If you have the important honor of planning a bridal shower, or if you’re just looking for ways of making your own shower as special as your wedding day is sure to be, plenty of preparation and an equal amount of creativity are the two most important things you’ll need to make the event a success.

Picking A Theme

Planning a shower and wedding around a theme is becoming very popular. This goes beyond planning around one or two colors. Planning a specific them gives the bride and groom a chance to express themselves in a fun way.

The time of year for the wedding and shower may have something to do with the theme. An autumn shower would be beautiful with vibrant colors of the fall. Besides the four seasons, bridal showers can also be planned around a specific holiday or event.

Some other bridal shower themes to consider include:

- English tea party: Porcelain and china tea cups, teas of different varieties, roses, and desserts such as scones and pastries make for the perfect tea party themed bridal shower.

- Garden party: A garden party with many flowers and plants is ideal for the spring bridal shower.

- Hawaiian Luau: Include pineapples, leis and Hawaiian flowers along with luau type foods.

- Las Vegas: For a something different hold a Vegas themed event complete with card games, a roulette wheel and dice. Held in the early evening, this is a great way to combine a bridal shower with a ladies night out.

- Pajama party: Have guests dress in their comfiest pajamas and serve lots of finger foods and snacks.

- Spa party: This works best for smaller groups. Pamper everyone and treat them to an afternoon of manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, and lots of relaxation.

Invitations and Shower Favors

Bridal shower invitations should include the following bits of information:

- Full name of the bride - Date, time and place - Who is hosting the shower - RSVP date and contact phone number - The theme, if any - Where the couple is registered - Maps and directions, if necessary

Shower favors are the perfect way for the bride-to-be to say thanks for coming and that she appreciates everyone sharing in her special time. You can tie the favor into the theme or find something unique that will be enjoyed by the guests. For example you could send everyone home with a small plant in a tiny pot from a garden themed shower.

Bridal Shower Timeline

- Two months before: Set the budget, decide on the style or theme of the shower, set the date, choose and reserve the location, create a guest list, plan the menu, choose the games, delegate tasks to other members of the bridal party, purchase the invitations.

- One month before: Mail the invitations, order the cake, plan your menu and shopping lists, purchase the decorations, party favors and prizes.

- One week before: Order the food, chairs, linens, and tableware if necessary, purchase the bride’s gift and confirm reservations.

- One day before: Begin decorating, pick up the cake, wrap the bride’s gift and game prizes, prepare street signs if needed, and prepare any food items that can be made in advance.

- The day of the shower: Arrange the food, drinks, finish any decorating, have a tablet handy to record a list of gifts received, and finally, relax and have a good time at the shower!