the event, the maid of honor is usually responsible for the shower expenses. The bride's family often helps with expenses, and more recently, bridesmaids help with shower costs as well.

    4. Who is invited to the shower?
      5. Between 5 and 25 guests can be invited to the shower, provided they are all close to the bride and invited to the wedding itself. Decide with the bride if you would like a "girls only" or a couples shower. Make sure to ask the mother of the bride and mother of the groom if they have a special list of guests they would like to invite as well.

    5. What information should be included in the shower invitations?
      6. Bridal shower invitations can be less formal than wedding invitations. Simply make sure to include RSVP cards and envelopes, the date, time and location of the shower, directions, and contact information. Add other relevant information as required, such as shower theme, bride's clothing size, or special instructions. Send invitations about 4 - 6 weeks in advance, and ask that guests RSVP within 2 weeks of the event.


    1. How long should a bridal shower be?
      2. A bridal shower shouldn't be an all day event. Depending on the number of guests you'll be hosting and the activities you've planned, bridal showers can last anywhere from two hours to four hours. Make sure you provide shower start and end times on your invitations, but allow for a longer event so guests can linger and chat.

    2. What kind of food should be served at a bridal shower?
      3. In general, a proper meal is not served at a bridal shower. Hostesses should offer simple finger foods so they can direct the shower and enjoy the day. Easy to prepare warm hors d'oeuvres, vegetable platters and dips are a great idea. Serve desserts, tea, coffee and punch, or host a bridal wine and cheese shower. In warmer months, consider a casual barbeque party.

    3. Does a bridal shower have to have games?
      4. Bridal showers often do include games, but they are not essential to a great shower. If the bride doesn't like games, or the hostess feels that guests won't appreciate game-playing, that's fine. However, having guests join in a couple of simple and easy bridal shower games is a great way to break the ice and allow guests who may not know each other to mingle more.

    4. Should guest favors be provided?
      5. Bridal shower favors are not necessarily a tradition, but they are a nice way to recognize your guests' attendance. Favors can be thoughtful and inexpensive. Think about specialty chocolates, scented candles, flower seed packages, or even homemade cookies with the recipe attached.

    5. What kind of thank-you notes should I send to shower guests?
      6. Bridal shower thank you cards can be informal; it is far more important to thank your guests sincerely than impress them with your cards. Make sure to thank your guests for their specific gift; add a personal detail about how you've used and enjoyed their gift. Send thank you notes soon after the shower so that guests will receive your sincere thanks in about 2 weeks.

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