| A Bridal Shower is a great occasion
for making lasting memories before the wedding. Unfortunately it
is also an occasion that can lead to stress, exhaustion and chaos.
All of these can be easily avoided if you create a to-do list to
act as your guideline for the Shower and you follow each step as
it comes.
Who part 1: This is the most important step on your map of Bridal
Shower sanity. A host. This step needs to be figured out before
anything else. Most often it is the Maid of Honor who will host
the Bridal Shower, however, there is nothing wrong with asking for
help in planning or expenses. In fact, it would be a great way to
bond as a Bridal Party. Whoever it is that plans the event remember
that you will need a date and place as soon as possible so you can
plan accordingly for the rest of your to-do list.
Who part 2: While you might feel relieved that you've figured out
a date for your Bridal Shower and you've come up with a great team
of people ready to plan it, the Shower will be a complete bust if
there are no guests. So step two is the time to come up with all
the names and addresses of the people the Bride would want at her
Shower. Remember, this is no time to think about who you want or
don't want at a party, this is all about your beautiful Bride. After
your list is compiled, start addressing envelopes and filling out
invitations and popping them in the mailbox. This is one of those
times when help comes in handy, otherwise by the time the shower
comes around your hand will only start un-cramping.
Things to look at: We've all seen what a difference decorations
can make for a party. You could hold your party in an unfinished
basement and have one of two results, people talk for months about
how cold the cement floor was. Or, people are shocked to find out
the basement was unfinished because the decor was so amazing. Let's
aim for option number two. The main thing with decor is a theme.
Once you've decided on one start collecting. You never know where
you might find things that will help make magical memories. Be on
the look out for items to hang on the walls or ceilings and things
to be made into centerpieces or other table decorations. Decide
if you want disposable or reusable table settings and pick a color
scheme that matches your theme. You can accent the rest of the area
with confetti, or shaped candles that match. And don't forget something
fun for your guests to take home with them.
Things to eat: We all love attending events where food is served,
so this is a biggie. You could have a meal or just lots of things
to nibble on but make sure you have all the ingredients, recipes,
and know-how to tackle whatever it is you are doing. Make sure you
plan for more than enough food so you can avoid grumpy guests.
Things to do: No party or Shower is complete without something to
do. And a Bridal Shower is a great excuse for playing silly games
that will introduce everyone and make them feel comfortable. It
is also a great time to help the Bride create some tangible memories
of the day. You could have each guest write down a silly fact about
themselves and put it in a basket, then take turns reading the fact
and guessing who it might be about. You can also ask guests to bring
pictures or mementos and create a scrapbook for the Bride to take
with her. Whatever you plan make sure it is something all guests
at the Shower will be comfortable with and able to do.
Now that you've gotten through your map to Bridal Shower planning
sanity, it's time for the big day. Double check all of your supplies
and start setting up early. You might be able to do this the day
before depending on your location. Prepare your food with plenty
of time and put on any final touches. And now you're ready to put
a smile on your face and greet your happy Bride with the Shower
of her dreams.
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