Hosting a Bridal Shower

One thing to keep in mind when planning a bridal shower is that you need to be sure to give yourself enough time for everything to come together. Avoid excess stress by being fully prepared.

Don't invite anyone to the shower who won't be invited to the wedding. Guests from the groom's side should be invited to the bridal shower as well unless the bride has a particular reason for not wanting men at the shower.

Give your guests enough time to make plans to attend by sending the invitations out three to five weeks before the shower.

Don't forget to have ice-breaker games for the guests to get to know each other. Make sure the refreshments are set up before the first guest arrives.

Keep track of guests names and addresses and make sure someone is writing a list of the gifts received and which guest gave the gift to the bride.

Keep in mind that if there are "warring parties" in one of the families, check with someone close to the bride to make sure you won't be setting up a free-for-all at your shower.