Plan and host a bridal shower that celebrates the bride without breaking the bank. Covers theme selection, guest list, activities and games, food and drinks, gifts, and day-of logistics.
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Theme and Date Selection
Choose a date 4-8 weeks before the wedding
Any earlier and it feels disconnected from the wedding; any later and it conflicts with final wedding prep stress. Weekend afternoons (Saturday or Sunday, 11 AM-3 PM) work best for attendance. Check with the bride and key guests before locking the date.
Pick a theme that reflects the bride's personality or interests
Popular themes: garden party, brunch and bubbly, afternoon tea, cooking class, spa day, travel-themed (if the couple loves travel), or a color palette that matches the wedding. The theme doesn't need to be elaborate — a cohesive color scheme and matching decor is enough.
Decide on the overall vibe (casual, elegant, activity-based)
Choose a color palette for decor and invitations
Set the budget and split costs among co-hosts
The maid of honor and bridesmaids traditionally host, but mothers and close friends can contribute. A home-hosted bridal shower costs $300-$800 for 15-25 guests. A restaurant or venue adds $30-$75 per person. Split costs evenly among co-hosts and agree on the budget before committing to vendors or a venue.
Determine total budget
Assign cost responsibilities among co-hosts
Choose the venue or host location
A home setting is the most personal and cost-effective option. If hosting at home, rent extra chairs and borrow serving platters from friends to handle the guest count. A restaurant private room removes all cooking and cleanup stress but costs 2-3x more.
Private home or backyard (most budget-friendly)
Restaurant with a private room
Event venue, winery, or activity space
Guest List and Invitations
Build the guest list with input from the bride and both mothers
Invite only women who are also invited to the wedding — no exceptions. Include bridesmaids, close friends, family members, and the mothers and grandmothers from both sides. A group of 15-30 is the sweet spot: small enough for everyone to interact, large enough to feel like a party.
Send invitations 4-6 weeks before the shower
Digital invitations work perfectly for bridal showers and save $50-$100 on printing and postage. Include: date, time, location, theme/dress code, RSVP deadline (2 weeks before the event), registry information, and host contact details. For older relatives who prefer mail, send a physical card.
Track RSVPs and follow up 1 week after the deadline
Maintain a tracking list with names, RSVP status, and dietary needs
Text or call non-responders individually
Coordinate with any out-of-town guests on travel logistics
If the bride's closest friends or family live far away, offer to help with accommodations. A guest bedroom, a nearby hotel recommendation, or a rideshare from the airport makes attendance possible for people who might otherwise skip the event.
Food, Drinks, and Decor
Plan a menu that matches the time of day and theme
Late morning: brunch (quiche, fruit, pastries, mimosas). Afternoon: light lunch (finger sandwiches, salads, charcuterie). Evening: appetizer-heavy spread with cocktails. Brunch is the most budget-friendly option at $8-$15 per person for homemade food; a catered lunch runs $20-$40 per person.
Plan 3-5 food items plus dessert
Include at least 1 vegetarian and 1 gluten-free option
Plan the drinks and a signature cocktail
A signature cocktail tied to the theme is a fun touch and limits bar costs. A mimosa bar (champagne + 4-5 juices) is a crowd-pleaser that costs $5-$8 per person. Provide non-alcoholic options: sparkling water, flavored lemonade, or a mocktail version of the signature drink.
Select the signature cocktail or drink station (mimosa bar, sangria, etc.)
Stock non-alcoholic alternatives
Order or bake a cake or dessert centerpiece
A decorated cake ($40-$100 from a bakery) doubles as decor and dessert. Cupcakes, a dessert table, or a cookie bar are less formal alternatives. Match the dessert to the color palette. If a friend offers to bake, accept graciously — homemade adds a personal touch.
Set up themed decorations
Fresh flowers from a grocery store ($20-$40) arranged in mason jars or small vases look beautiful and cost a fraction of florist prices. A photo backdrop or flower wall for group photos costs $30-$60 from a party supply store and generates great content for social media.
