Bridal Shower Basics

A bridal shower is an excellent way for the bride to surround herself with her closest friends and family and relax, loosen up and have some fun. The bride can also use this time to share the experiences of those that have already married, and in a general way, espouse her expectations and dreams for the new adventure she is about to enter. The bridal shower should be memorable for the bride-to-be and her guests and can be based on a particular theme, just like the wedding. Games, themes, decorations, and gifts are all important to include in the bridal shower. Many couples choose to have "couple showers," where both bride and groom are able to share the time together. Other brides choose to have their bridal showers in a creative 'themed' location ? a beautiful ocean-side resort comes to mind, for example. Using your unique ideas will help you create a distinctive setting for your event. While the goal is to have fun and enjoy the event, there are some simple plans you can follow to make your bridal shower a most memorable occasion for everyone involved.

Send out Invitations early and follow up:

Send your bridal shower invitations early and include the latest date in which to respond. Knowing the exact number of patrons is pretty much a "must know" in order to complete all of the plans. Include any special directions or details with the invitation. Prioritize your guest-list so that the most important friends and some family are involved. Plan on following up on invitations at least one week before the ending RSVP date.

Themed Bridal Showers

Many brides choose to have themed showers, which involve the guests bringing special items, gifts or favors. Here you can get creative and come up with original and unique ideas in order to have a unique event ? think "outside of the box." Valentine themed bridal showers involve candles, gifts and favors relating to romance and love. Heart shaped cuisine, desserts and gifts, as well as pink, maroon and burgundy dresses and robes help reinforce a valentine theme. Basket or box themes are also very popular. Guests are each asked to bring a 'themed basket' ? from Easter candies and gifts to soaps and bath items. "Stock the bar" is also a classic bridal shower theme. Many times the guests will receive the standards ? beer, wine, mixers and martini glasses as well as foods made with alcohol (tasty brandy and rum chocolates and confectionary). The bridesmaids or maids of honor usually coordinate showers and ensure that the plans are well though out and well in advance of the occasion. Be sure to include all the details on the invitations.

Decorations

Make sure to coordinate and match the theme with the decorations. If the theme is a Valentines shower, include pink and red hearts and streamers with red ribbon or something similar. If the bridal shower is set in a theme-specific location, decorate the setting accordingly. Ocean themes, western themes and the like, require a significant amount of planning in advance of the shower to make the event a success!

Menu items

Most times, finger foods and light salads are the best way to go with bridal showers. Light foods are easy to serve, and are generally quite easy to prepare. Consider crab stuffed mushroom, escargot, mandarin orange salads with vinaigrette dressing, or any number of assorted hors d'oeuvres. A follow up dessert such as chocolate éclair or shortcake is very appropriate. Again, if it is a themed shower, consider foods and desserts which fit the theme.

Photos

Consider hiring a photographer for the shower. Lasting memories are created from having professional photos taken during a special bridal shower. Favors, Gifts and closure

It is very appropriate, and indeed, a special touch to give every guest a small favor in order for them to remember the event. Favor ideas should be coordinated with the theme ? ocean showers can involve shell shaped bath and soap favors, while a Valentine theme can include a heart shaped box favor or heart candle placecard holder. Both of these are elegant ways to show your guests how much you appreciate their presence. The ideas are limited only by your imagination.

Articles by Todd Mumford

This article is available for reprint only under the following conditions: The user must place a hyperlink right under the main title with the text By Todd Mumford In addition, the entire article must not be edited in any way, and the Byline below must be included with html intact:

Our BYLINE

Copyrights © 2004 All Rights Reserved Todd Mumford

Todd Mumford is team member and writer for My Wedding Blog, a wedding and bridal articles and planning guide. Complete with a wedding directory, and resource links to shopping, gifts, favors and accessories.

Please send an email to us if you choose to use one of our articles: info @ my-wedding - blog.com

---

Wedding Rings

Your wedding rings were meant to last a lifetime. They... Read More

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Gown

Selecting a wedding gown is possibly one of the most... Read More

Marriage Counseling: How to Keep Jealousy From Destroying Your Marriage

Jealousy has often been called the "green-eyed monster," and with... Read More

How To Survive Your Honeymoon

Once you've mortgaged the rest of your life for the... Read More

What Goes Into Wedding Preparation From Your DJ?

Exactly what should your disc jockey be doing in the... Read More

Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation - a Fancy Trip!

This season, a Caribbean honeymoon vacation will give you unlimited... Read More

Indian Astrology and Marriages

Astrology is considered to be the oldest of all sciences,... Read More

Wedding and Bridal Jewelry

So your not one of those fabulous actresses or models... Read More

The Wedding Dress Revealed

Fashion Trends and Popular Styles and ColorsThe Wedding Dress ?... Read More

Get Wedding Gifts Youll Enjoy -- Creating Your Wedding Registry

Receiving wedding gifts is a whole lot more fun when... Read More

Personalized Wedding Favors

Personalized wedding favors are among the most popular of gift... Read More

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

When people think about great love stories, more often than... Read More

Toss a Garter or Two

The tempo of the music begins to rise. Drums begin... Read More

Wedding Etiquette for the Best Man, Groomsmen, and Ushers

Undoubtedly, the groom will want to choose a few good... Read More

Building Up Your Marriage with Healthy Communication

Would you like to have a stronger, healthier, more enjoyable... Read More

Bridal Accessories To Complete Your Wedding Look

Bridal accessories are as necessary to complete the bridal look,... Read More

Terrific Advice Concerning Destination Weddings As Shared By Two Gurus On The Topic

Today Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com & Bookpleasures.com is pleased... Read More

Wedding Dresses - How to Select the Best One for You

Every bride would agree that her wedding dress should be... Read More

A Unique Diamond Engagement Ring ? In Platinum

Diamond engagement rings for many years typically came in the... Read More

A Honeymoon Like No Other

When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination it's usually... Read More

A Call for International Marriage Laws

I recently watched a CNN programme which centred on "kidnapped... Read More

Save on Wedding Costs and Have that Chocolate Fountain

Chocolate fountains, once a rarity at weddings, are becoming more... Read More

Wedding Planning: Involve your Fiancé in 10 Easy Steps

He's popped the question. You've chosen a date. And now,... Read More

Making a Budget For Your Wedding

Just the thought of all the expenses that come with... Read More

Florida Honeymoon Vacations

Celebrate your marriage by planning a Florida honeymoon vacation with... Read More

10 Valentines Day Tips for Spouses Who Want to Improve Their Marriage

The best and most valuable gifts are often not material... Read More

Bridal Budget Beware

Getting hitched, taking the plunge, tying the knot, jumping the... Read More

Wedding Rings ? Through the Ages and for All Eternity

The exact origin of the wedding ring is uncertain and... Read More

What You Should Know About Buying Engagement Rings Online

Buying engagement rings online doesn't have to be confusing or... Read More

The Enigma of Daytime Bachelor Party Activities

As most of you know the evening festivities for a... Read More

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Wedding Officiants

Tracking down a wedding officiant can be a little intimidating.... Read More

Online Wedding Dress Shopping!

Taking the hassle out of finding your perfect and unique... Read More

Cheap Wedding Favors

Planning a wedding of any size or budget can have... Read More