Hosting a bridal shower can be a big task. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the things you need to do and when by.

But don’t worry I got you!

I have put together a list of all the things you need to do to plan the perfect bridal shower. This list is a rough guide. Things and timings will depend on what you have planned. You are best creating your own bridal shower timeline and checklist so you can make sure you don’t miss anything.

Grab a free Checklist Printable!

Bridal Shower Planning Timeline

12 – 8 Weeks Before the Bridal Shower

☐ Determine the date and time of the bridal shower, consulting with the bride and important guests.

☐ Set a budget for the event.

☐ Decide on the guest list in collaboration with the bride.

☐ Choose a venue or decide if the shower will be hosted at someone’s home.

☐ Select a theme (if desired) and brainstorm ideas for decorations and activities.

☐ Reach out to potential co-hosts or helpers, if needed.

☐ Start gathering contact information for the guests.

8 – 6 Weeks Before the Bridal Shower

☐ Send out save-the-date notifications to the guests.

☐ Finalize the venue booking or make arrangements for hosting at a home.

☐ Purchase or create invitations that match the chosen theme.

☐ Create a detailed schedule for the bridal shower, including activities, games, and gift openings.

☐ Begin planning the menu, considering the bride’s preferences and any dietary restrictions of the guests. ☐ Plan and purchase or order decorations, centrepieces, and any other supplies needed.

☐ Start researching and booking any necessary vendors, such as caterers or rental companies.

6- 4 Weeks Before the Bridal Shower

☐ Send out formal invitations to the guests, including all necessary details and RSVP information.

☐ Follow up with any guests who haven’t responded to the invitations.

☐ Confirm the menu and make any necessary adjustments.

☐ Purchase or order any party favors or special gifts for the guests.

☐ Plan and prepare any games or activities, ensuring you have all the necessary supplies.

☐ Coordinate with any co-hosts or helpers, assigning tasks and responsibilities.

GRAB YOUR BRIDAL SHOWER CHECKLIST FREEBIE

2 -1 Week Before the Bridal Shower

☐ Confirm the final guest count and make any adjustments to the venue or catering.

☐ Double-check all the necessary supplies, including decorations, utensils, and serving dishes.

☐ Confirm any deliveries or pickups from vendors.

☐ Prepare a final schedule for the bridal shower, ensuring it accommodates the planned activities and allows for flexibility.

☐ Contact any guests who haven’t RSVPed to confirm their attendance.

☐ Delegate any last-minute tasks to co-hosts or helpers.

Day of the Bridal Shower

☐ Set up the venue or decorate the designated area according to the chosen theme.

☐ Set up tables, chairs, and any necessary audiovisual equipment.

☐ Arrange the food and beverage stations.

☐ Set up a designated area for gifts and a space for the bride to open them.

☐ Ensure all necessary supplies, such as plates, napkins, and utensils, are readily available.

☐ Greet and welcome guests as they arrive.

☐ Follow the planned schedule, facilitating activities, games, and gift openings.

☐ Take photos or designate someone to capture memorable moments throughout the event.

☐ Clean up and pack away decorations, ensuring the venue or home is left in good condition.

After the Bridal Shower

☐ Send thank-you notes to the guests, expressing gratitude for their attendance and any gifts received.

☐ Share any photos or memories from the bridal shower with the bride and guests.

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Creating and managing a guest list for your bridal shower can seem daunting, but with proper organization and communication, it can be a manageable task.

Planning a bridal shower is a big task. It can be overwhelming but if you are organized you got this. I have all the resources you could ever need to plan the perfect bridal shower.

Creating a bridal shower guest list in 10 easy steps

1. Start with the Basics

Begin by listing the names of your closest family members and friends who you definitely want to invite. This core group will form the foundation of your guest list.

2. Discuss with Your Partner or the couple

If you are hosting it for the couple make sure they always have the last say on the guest list.

If you are hosting and your partner is involved in the wedding planning process, consult with them to ensure you include any mutual friends or family members on the guest list. Their input is valuable and helps create a balanced list.

3. Consider Hosting Constraints

Determine the maximum capacity of your chosen venue and consider any limitations or constraints it may have. This will help you establish an approximate number of guests you can invite.

4. Categorize Guests

Divide your guest list into different categories such as family, close friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. This will help you prioritize and make decisions about who to invite.

5. Set Guest Count Limits

Determine the maximum number of guests you can comfortably accommodate within your budget and venue limitations. This will help you make necessary cuts if your initial list exceeds the capacity.

