Bridesmaids' Guide To Planning A Budget-Friendly Bridal Shower

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it's also a major financial commitment. One of the expenses that bridesmaids often have to consider is the bridal shower. Traditionally, the bridal shower is hosted and paid for by the bridal party, led by the maid of honour and supported by the bridesmaids and bridesmen. However, this isn't always the case, and sometimes family members or friends of the bride will host or contribute to the cost. If you're a bridesmaid, you can expect to pay for some of the bridal shower expenses, especially if you're the maid of honour. These costs can include decorations, favours, and surprises for the bride-to-be. It's important to have open and honest conversations about money and to be clear about what you can afford to avoid any misunderstandings or resentment. The total cost of a bridal shower can vary depending on the number of guests and the venue, but it's essential to create a budget and split the costs evenly among those who are hosting to ensure a fun and memorable celebration for the bride.

Gifts for the bride

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it's also a major financial commitment. If you're a bridesmaid, you'll likely be expected to help plan (and pay for) the bridal shower, as well as purchasing a gift for the bride. Here are some ideas for gifts to celebrate the bride-to-be:

Bridal Survival Kit

This is a thoughtful and inexpensive gift idea. Fill a box or basket with items that the bride might need in a "oh crap" moment while getting ready for the wedding, such as a small sewing kit, band-aids, painkillers, chapstick, and blister plasters. You could also include some fun treats like a mini bottle of champagne or her favourite sweets.

Something from the Registry

The couple will usually create a gift registry, which is a list of gifts they'd like to receive for their future together. This could include household items or contributions to their honeymoon. You can find the registry at big-box retailers, specialty stores, or online. This is a good option if you're unsure what to buy and want to get something you know the bride will like and/or need.

A Group Gift

If you're on a budget, consider joining forces with the other bridesmaids to buy a larger gift. This could be something practical like a vacuum cleaner or a set of pots and pans, or something more fun like a photo booth or karaoke machine for the bridal shower. Group gifts are also a good option if you're short on time and ideas!

Experience or Subscription

If the bride already has everything she needs, consider gifting her an experience or subscription instead. This could be something relaxing like a spa day or massage, or an activity that ties in with her hobbies and interests, like a cooking class or wine tasting. Alternatively, you could gift her a subscription box or service that she can enjoy long after the wedding.

Sentimental Gift

A thoughtful, personalised gift is another great option for bridesmaids. This could be something like a photo album or scrapbook filled with memories, a piece of jewellery engraved with her wedding date, or a custom illustration of the happy couple. These types of gifts are sure to be cherished for years to come.

Bridal shower venue

The cost of a bridal shower venue can vary depending on factors such as the location, the number of guests, and the food and drinks served. Here are some tips and options for choosing a bridal shower venue:

At-Home Bridal Shower

Hosting a bridal shower at someone's home is a more affordable option if one of the hosts has the space and is willing to offer it. However, it's important to consider the additional costs of bringing in tables, chairs, table linens, plates, silverware, glassware, and more. It can also be a lot of work to prepare food and drinks for a large group, so catering services may need to be hired.

Restaurant or Event Space

Hosting the bridal shower at a restaurant, hotel, or all-inclusive event space can be a convenient option as it eliminates the need to worry about food, drink, or rentals. These venues typically offer packages that include food, drinks, and use of their space, making it easier to manage costs.

Outdoor Venue

For a more unique and budget-friendly option, consider hosting the bridal shower in the backyard of a bridesmaid or another loved one. This can be a great choice if the bride prefers a more casual and intimate gathering. However, don't forget to factor in the cost of rentals, decorations, and catering if needed.

Hotel Event Space

If the bride prefers a more formal setting, hosting the bridal shower in a hotel event space can be a good option. Hotel event spaces often offer packages that include the use of their venue, catering services, and accommodations for guests. This can be especially convenient if the bridal shower is expected to have guests travelling from out of town.

Tea Party or Cocktail Soiree

For a more intimate and elegant affair, a tea party or cocktail soiree at a restaurant, cafe, or lounge can be a lovely choice. These venues typically offer a variety of food and drink options, and some may even have private rooms available for rent.

Bridal Shower Planner

If the bridal party wants to take a more hands-off approach, hiring a bridal shower planner can be a great option. Planners typically have relationships with venues and vendors, which can help streamline the planning process and potentially save money. They can also suggest unique venue ideas that the bridal party may not have considered.

It's important to communicate openly and honestly about budgets and expectations when planning a bridal shower. The costs can add up quickly, especially when factoring in other expenses such as decorations, favours, and gifts. By working together and being mindful of each other's financial situations, the bridal party can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for the bride without breaking the bank.

Food and drink

If you're hosting the bridal shower at someone's house, the hosts may opt to prepare the food and drink themselves (though it can be a lot of work), order takeout from a local restaurant, or hire a caterer. Don't forget about drinks! You can set up a self-serve bar or hire a bartender to handle the beverages. If you're hosting the bridal shower at a restaurant or other all-inclusive event space, the food and drink will likely be taken care of—you'll just need to choose a menu that works with your style and budget.

