Wedding Shower 101
As the hostess, you are basically planning a party that anticipates an even bigger party. And the guest of honor is someone who is close to you. So you'll want to make every effort to make the bride or the couple happy.
Take a moment to review the following basic information regarding how to plan a wedding shower.
Hostess(es)
Traditionally, the honor attendant serves as shower hostess. She can request help from members of the wedding party.
Co-workers, female relatives of the bride or the groom, can throw additional showers. Usually the mothers of the bride and groom do not serve as hostesses, but they may help out behind the scenes. Other close friends who are not in the wedding party may throw a shower. This customs is especially prevalent for small wedding parties.
Budget
How much do you want to spend on the shower? Who is contributing? First, find out how much money you have to work with, then pick a location and theme.
Date/Time
Showers are traditionally held from six months before the wedding to a week before. Prior to picking a date and time, decide where you want to hold the shower since location availability will be a factor. Try to pick a day and time most of the guests will have open. This usually means weekend afternoons. However, work-day showers can be held during lunch hour or immediately after work. Evening get-togethers are also an option.
Surprise (?)
Planning a surprise shower can be challenging but well worth the look of shock on the bride's countenance or on the faces of the couple when they enter the room. Make this decision early, since it will affect how you proceed with the details.
The guest list
If the bride knows about the shower, ask her to help with the guest list. If you want it to be a surprise, consult with her mom, her sister or the groom (if it's not a couples shower). Make sure friends and family of the bride and groom are invited, as well as the wedding party. Everyone invited to the shower also should be on the wedding guest list.
Invitations
Invitations can be formal or casual, matching the theme of the festivities. They can be printed or fill-in-the-blank.
Send them out four to six weeks before the day to guarantee each guest gets the invitation in time to mark the shower on his or her calendar. Request an RSVP by two weeks before the party.
Gifts
Make sure the bride and groom have registered before the shower. Include information on where guests can purchase gifts along with the invitations.
