How to Plan a Bridal Shower

A bridal shower is usually a daytime event in celebration of the bride’s upcoming marriage. Traditionally, it’s an opportunity for all invited guests to give the bride to be gifts for the new home/life. The bridal shower is usually hosted by the sisters, maid of honor, close friends, bridal attendants, or bridesmaids. No matter who is hosting, be sure to communicate clearly to make sure you aren’t planning two separate showers.
Plan an unforgettable bridal shower by checking off each of the following steps.

Create a shower budget
The very first step to plan is to create a budget for the entire process. This includes food, drinks, décor, venue, rentals, photography and videography. Depending on the type of shower and what the bride wants, a typical bridal shower can cost anywhere from $10 to over $100 per person. (A Ugandan will ask why I used dollars😂).

Pick a date
Consult with the bride’s siblings or a best friends to choose a date that works for her and fits the wedding timeline. Aim for a minimum of a couple of months or even weeks before the wedding. Keep in mind other events of the wedding like the bachelor/bachelorette party, which some people plan for the evening of the shower day. Know if they will have both.

Create the guest list
You don’t have to ask the bride which people she wants on her shower. Because it should be a surprise, don’t ruin it. Get a must-invite list from the siblings of the bride and work with them as you create the full shower guest list. You need to double-check and approve the list so that her enemy shouldn’t be on the list before you send out invites or even add them to the group on Whatsapp or telegram! Be sure they are the people she would want on her shower! Please!

Select a theme
You may decide to opt-out of a bridal shower theme, but if the Bride is a Pinky type, you need to really think hard. If she is a wine-lover you need to have a wine on a shower, or if she is a prayer warrior you need to plan for a prayer session so always consider choosing a theme that will follow suit. By doing this it will guide your planning decisions and the rest of the process.

Choose a location
Often the Organiser will have an idea or two of what the bride wants on the bridal shower. If a home setting isn’t an option, see if guests can be okay with spending extra on outside adventures getaway. 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.

Find a shower decor
If you’ve hired a professional event designer the better, this part will be pretty breezy for you. If you’re decorating yourself, this is arguably one of the most challenging steps in planning a bridal shower when you don’t know where to get what and at what price. Whether you’re following a theme or not, think about what kinds of personal touches you can include for the bride. A bride who loves pretty floral and balloon installations really would love seeing it on the shower and don’t forget a picture-perfect photo backdrop! (This was my favourite part on my bridal shower, I was so impressed when I saw what was done!)

Dress Code
You can choose to go formal or casual as you want it to be, but it’s always best to at least include some sort of guide for all guests so that you don’t look like “women the market”. It’s always better to dress up than down.  If cohesion in your shower photos is important to you, it’s a good idea to think about what the guests will be wearing and make clear about it.

My own bridal shower was organized by my sister and some assistance from my best friend. It was beyond my expectations! Ofcourse I knew I would have one but it sure came as surprise on how they both kept it a secret when, where and how… What more can I ask for from these two Angels! God will surely bless them. Then Stuart Events on the decor!!! The the flowers with LEAH from Gifts and Petals. They were spectacular! To all my friends that showed up for my bridal shower. Am so grateful. Your words keep me strong and motivated in this marriage journey.💓 Below are pictures of the decor, flowers and cake.

TUHAME ❤️