at least 5 weeks out

• Work out the guest list and gather names, emails, addresses and telephone numbers for everyone invited.
• Choose paper invitations, design your own or use ours, and have them printed. If you’re planning a bridal shower, include any pertinent details on the invitation that relate to gift-giving. Include an RSVP date that’s at least 10 days prior to the event date.

at least 4 weeks out

• Send out invitations.

2 weeks out

• Choose games and/or icebreakers if you’re hosting a bridal shower. Create any documents needed.
• Check your pantry and supplies, and shop for any vases, serveware, linens, dinnerware or glassware needed.
• Begin planning a music playlist for the event - or, borrow from ours!

10 days out

• Gather RSVPs and follow up with anyone who hasn’t been in touch. At this point, email reminders are fine.
• Shop for any party favors, wrap and labels. Make sure you have a few extra just in case a guest who has declined can come at the last minute.

1 week out

• Review recipes and make grocery list.
• Gather stemware.
• Rent any tables or chairs if necessary.

3 days out

• Shop for groceries.

2 days out

• Make lemon curd and refrigerate.
• Make mint vinaigrette and refrigerate.
• Make Bloody Marys and refrigerate.

day before

• Wash and dry salad greens and refrigerate.
• Assemble salmon platter (excluding garnishes and bread), cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
• Prepare asparagus for roasting, wrap in a damp paper towel and refrigerate.
• Chop macadamia nuts.
• Cook sausage for strata and refrigerate.
• Grate cheese for strata.
• Set up for the party. Clean, decorate, arrange chairs, etc. Shop for flowers if necessary. For flower arranging tips watch our videos on creating stylish arrangements with Nico De Swert.

8 hours before

• Chop mango and refrigerate.
• Chop green onions and refrigerate.
• Assemble parfaits and refrigerate.
• Arrange flowers if using them.

2 hours before

• Remove goat cheese from refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1 hour before

• Add bread and garnishes to salmon platter and set out.
• Assemble and bake strata; let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before covering with foil.

30 minutes before

• Increase oven to 450 degrees.
• Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl.
• Roast asparagus.
• Toss salad with vinaigrette.
• Serve strata.
• Relax, and get into the spirit of celebrating!

After the big day

• For a bridal shower, choose a handful of great photos of the day and create an album to give to the bride.
• Send thank-you notes to anyone who helped you make the event extra special.