While your venue might have great decor in place, it’s always a good idea to prepare some extra pieces to bring the festivities to the next level. Consider bringing in special floral arrangements, linens, or signage to enhance the ambiance. Hosting at home? Get in contact with your local event rental company to make sure you have enough seating and dinnerware available. If you plan to have a few games throughout the event, make sure to prepare all the supplies that may be needed in advance to accommodate all guests. Printouts of the rules of any games can also be helpful so everyone can easily participate.

A final touch you shouldn’t forget? The event playlist. Chat with the bride to curate some of her favorite songs so you can set the mood for the celebrations to come.

When Do You Have a Bridal Shower?

There’s no set timing on when you should host a bridal shower ahead of a wedding. The exact date will depend more on scheduling for the bride and her hosts. However, it is typically held between a few weeks to four months ahead of the wedding. This provides an opportunity for guests to celebrate with the bride during the engagement period.

Who to Invite to a Bridal Shower

So, who should be placed on the guest list? Typically, guests will include the bridal party, close female family members, and good friends and family friends of the bride who will be attending the wedding. Of course, this list can vary and include guests of all genders. You can also tailor the event if you want it to be more intimate. While the bride should provide a desired guest list of who they would like to attend, the selection ultimately will come down to the host.

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower as the Bride

The bride can wear whatever they want to their bridal shower, as it is their special event. While it’s best to stick to the dress code (maybe don’t choose a ball gown if your guests will be in casual dresses), you can be a little extra with your look as the guest of honor. Wearing white is always a great choice as it is the traditional color for brides, but feel free to wear other shades if you wish.

Everything to Know as a Guest

Have a bridal shower on your social calendar? Here’s what you need to know as an attendee of this pre-wedding party.

What to Expect as a Guest

If you’re invited to a bridal shower, you can expect an event full of food, drinks, and games—with a focus on the bride, of course. Since it’s often a multi-generational event, a bridal shower is usually a refined party that follows more traditions. There may be toasts from the hosts, celebratory decor, and some time dedicated to the bride opening gifts.

Do you Bring a Gift to the Bridal Shower?

Since a bridal shower is all about “showering” a bride with gifts before the wedding day, guests shouldn’t arrive to this celebration empty-handed. Still, don’t feel obligated to shell out as much money as you would for a regular wedding present. Typically, these gifts are more modest, less expensive, and, occasionally, personalized more to the bride. Event organizers will often include the wedding registry information on the invitation so guests can select items off the list. If the shower has a certain theme, guests can also tailor their present selection to fit the event like a plush robe for a spa celebration or cookware for a cooking class party.