The cost of food and drink for a bridal shower can vary depending on the type of food and the number of guests. A good rule of thumb is to calculate the cost per person for food and drink, which can range from $10-$15 per person for a lower budget to $50-$150 per person for a higher budget.

Some popular bridal shower themes that include food and drink are brunch, a tea party, and a garden party. You can also get creative and choose a theme that reflects the bride's personality or interests.

It's important to consider the budget and the number of guests when planning the food and drink for a bridal shower. If you're working with a tight budget, you can opt for cost-effective finger foods or light refreshments instead of a full meal.

In summary, as a bridesmaid planning a bridal shower, you'll need to consider the type of food and drink, the number of guests, and your budget when making decisions about what to serve at the event.

Decorations

Choose a Theme or Colour Scheme:

Start by selecting a theme or colour scheme that reflects the bride's personality and style. This will help create a cohesive look for the decorations. It could be something elegant and sophisticated or fun and whimsical, depending on the bride's preferences.

Backdrops and Banners:

Create a stunning backdrop for photo opportunities. This can be as simple as hanging a fabric backdrop or streamers in the bridal shower colours. Banners with fun sayings or the bride's name can also be added to enhance the backdrop.

Table Centrepieces:

Decorate the tables with centrepieces that tie into the overall theme. Fresh flower arrangements or candles in elegant holders are always a popular choice. For a more budget-friendly option, consider using faux flowers or greenery, or fill vases with colourful candies or floating candles.

Balloons:

Balloons are a classic and affordable way to decorate any space. Opt for balloons in the bridal shower colours, and consider adding tails or tassels for a more festive look. Balloon arches or garlands can also make a big impact and create a perfect photo backdrop.

Personalised Details:

Add personalised touches to the decorations to make the event extra special. This could include customised signage, monogrammed items, or even photos of the bride and groom-to-be. These little details will make the event more memorable and meaningful.

Lighting:

Don't underestimate the power of lighting to set the mood. String lights, lanterns, or candlelight can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For a daytime shower, take advantage of natural light and enhance it with mirrors or reflective surfaces.

DIY Decorations:

If you're crafty, consider making some of the decorations yourself. This can be a fun project to do with the other bridesmaids and can save money. DIY decorations could include handmade bunting, personalised place settings, or even centrepieces arranged in vases or jars.

Remember to discuss the decorations with the other bridesmaids and the maid of honour to ensure everyone is on the same page. It's also important to consider the budget and plan accordingly. By combining store-bought and DIY decorations, you can create a beautiful and memorable bridal shower without breaking the bank.

Bridal shower games

The cost of a bridal shower can vary depending on the number of guests and the location, ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands. The total budget is typically split among the hosts, usually the maid of honour and bridesmaids.

Fun Bridal Shower Games:

• "Where in the World is the Couple?: Guests guess the locations of different pictures of the couple.
• Wedding Movie Charades: Guests act out scenes from wedding-themed movies without speaking, and their team members guess the film.
• "Guess How Many Candies": Guests guess the number of the bride's favourite candies in a jar, and the winner takes the jar home.
• Pass the Bouquet: A fun twist on musical chairs, where guests pass a bouquet instead of sitting on chairs.
• Wedding Trivia: Guests test their wedding knowledge with interesting facts and figures.

Funny Bridal Shower Games:

• Couple Roast: Guests act out scenarios from the couple's past or future, and the couple judges their performances.
• Hot Gossip: Guests mingle to find the answers to juicy questions about how each person knows the couple.
• "Who Has the Groom or Bride?: Guests scratch off cards to reveal famous grooms and brides, with the option to add a picture of the real groom or bride.
• Bridal Shower Pictionary: Guests draw wedding-related phrases, and their team members guess the phrase within a time limit.
• Wedding Shoe Game: The couple answers funny questions by raising paddles with their faces on them, allowing guests to get to know them better.

Unique Bridal Shower Games:

• Taste the Cake: Guests blindfold themselves and guess different flavours of cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
• Make a Wedding Dress: Guests create wedding dresses using toilet paper and decorations, and the bride chooses her favourite design.
• Memory Lane Game: Guests write down their favourite memories with the bride, and others guess who each memory belongs to.
• Wedding Jeopardy: Guests answer wedding-related questions in a Jeopardy-style game with different categories and point values.
• Etiquette 911: Guests answer humorous wedding etiquette questions, providing creative solutions to nuptial nightmares.

Easy Bridal Shower Games:

• Couples Trivia: Guests answer questions about the couple's relationship, testing their knowledge of the pair.
• "What's on Your Phone?: Guests earn points by tallying items on their phones, such as apps or unread emails.
• Custom Couples Crossword: Guests complete custom crossword puzzles with wedding-themed clues.
• Words of Wisdom: Guests offer marriage and love advice to the couple, which can be compiled into a scrapbook.
• Wedding Vows Collaboration: Guests contribute sentences to the couple's wedding vows by passing around clipboards, adding a fun twist to their promises.

These games are sure to add laughter and memorable moments to the bridal shower, creating a joyful atmosphere for the guests and the bride-to-be!

Frequently asked questions