How to Plan the Best Bridal Shower Party Ever: Etiquette, Ideas & Tips

Looking for guidance and ideas to plan the best bridal shower party ever? At least, one that your friends will want to attend? Then check out these innovative ideas for bridal shower planning!

Delicious and original ideas to plan the best bridal shower party ever!

I know, I know, all of us have attended a bridal shower party that left us yawning and wanting to flee. All the cutsey gifts and games can be downright boring. But these gatherings are supposed to be fun. A chance for family and friends to mingle, enjoy and gift the bride-to-be.

And if you’re the hostess tasked with organizing one, here’s how to plan the best bridal shower party ever!

Wedding Shower Planning Ideas & Etiquette

Let’s go through all the good stuff you need to know if you never planned a bridal shower before.

The first question always is: who organizes the bridal shower? Generally the maid of honor with the help of the bridesmaids are in charge of planning the wedding shower.

If there is no appointed maid of honor or bridesmaids, the future bride’s friends could organize a small gathering or outing. Nowadays, anyone can be involved in the planning, except the couple.

Now that the host or hostess has been established, these are a few rules of etiquette to follow and these are: there are no rules to follow! (not anymore!)

Stunning evening bridal shower. String lights go a long way in creating a magical space.

Who Pays for this Shindig?

With one exception. Whoever is planning the event will cover its cost. But don’t despair! You can always split the cost amongst the rest of the bridal party. Or cut your costs with the bridal shower party ideas we’ll share. Or save by hosting it at somebody’s home. Remember to help clean up afterwards!

Organize a bridal shower at a nearby park.

And Who Gets an Invite?

I guess there’s another exception. Try not to invite anybody who’s not invited to the wedding (unless the couple is eloping or hosting a pop-up wedding). There’s nothing more hurtful than finding out you weren’t invited and still have to buy a wedding shower gift.

Traditionally a women-only affair, you can go against the norm and plan a Jack and Jill shower – not a reference to a shower stall. 😉 You can invite the groom’s circle of friends and relatives to get in on the fun too.

Keep it simple and enjoy a relaxed time with your bridal party in soft flannel.

Welcome bridal shower party sign: “Days Until I Do” on Etsy.

How to Plan the Best Bridal Shower Party

Some of us love party planning and some, not so much. So, first rule of fun bridal shower party planning: engage and enlist everybody that volunteers! Start by coming up with a shared vision – there’s nothing wrong with a good brainstorming – and ask who wants to be in charge of what. You’ll be amazed at what people are able to do and how much they want to help out.

If you want to plan the best bridal shower party, don’t leave everything to the last minute. Check with the bride things like date, guest list and list of unapproved items and/or themes. Unless, the bride says otherwise, try to leave the raunchy stuff for the bachelorette party.

We’ve got you covered! Check out these ideas for a fun bachelorette party!

Bridal shower with amazing ambiance. Just take the party outside.

Pick your fav restaurant and host a fantastic bridal shower party.

Announce the Bridal Shower Party Date

Next, it’s time to let everybody know when and where. No need to break the bank: email, whatsapp and text are there for a reason. For all of those guests who do not dabble in digital communications, unless there’s too many of them, a phone call will do. If you really want to have printed invitations, indulge! Remember to let people know this is a surprise and if they are supposed to bring a gift that matches a theme. Some examples of themes are honeymoon basics, lingerie party, you get the idea.

Either through emails or snail mail, send them at the very least four to six weeks before the bridal shower party date.

Remember to ask for an RSVP and track your guest list.

Bridal shower favor tags for mini wine bottles by sosweetpartyshop.

There’s More to the Planning

Schedule a couple of calls or get together with the rest of the organizers to make sure the bridal shower planning is on track. The day before, run the final check and address any last minute details. Now, let’s move onto the bridal shower party ideas!

How to plan the best bridal shower party ever.

Top 6 bridal shower games. Perfect for a wedding shower with an outdoor bohemian rustic theme via Etsy.

Rocking Bridal Shower Party Ideas (Pretty Affordable Ones, Too)

Now’s the time to check out these very original ideas to make the bridal shower entertaining and different.

1. A classic idea for a bridal shower is to personalize it with a theme. It helps tailor gifts and guests attire in a fun way. Garden, lingerie, housewares, and gourmet food and wine showers are some of the most popular ones.
2. Do you have just a few guests? How about a relaxing mani-pedi session, a chill meet-up at the spa, or a group pottery class? Or go back to your childhood years with a girls-only slumber party!
3. Organize a pizza and bowling bridal shower party and do the gift opening at the very end of the shindig. 🎳
4. No need for silly games. Pick your favorite restaurant, relax and enjoy the wedding shower!
5. Springtime bridal showers can be hosted at a nearby park with a BYOD (bring your own dish) picnic. In the winter you can do the same at somebody’s home. Just have fun with your bridal shower planning.
6. Interactivity is key and it helps break the ice. Organize a self-serve bar station or have a Polaroid guestbook signing session. You can also get a hold of a frame and some photo-booth props to add to the fun.

Signing book at a bridal shower.

Photo prop (via Etsy)

More Bridal Shower Party Planing Ideas

Classic wedding shower games are a party starter when all else fails. Have a few in your back pocket. Try bridal bingo, Jeopardy, Jenga. Infuse the truth or dares, bridal trivia, ring toss, coed mind reading, or karaoke to fire up the action.

Food can be as simple as a family-style pasta lunch or dinner or some delish desserts. A morning shower party can be sweetened with granola, pastries, and Bloody Mary’s in addition to punch and coffee. Light refreshments like sweet rolls, crudités and a cheese plate work well during the mid-afternoon. For an evening shower, consider a dessert or a doughnut bar.

How to organize a bridal shower party with scrumptious Caprese paninis.

Coed picnic bridal shower party. Photography: Claudia Casal.

After much bridal shower partying, the highlight of the event is the gift opening. Presents should be unwrapped towards the end of the party. Make a list of who gave what to the bride, so she can write thank-you notes later.

All in all, let the guests mingle and have fun. Hosting bridal showers can be nerve-racking but it shouldn’t be. Just pick a few of these ideas or skip the bridal shower party altogether and go straight for the bachelorette party! Check out these ideas!

Best and useful bridal shower favor gifts.

You are sure to impress the bride with these rad bridal shower party ideas.

Discover More Stunning Wedding Ideas

Photography Credits: weheartit, weddinginclude, mybetterwedding, Guest of a Guest, The Suburban Soapbox, Wedding Magazine, my wedding, Bloglovin, Inspired Bride, oh best day ever