Planning a bridal shower can be a lot of work. So when should you begin? You can begin planning any time you would like. It all depends on how big the party is going to be, where your guests may be coming from, and if any reservations or special accommodations need to be made. As far as how much time to allow between the bridal shower and the wedding that can vary from a couple of months to two weeks before the big event. Another decision that is sometimes hard to choose is the time of day to have the party. There are many factors that help a hostess make all of these decisions.

Once you decide you are going to host a bridal shower you should decide how much time the planning will take. If you want to have the bridal shower at a location that is public, such as a restaurant or bar, you may need to start fairly early, as you will probably have to make reservations for a large group. Another factor is the food; if you are planning a formal meal you may want to start planning your menu and calling caterers right away. Planning an informal shower would definitely save you some time and you would not have to start planning so soon. Invitations should go out at least a month before the shower to allow guests to plan accordingly. Out of town guest should obviously be given more notice so they can make travel arrangements and reservations. The actual date of the party should never less than two months before the wedding. The last two months before a wedding is typically a full schedule for a bride-to-be, with dress fittings, last minute decisions and finalizing all plans.

A mid-morning shower is the perfect time for a brunch. It may be a great time of day for most, as a lot of people typically do not make plans in the early part of the day. If brunch is not something you want to do you could always host a mid-morning tea party. Both of these options can range from very formal to very casual, it all depends on what the hostess or bride may want. A mid-morning time is more suitable if the guests are all local, if out of town guests were to come they may have to stay the night before and that can be difficult when they will probably already be planning to travel to the wedding.

Early afternoon bridal showers are common. The hostess can serve a light lunch or ask guests to bring a dish to pass. Having the food catered is always an option too. Afternoon parties are great as they allow plenty of time for visiting and games. Also one must allow for gift opening. Having an afternoon tea party is always an option too. Hosting an afternoon party for a wine lover could include a wine tasting party with cheese, crackers and other finger foods.

If you would like to throw a more formal bridal shower an evening party would be a very nice choice. Having a sit down dinner party is a wonderful idea if including both the bride and groom. But it is also a great idea for a girl’s night out to have a formal meal among friends. Evening parties could also be focused solely on desserts and wine. What woman does not like an evening filled with chocolate, cheesecake and other delicious desserts.

Different twists on bridal showers are combining the bridal shower with the bachelorette party and maybe have a night at a casino and then a stay at a hotel. The night could be filled with gambling, dinner and maybe a show at the casino if offered. In the morning you could all have brunch and have the bridal shower and gift opening right at the hotel or a restaurant if you choose.

Throwing a bridal shower can take as much time or as little time and effort as you want to put into it. It all simply depends on how far and big you want to go. Also always consider the bride and groom and also the potential guests when choosing time and location of the bridal shower.

 

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