Balloon arrangements or floral centerpieces
A welcome sign or banner with the bride's name
Table settings and napkins in the theme colors
A gift table or designated gift area
Games and Activities
Plan 3-4 games or activities spread throughout the event
Games break the ice between friend groups who don't know each other. Space them out: one during arrival/cocktails, one before gifts, one after gifts. Each game should take 10-15 minutes. Have small prizes (candles, lip balm, mini champagne bottles) for winners.
Select games that involve the whole group
The advice card activity doubles as a keepsake the bride can read for years. Provide nice cardstock and pens, and ask each guest to write one piece of marriage advice. Collect them in a decorated box and present them to the bride at the end.
Wedding trivia about the couple (prepare 10-15 questions in advance)
Bridal bingo (custom cards with wedding-related terms)
Advice cards where guests write marriage tips for the bride
Purse scavenger hunt or similar icebreaker
Prepare all game materials and prizes in advance
Print all game cards, buy pens (bring 25% extra — people always lose them), and wrap the prizes 2-3 days before the shower. Last-minute game prep is the most common source of host stress. Test any tech-dependent activities (slideshow, music round) the day before.
Gifts and Day-Of Logistics
Include registry information in the invitation
List 1-2 registries on the invitation or direct guests to the wedding website. Gift giving is expected but not mandatory — word the invitation as 'The couple is registered at...' not 'Gifts required.' Some guests prefer to bring gifts to the shower and not the wedding, or vice versa.
Assign someone to record gifts as they're opened
The bride opens gifts at the shower, and someone else (a bridesmaid or family member) writes down who gave what on a list. This is essential for writing thank-you notes. Take a photo of the bride with each gift and the giver for the memory book.
Plan the gift-opening flow
Gift opening for 20+ gifts takes 30-45 minutes. Seat the bride in a visible spot with good lighting (the photographer or designated photo-taker will thank you). Pass opened gifts around so all guests can see them. Save ribbons and bows — a tradition is to make a practice bouquet for the rehearsal.
Prepare a day-of timeline and assign responsibilities
Setup time: 1-2 hours before guests arrive
Designate a greeter to welcome guests and offer drinks
Designate a game host to run each activity
Designate someone to take photos throughout the event
Plan for cleanup: 30-60 minutes after guests leave
Prepare shower favors for guests (optional)
Small edible favors (cookies, candy, a mini succulent) in a labeled bag cost $3-$5 each and are genuinely appreciated. Skip anything personalized with the bride's name — guests won't keep it. Hand them out at the door as guests leave or place them at each seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who traditionally pays for a bridal shower?
The maid of honor and bridesmaids traditionally split bridal shower costs, with the host (usually the maid of honor) covering the largest share. Average bridal shower costs run $500-$2,000 depending on location and guest count. In recent years, mothers of the bride and groom often contribute, and co-hosting among 3-5 people at $100-$300 each has become standard.
How many weeks before the wedding should a bridal shower be held?
Hold the bridal shower 4-8 weeks before the wedding date. This gives the couple enough time to write thank-you notes and finalize registry gaps before the wedding. Avoid scheduling it closer than 3 weeks to the wedding — the bride will be deep in final logistics and will not be able to relax and enjoy it.
How many guests should be invited to a bridal shower?
Bridal showers typically include 15-40 guests, with 25 being the sweet spot for an intimate but lively atmosphere. Every bridal shower guest must also be invited to the wedding — inviting someone to the shower but not the wedding is a serious etiquette breach. Keep the list to close friends, family, and wedding party members; coworkers are optional depending on relationship closeness.
What do bridal shower games cost to set up?
Most bridal shower games cost under $20 to organize. Printable game sets from Etsy run $5-$12 for a bundle of 5-6 games. DIY options like 'How well do you know the bride?' trivia or purse bingo cost nothing beyond printer paper. Budget $30-$50 for small prizes (candles, lip balms, mini champagne bottles) to give winners.
Are co-ed bridal showers appropriate?
Co-ed bridal showers (sometimes called couple showers or Jack and Jill showers) are increasingly popular, with about 25% of showers now including all genders. They work especially well when the couple shares a friend group or when the partner wants to participate. Shift the format from traditional shower games toward a casual brunch, barbecue, or cocktail party for broader appeal.