Planning A Couples Wedding Shower: Tips And Tricks

Planning a wedding shower for a couple can be a fun and creative process. The first step is to create a budget and decide on a date, preferably a couple of months before the wedding. The guest list should only include those who are invited to the wedding, and it's important to get the bride's approval before sending out invitations. Adding personal touches to the menu, such as sugar cookies with the couple's faces or a cake with their wedding date, can make the event extra special. Choosing a theme based on the couple's interests or favourite places is also a great way to make the shower unique and memorable.

Budgeting: Food, drinks, decorations, venue, rentals, event design, photography, and videography

When it comes to budgeting for a wedding shower, there are several key areas to consider: food, drinks, decorations, venue, rentals, event design, photography, and videography.

Food is a crucial component of any wedding shower, and it's important to get creative and add personal touches related to the couple. This could include sugar cookies printed with the couple's faces or a cake decorated with their wedding date. The cost of food can vary depending on the type of cuisine and the number of guests, so it's essential to plan accordingly.

Drinks are another important aspect, and it's customary to include champagne for toasting the bride, as well as fancy cocktails and non-alcoholic options. The cost of drinks can quickly add up, so it's worth considering the quantity and variety of drinks offered.

Decorations can enhance the theme and atmosphere of the wedding shower. Whether it's flowers, balloons, or personalised decorations, these can add to the overall cost. It's important to discuss the desired level of decoration with the couple and plan accordingly.

The venue is a significant expense, and the cost will depend on the location, size, and amenities offered. It's worth considering the number of guests and the desired atmosphere when selecting a venue, as this can impact the overall budget.

Rentals may include furniture, tableware, and any other necessary equipment. Event design encompasses the overall aesthetic and theme of the wedding shower, which can be as simple or elaborate as desired. Photography and videography are optional but can be a wonderful way to capture memories of the special day.

When budgeting, it's essential to consult with the couple and consider their preferences and the overall wedding timeline. The cost of a wedding shower can vary significantly, ranging from $10 to over $100 per person, so careful planning and consideration of these key areas are crucial to ensure a memorable and enjoyable event.

Guest list: Only invite those who are invited to the wedding

When it comes to the guest list, it's important to only invite those who are also invited to the wedding. This is the most important piece of guest list advice. If the couple hasn't yet confirmed their wedding guest list, it's a good idea to wait before finalising your shower guest list to avoid leaving anyone out.

Get a must-invite list from the couple and work with that as you create the full party guest list. You should also ask the couple to approve the guest list before you send out invitations.

It's also worth keeping in mind other events of the wedding, like the bachelor/bachelorette party, which some couples plan for the evening of the shower day.

Invitations: Wording, design, and sending

When it comes to invitations, it's important to send them out well in advance – typically four to six weeks before the event. This gives guests plenty of time to plan and RSVP. Digital invitations are becoming more popular due to their convenience and ease of tracking RSVPs, but physical invitations can add a personal and traditional touch.

The invitations should include all the essential information, such as the date, time, location, and RSVP instructions. It's also a good idea to include the couple's registry information if they have one. If the couple has chosen a theme, you can incorporate this into the design of the invitations.

When creating the guest list, it's important to only invite those who are also invited to the wedding. This is to avoid any hurt feelings or awkwardness. If the couple hasn't finalised their wedding guest list yet, it's a good idea to wait to send out the shower invitations to avoid leaving anyone out. Ask the couple to approve the guest list before sending out the invitations.

It's also important to keep in mind that a couple's wedding shower includes both their families and friends, so the guest list will be co-ed. This should be considered when planning the theme, menu, and activities, and it should be made clear on the invitation so guests know what to expect.

Theme: Based on the couple's interests, e.g. a style of cuisine, an activity, or a city

When planning a wedding shower for a couple, it's important to consider the couple's interests. A theme based on their shared passions is a great way to make the event extra special and memorable.

If the couple has a favourite style of cuisine, this can be a fun and tasty theme to explore. For example, if they love Italian food, you could have a pizza-making station or a pasta bar with various sauces and toppings. You could also incorporate their favourite foods into the decorations, favours, and even the cake.

Perhaps the couple has a favourite city or a place that holds special meaning for them. You can draw inspiration from this location for the theme. For instance, if they love Paris, you could incorporate Eiffel Tower motifs, French cuisine, and perhaps a photo backdrop of iconic Parisian landmarks.

If the couple enjoys a particular activity together, such as hiking or dancing, you can incorporate this into the theme. For an activity-based theme, consider including interactive stations or games related to the activity. For example, if they love dancing, you could have a dance lesson as part of the shower or a dance-off competition among the guests.

When planning the menu, consider adding personal touches related to the couple. This could be as simple as sugar cookies printed with their faces or a signature cocktail named after them. These special touches add an extra layer of festivity and make the event truly unique.

Food and drinks: Personal touches, e.g. sugar cookies with the couple's faces, and drinks like champagne and cocktails

When it comes to food and drinks, it's a good idea to add personal touches. Sugar cookies with the couple's faces are a fun idea, as is a cake decorated with their wedding date. You could also base the theme of the shower on a style of cuisine the couple enjoys. For drinks, champagne is a popular choice, and perfect for toasting the couple. Cocktails are also a hit, but be sure to provide plenty of tasty non-alcoholic options, too.

The food and drinks are part of the budget for the entire bridal shower, so be sure to consult with the bride and/or groom, and whoever else is contributing, to decide how much to spend in this area.

Frequently asked questions