Planning A Wedding Shower: Tips For A Memorable Celebration

Planning a wedding shower can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and a dash of imagination, you can make it a memorable celebration for the couple. The first step is to choose a theme and set a date, typically two to three months before the wedding. Next, create a guest list, keeping in mind that anyone invited to the wedding shower should also be invited to the wedding. Decide on a venue that complements the theme and style of the shower and plan a menu with personal touches related to the couple. Add some games and music to entertain your guests and create a festive atmosphere. Finally, send out invitations well in advance, and you're all set to host an unforgettable wedding shower!

Timing: Plan the wedding shower two to six months before the wedding

Planning a wedding shower two to six months before the wedding is a great way to ensure the event is well-organised and stress-free. This timing gives you, as the host, enough time to coordinate with the couple, send out invitations, and plan all the fun activities. Here are some tips to make the most of this timeline:

Finalise the Guest List

Work with the couple to finalise the guest list early in the planning process. This is crucial, as the number of guests will influence the venue, food, and other logistics. Plus, it's essential to ensure that anyone invited to the wedding shower is also invited to the wedding.

Choose a Date

When choosing a date, consider the couple's availability, especially the bride's schedule, as she will be the guest of honour. Avoid scheduling the wedding shower too close to the wedding to prevent overwhelming the couple with last-minute preparations. It's also a good idea to consult with key guests to ensure their availability, especially if they are travelling from out of town.

Select a Venue

If you're opting for a restaurant or event hall, book the venue at least a month in advance to secure your preferred date. If you're hosting the wedding shower at someone's home, you may have more flexibility with the date, but be mindful of the homeowner's schedule and any necessary preparations.

Send Out Invitations

Mail the invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding shower. This will give guests, especially those travelling from afar, enough time to make arrangements and RSVP. Include all the necessary information, such as the date, time, and location, in the invitations. You can also add creative touches, like requesting guests bring a photo or a favourite recipe to share.

Plan the Menu and Activities

Whether you're hosting a seated meal or offering casual hors d'oeuvres, start planning the menu early. If you're working with a restaurant, discuss food and drink options with them at least a month in advance. Consider incorporating the couple's preferences or adding personal touches, like customised cookies or a themed menu. Don't forget to plan some games and activities to keep guests entertained and engaged!

By following these steps and allowing ample time for planning, you'll be well on your way to hosting a memorable and enjoyable wedding shower that the couple and their guests will cherish.

Guest list: Invite only those who are invited to the wedding

When it comes to planning a wedding shower, one of the most important considerations is the guest list. It is considered good etiquette to only invite people to the wedding shower who are also invited to the wedding itself. This is a key rule to keep in mind when planning the event.

If you are the host, ask the couple for a list of must-invite people, as well as their home addresses. The final guest count will depend on the venue and the couple's preferences for the atmosphere of the event. A larger guest list may require a bigger venue, such as a restaurant, bar, country club, or event space. A more intimate gathering can be hosted at a loved one's home, or in a backyard.

The guest list will also help determine the amount of food and drink required, so it is a good idea to finalise the list early on in the planning process. Once you have a number, you can start to plan the menu, bearing in mind any personal touches or themes related to the couple that you may want to include.

If you are inviting a lot of people who don't know each other, consider including some ice-breaker games to get everyone mingling and having fun. Games like 'Find the Guest Bingo' or a lawn game tournament can be a great way to get everyone involved and create a memorable experience for the couple.

Venue: Choose a venue that complements the theme and style of the shower

When it comes to choosing a venue for a wedding shower, it's important to select a space that complements the theme and style of the event. Here are some tips to help you make this decision:

First, consider the size of your guest list. The number of expected guests will play a significant role in determining the venue. A large guest list may require a more spacious venue, such as a restaurant, event space, or even an outdoor area. On the other hand, a more intimate gathering might be better suited to a cosy setting like a backyard, a loved one's home, or a private room in a bar or country club.

