Plan your youth. Make sure your music is easy to dance to. What does it mean to organize a wedding in this way? What is the responsibility of the groom at a wedding? How much does a wedding guest cost? How do you show the guest on an invite? What role does the guest play? How can I make a wedding invitation if a couple is hosting it?
No matter what question or questions you have, we're here to answer all of the basics with a comprehensive run-down of everything you should be aware of before the party takes place.
From figuring out the guest list to choosing where the affair should be held, here are all of the important customs and procedures associated with bridal showers. Read them through before embarking on your own, whether you're a bride, a hostess, or a guest. It's common for a bride to have more than one shower; when this happens, the hosts should consult one another about guest lists to avoid duplication though bridesmaids are typically invited, though not expected, to attend both.
Showers are generally held from a couple of months to a couple of weeks before the wedding. First things first: who should host the party? According to tradition, a shower shouldn't be thrown by the bride's immediate relatives, such as her mother, future mother-in-law, or sister, since it may leave an impression that they're asking for gifts.
But this is changing and it's perfectly acceptable for a family member to host a shower these days. Quite often the maid of honor or another good friend hosts, or several people—often bridesmaids—share the responsibility.
Splitting the duty is especially appealing, as it also means splitting the cost. Regardless of who throws the shower, the host should be on hand—alongside the bride—to meet guests as they enter the party.
Bridal showers can be held almost anywhere. For a low-key event, throw it at someone's most likely the host's home. If you want to go out, book a restaurant or another venue. If you all have the means to do so be considerate of your guests' budgets , you can even have a destination bridal shower. Whether your hosts are inviting 18 guests or 80, "the invites should go out a month to six weeks in advance," says celebrity planner and lifestyle expert Mindy Weiss.
As for who makes the cut? Since showers are intended for the bride's nearest and dearest, every shower guest must already be on the wedding guest list. It may still be more convenient for the bride to travel to her shower if most of the guests live locally, instead of asking the entire guest list to hop on an airplane.
The specific location depends on the type of shower and the host's budget. It could be in a friend or family member's home or backyard, at a local restaurant, or somewhere more specific if the shower has a theme such as a cooking school or a wine-tasting room. No matter the selected date, make sure the bride has put together a wedding registry before the invitations are sent out so guests can purchase gifts. It doesn't have to, but it's a fun way to add some personality to the party.
Some of our favorite themes include a bridal tea party, a Disney-themed shower, or a Parisian-influenced affair. Not necessarily. The actual wedding registry can also function as a bridal shower registry. If, however, it's a lingerie shower, that would require a separate registry should the bride want to register for specific lingerie. As a bridal shower guest, it is in good etiquette to purchase a shower gift off the registry.
Plan an unforgettable bridal shower by checking off each of the following steps. The very first step to plan a bridal shower is to create a budget for the entire process. Consult with the bride to choose a date that works for her and fits the wedding timeline. Aim for a minimum of a couple of months before the wedding. Get a must-invite list from the bride and work with her as you create the full party guest list.
Have the bride double-check and approve the list before you send out invites. You may decide to opt-out of a bridal shower theme, but if the bride is a wine-lover or cooking connoisseur, you might consider choosing a theme that follows suit. This will guide your planning decisions for the rest of the process. Often the host will offer their home to hold the bridal shower. If this isn't an option, see if another guest or co-planner has an available space.
You can also choose a venue that correlates to the theme, like a spa or a winery, or you can host at a restaurant or hotel, or rent an Airbnb. Give guests as much notice as possible so they'll be able to attend the shower and purchase gifts. This should be done about four to six weeks before the shower date, which means you should start looking for and purchasing invitations at least a few weeks prior to then. It's also a good idea to include a line on the RSVPs for guests to note any dietary restrictions.
The food will depend on the shower's theme and time of day. Hosting a brunch affair? Stock up on mimosas and breakfast foods.
Whatever the menu, make sure it's something you know the bride will like and includes options for any food restrictions the guests note on their RSVPs. If you're a member of the wedding party or you're a close relative of the to-be-weds, the couple might ask you specifically to take over hosting duties.
Or, you can always start collaborating with friends and family members to start planning details as soon as possible. Communication is key when it comes to hosting a bridal shower, so keep in touch with the couple's family and wedding party members to ensure that everyone is on the same page in the weeks leading up to the event.
What happens at a bridal shower is up to the hosts and the couple. It is recommended to plan activities for guests to enjoy throughout the event. You might consider having a few printable bridal shower games , like Bingo or trivia, to keep guests occupied. It's also common to leave blank cards scattered around the venue for guests to leave marriage advice for the guests of honor.
Depending on the time of day, you could offer a light meal, like brunch or lunch, though this isn't always a requirement. Check out this guide to bridal shower food etiquette to learn exactly what hosts are responsible for.
In the past, proper bridal shower etiquette indicated that the to-be-weds were to open gifts in front of guests, but that's not the case today—especially if the couple feels uncomfortable doing so.
Instead, bridal shower gifts can simply be collected onsite and given to the couple after the party ends. If you're looking for even more bridal shower ideas to keep guests busy, there's no limit to what you can plan. Organize a photo booth with fun props for Instagram-worthy moments, create a collaborative music playlist, or plan an interactive activity like a flower arrangement class or a dessert decorating contest. Not only are these unique ways to keep your guests engaged, they come with built-in bridal shower favors too.
The more creative you are, the more memorable your event will be, so don't be afraid to aim high with your plans. The setting of the wedding shower depends on the style of the event and the host's budget. It's perfectly acceptable to host the event at someone's house or backyard, especially if they live near the couple and the majority of guests.
In addition to being a budget-friendly venue, someone's home is especially fitting if you plan to DIY the decor and the menu. Hosts working with a bigger budget could also rent out a restaurant or an event space for the couple's shower. Pro tip: You can find plenty of local venues for your wedding shower by using The Knot Marketplace.
Keep in mind that destination locations are more frequently associated with the bachelorette party. And since the bridal shower guest list is traditionally a bit larger than the bach bash, it's important to choose a location that's centrally located for most guests. Work with the couple to pinpoint an area that's logistically feasible for attendees. Wedding showers are almost always held before the big day. Traditionally, it's recommended to host the bridal shower anywhere between five months and two weeks before the wedding.
Of course, it's crucial to consult the couple's prewedding timeline to pick a date that fits into their schedule and doesn't clash with outfit fittings, planning deadlines or other wedding events. If you're not sure who gets invited to a bridal shower, it's always best to consult the couple to confirm their VIPs are included. The bridal shower guest list typically includes the couple, their parents and family members, the wedding party, and close friends. Think of the wedding shower as a happy medium between the engagement party and the bach party—just confirm that everyone invited to the shower is also invited to the wedding ceremony and reception.
When you're ready to send out bridal shower invitations , we've got you covered. Head over to The Knot Invitations to browse hundreds of customizable designs for this special prewedding event. As you're designing the stationery, it's important to note that bridal shower invitation etiquette is different from formal save the dates and wedding invites.
0コメント