How to Plan a Bridal Shower 

Celebrate a beloved bride-to-be in your life with this easy bridal shower plan from Pottery Barn. From deciding how to decorate for a bridal shower to learning how to address bridal shower invitations, the planning process is quite simple when you know just what to do.

Nailing Down the Basics 

Before making any major plans, consult with the bride to find out whether the shower fits in with their personal plans. If the idea is appealing, pick a specific event date and time. In general, a shower usually takes place anywhere from two months to two weeks before the wedding. For a destination wedding, plan the shower a bit more in advance to avoid travel conflicts. This allows guests to give their wedding gifts close to home before making the trip out to the wedding location. During this discussion, talk about venue options and tone for the event to determine the right location and decor.

Reserve a Venue

When there's no specific theme for the shower or wedding, choose a setting and tone that aligns with the guest of honor's tastes. If you're hosting a shower for someone who loves rustic garden party style, set up a late afternoon tea shower in a garden setting. Complete it with floral arrangements on each table and fairytale string lights swaged overhead. Brides who prefer a sleeker, more cosmopolitan style may appreciate having their shower held in a top-floor private dining room at a downtown hotel. Your house or backyard can make an ideal location for any style. Plus, the question of how to host a bridal shower becomes a bit easier when you don't need to coordinate with venue event staff.

Notify Guests

Once you’ve set specific details, such as date, time, location and theme, make a list of invitees. Send out the invitations within a month of the shower. Don't make the guest list alone; include the bride-to-be in the process. Ask the guest of honor whom to include on the invite list. This way, no one gets left out. There may be some family members or friends you don't know how to get in touch with. This communication should happen well before it's time to send out the invites to keep the process organized and simple. Individually addressed paper invitations should include details about the event and provide an RSVP phone number. These are helpful even if the shower itself won't be very formal. The tone of the wedding itself and the guest of honor's sensibilities can allow some flexibility here. Don’t be afraid to send an email instead!

Plan a Menu and Activities

Platters of finger foods or cake stands with tea sandwiches and mini pastries are usually just right. Match the food to the theme when appropriate, or, in the absence of a theme, to the time of day. Food doesn’t have to be the only entertainment at a shower! While many showers involve opening gifts in front of guests, other activities make the event more enjoyable, too. Bridal shower games that focus on the couple's love story or sweet activities like filling out cards for a wish box help bring the party group together.

Double Check Supplies and Set Up for Fun

At least a week before the event, double check to make sure you have all the supplies you need. Have even the small details, like cake stands or cards for a shower game, ready to go. On the day of the event, give yourself plenty of time to set up. Don't hesitate to ask another important person in the guest of honor's life, such as a parent or wedding party member, to help if you need extra hands. A happy host is a good host! Don't neglect your own personal preparations. The important part of a shower is that the guest of honor enjoys themselves.