Next, take into account the theme and style of your wedding shower. If you've chosen a theme, such as a vintage-style tea party or a tropical island theme, look for venues that can accommodate the decor and atmosphere you wish to create. Consider whether the venue itself can provide a thematic element—for example, a restaurant with cuisine that matches your theme, or a venue with built-in entertainment like bowling or karaoke.

Additionally, think about the atmosphere and experience you want to create. The venue you choose can greatly influence the overall vibe of the wedding shower. For instance, a spa might be ideal for a relaxing, indulgent day, while a bar or country club could offer a more lively and social atmosphere. If you're planning a lot of games and activities, ensure the venue has enough space and the right facilities.

It's also important to keep logistics in mind. Consider the location of the venue and how convenient it is for your guests to get to. Also, think about whether the venue can accommodate your food and drink requirements, whether that means allowing external catering or providing their own. If you have specific decor or entertainment in mind, ensure the venue can facilitate your plans.

Finally, don't forget to plan ahead. Popular venues may get booked up, so it's a good idea to start planning early. This will give you a better chance of securing your desired location.

Food and drink: Add personal touches to the menu, such as sugar cookies with the couple's faces

Planning a wedding shower menu with a personal touch is a great way to make the event extra special. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Personalised Treats

Add a unique twist to the wedding shower with creative treats. Sugar cookies with the couple's faces or monogrammed cocktail napkins are sure to delight the guests and honour the happy couple. You can also offer cupcakes, cookies, or even cupcakes with the couple's initials or wedding date.

Themed Menu

Base the menu on a theme the bride adores or a style of cuisine she enjoys. For instance, if she loves the East Coast, consider a raw bar, or for a Mediterranean vibe, offer a Caprese salad with mozzarella, warm heirloom tomatoes, and basil sauce. You could also provide Italian wedding soup, antipasto trays, or Italian subs. If the couple has a favourite city, use that as inspiration for the menu.

Signature Cocktails

Create signature cocktails or mocktails with a personal twist. For example, a classic margarita can be elevated with champagne, or you can offer grapefruit rosemary mocktail spritz, Tiffany mimosas, or virgin blackberry mojitos. If the couple has a favourite drink, include it on the menu!

Fun and Games

In addition to the menu, you can incorporate food and drink into the wedding shower games. For instance, have a "Find the Guest Bingo" game, where guests have to find someone who is left-handed, a bridesmaid, or engaged. Another idea is to have guests submit date ideas in a jar when they arrive, providing the couple with creative suggestions for their first year of marriage.

Remember, the key is to add special touches that reflect the couple's personalities and preferences, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Games: Plan games to entertain guests and help them break the ice

Games are a great way to entertain guests and help them break the ice at a wedding shower. They can be used to get guests mingling and create a lively and festive atmosphere, especially if many of them have never met before.

• Bridal bingo: a printable bingo card with blank squares for guests to fill in answers inspired by other guests.
• Wedding Mad Libs: guests fill in the blanks with random words to create humorous wedding stories. These can be played as a group, in teams, or individually.
• Guess the bride's age: find six photos of the bride-to-be and ask guests to guess how old she is in each photo. The guest with the most correct answers wins.
• Trivia about the couple: ask the couple questions about their relationship before the party and during the party, give guests game cards with the same questions and have them guess the correct answers.
• Find the Guest Bingo: each person gets a bingo card with qualities like "left-handed" or "engaged" and has to find another guest who fits the description.
• The Shoe Game: the couple sits back-to-back and holds one of their own shoes and one of their partner's shoes. A designated person asks a series of questions, and the couple raises the shoe that corresponds with their answer.
• Play-Doh: buy a pack of Play-Doh and print different pictures of the bride's spouse. Guests then recreate the images with the Play-Doh.

When planning games for a wedding shower, it is important to consider the duration of the event and the time required for each game. A good rule of thumb is to plan for one long game or two short games per hour of the party. It is also helpful to plan the games for natural lulls in the itinerary, such as after guests have finished eating and before any gift-giving.

Frequently asked questions