Bridal Showers

"Showers of Happiness". . .
are what Bridal Showers are all about. Designed to provide the happy couple with items to stock their new home, Bridal Showers are usually hosted by the maid/matron-of-honor or a close family friend.

If you've got the honor of hosting a Bridal Shower, you may not know where to turn for help in planning. Maybe this is a second marriage, or the couple is already well-stocked with traditional shower gift items.

We can help. Over the years, we've sold millions of party goods for Bridal Showers and other celebrations and we've picked up a few tips along the way. And we're happy to share them with you.

First, The Basics

Planning a large party can seem like a monumental task, particularly when you're hosting a Bridal Shower for somebody else, even if she's a close friend. But if you focus on advanced planning and stay organized, the Bridal Shower is sure to be a success. Not sure where to begin? Start here with these basic steps.

Select the date and time. Consider the Bride-to-Be's schedule, as well as those of close family or friends who may be traveling from out of town. Should the Shower be a surprise? Could you pull it off?
Make up your guest list. Immediate family, close family and friends and members of the bridal party all should be invited. Guests should be limited to those invited to the wedding, unless the Shower is hosted by co-workers.
Pick the location. Your home can be an intimate and a lower cost location, restaurants, catering halls and other outside venues tend to lose that personal touch. Talk to friends and caterers to get ideas.
Consider selecting a theme.
Purchase and send out invitations. Make sure to include all pertinent information, such as directions, any special gift suggestions and, of course, if the event is intended to be a surprise.
Ask friends and family for vendor recommendations. Think caterers, rental companies, and florists. Once you've chosen your vendors, confirm all arrangements in writing - and again a few days prior to the event.
Set a budget and time schedule. Once you've selected your vendors, keep to the budget and timetable, and refer to it frequently to make sure you stay on solid ground.
Shop for decorations and favors. Whether or not you've chosen a specific theme for the party, there are many lovely designs and options to choose from.
Double check every detail. Keep a detailed "to do" list leading up to the event. Write down those items you want to buy, call about, or double check - along with timelines - and check off items as the party planning progresses.

Now, Add that Personal Touch.

Chances are, you probably know the Bride-to-Be better than anyone else. Use this information to your advantage: Would she prefer an elegant, intimate affair? Then think lots of flowers, candles and delicate decorations. Or should the shower be less formal - and a little more fun? Only you can decide the Shower's style and whether or not a theme may be appropriate. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

"Ditch the Duplicates."

Really, how many toasters does one couple need? While gift registries can help, here are few Bridal Shower themes that can help as well - and they're a lot more fun. Consider an "A,B,C" shower: Each guest is assigned a letter of the alphabet; she then buys a gift that begins with that letter. Or how about a "room-to-room" shower: Divide the guests into various room categories - bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, etc. - and ask that each purchase a gift for that specific room.

Think Practical.

While many couples may have had lived on their own, or together, before the wedding, a Shower can still be a great source of much-needed items. If the couple is now purchasing their first home, think "do-it-yourselfer" - and ask each guest to purchase a tool, piece of gardening equipment or other item most apartment-dwellers would never own.

Or Make it Anything But.

With a lingerie, or "pampering" Shower, you can give the Bride-to-Be all the things she'd like - but would never buy for herself. While both can ask guests to purchase a lingerie item, a "pampering" shower takes it one step further, inviting guests to also considering giving such gifts as bath oils, massages, facials - even a day at a spa - anything that would make the Bride feel special and stress-free.

Not For Women Only.

These days, co-ed - or "Jack and Jill" -- showers are becoming increasingly popular. This approach could be a great idea for a "do-it-yourselfer" shower, and are usually less formal (think barbecue).

Make it Fun.

Games aren't just for kids anymore. And there are many games for both women-only and co-ed showers. For a women-only shower, consider putting the Bride-to-Be on the spot with "Know Your Fiance." Simply question her intended before the Shower --- about his favorite food, sport, etc. -- then ask her the same questions. Or get all the guests involved with a "Scavenger Hunt": Just give each table a list of items (commonly carried by women) and a paper bag; whichever table can come up with most items wins a prize. Going co-ed? Then how about "Who is the Groom?": Blindfold the bride and then have her determine who from a line of men is her fiancé. To get all the guests involved, play your own version of the "Newlywed Game."

Gifts She'll Treasure for Years to Come.

Give the Bride-to-Be lasting memories of her special day with these personal gift ideas.

Have each guest design a square of fabric for a quilt - well before the Shower -and sew it together as a gift for the wedding couple.
Send each guest a sheet of paper with the invitation and ask them to decorate it, or offer a piece of advice, and return it to you before the shower. Compile the sheets into a pretty bound book and present it to the Bride-to-Be.
Buy a large bottle of wine or champagne and ask each guest to sign it with a gold pen. Give it to the Bride-to-Be at the end of the Shower.
Pass around a cloth-covered notebook at the shower and ask each guest to offer advice to the happy couple.
Assign a "photographer" to capture all those special moments. Present the photos in an attractive album to the Bride-to-Be following the event. (Party disposable cameras at each table also can be a great way to capture all those behind-the-scenes moments.)

Supplies Checklist

Invitations
Postage stamps
Food/beverages
Cake
Guest Book
Paper goods (i.e., tablecloths, plates, napkins, cutlery, cups)
Wishing well, umbrella
Centerpieces
Favors
Balloons and helium
Streamers
Confetti
Giftwrap, bows, ribbons
Banners/lawn sign
Favors
Gift