6. Utilize a Spreadsheet or Guest List Manager

Use a spreadsheet or a guest list management tool to keep track of your guests’ names, contact information, RSVP status, and any specific notes or dietary restrictions. This will help you stay organized and easily update information as needed.

It can be as simple as this one below that you update yourself. You can set up an online RSVP system. Our grab my guestlist spreadsheet for a stylish-looking spreadsheet.

7. Send Out Invitations Early

Send out your bridal shower invitations well in advance, preferably 12-8 weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to RSVP and allows you to follow up with those who haven’t responded.

8. Keep Track of RSVPs

Regularly check and update your guest list based on the RSVPs you receive. Follow up with guests who haven’t responded by the designated RSVP deadline to get a final headcount.

9. Communication is Key

Maintain clear and open communication with your guests. Provide clear instructions for RSVPing, include a contact person’s name and email/phone number, and promptly respond to any questions or inquiries.

Be Prepared for Changes: Understand that there may be changes to your guest list due to unexpected circumstances or last-minute cancellations. Be flexible and prepared to adapt accordingly.

10. Follow Up and Send Thank You Notes

After the bridal shower, express your gratitude to your guests by sending out thank you notes. This small gesture of appreciation goes a long way in maintaining good relationships with your loved ones.

Remember, the guest list is a personal choice, and it’s important to invite those who are significant to you and who will contribute positively to the celebration. Be mindful of your budget, venue capacity, and overall vision for the bridal shower. With proper organization and timely communication, you can successfully manage your guest list and create a memorable event for everyone involved.

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A bridal shower and a bachelorette party are both pre-wedding celebrations, but they have distinct purposes and differences in terms of their focus, activities, and guest lists.

We have you covered with our complete in-depth planning guides for both bridal showers and bachelorettes.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two:

Bridal shower vs bachelorette

Bridal Shower:

• Purpose: The primary purpose of a bridal shower is to “shower” the bride with gifts, well wishes, and advice for her upcoming marriage.
• Guests: The guest list for a bridal shower typically includes close female friends, family members, and sometimes female relatives of the groom. It is a more inclusive event that may involve women of different age groups and generations.
• Activities: Bridal showers often include activities and games that center around the bride. These activities can be interactive, trivia-based, or advice-sharing sessions. There is a focus on celebrating the bride and providing her with support and guidance.
• Tone: Bridal showers tend to have a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. They are often held during the day and can include a sit-down meal, afternoon tea, or brunch. The focus is on conversation, connection, and honoring the bride.

Bachelorette Party:

• Purpose: The purpose of a bachelorette party is to celebrate the bride-to-be’s last days of being single and to have a fun and memorable night or weekend with her closest friends.
• Guests: Bachelorette parties typically include the bride’s closest friends, usually the bridal party and other close female friends. It is more of a close-knit gathering, and the guest list is usually limited to a specific group of friends.
• Activities: Bachelorette parties often involve a night out on the town, weekend getaways, or special activities such as spa days, karaoke, or dance classes. The focus is on enjoying memorable experiences together and having fun.
• Tone: Bachelorette parties tend to have a more lively and party-oriented atmosphere. They often take place in the evening or night and can involve going to bars, and clubs, or engaging in activities that cater to the bride’s interests and preferences.

While there can be some overlap in terms of guests and activities, the main distinction lies in the purpose and overall tone of the events. Bridal showers focus on gift-giving, support, and advice for the bride, while bachelorette parties are centered around celebrating the bride’s upcoming marriage with a fun and memorable night or weekend with close friends.

Which one is right for you, bridal shower or bachelorette?

Deciding between a bridal shower and a bachelorette party ultimately depends on your personal preferences, the type of celebration you envision, and the dynamics of your relationships with friends and family. Here are some factors to consider when making a decision:

1. Purpose: Think about what you value most in a pre-wedding celebration. If you appreciate the idea of receiving gifts, well wishes, and advice from a wider circle of female friends and family members, a bridal shower may be a good fit. On the other hand, if you prioritize having a fun-filled night or weekend with your closest friends and creating lasting memories, a bachelorette party might be more suitable.
2. Guest List: Consider the people you would like to include in the celebration. If you have a close-knit group of friends or a specific set of bridesmaids who are instrumental in your life, a bachelorette party could provide an opportunity to bond and enjoy a more intimate gathering. If you want to involve a broader range of female friends, family members, or even colleagues, a bridal shower may be a better choice.
3. Atmosphere and Activities: Reflect on the type of atmosphere and activities that appeal to you. If you prefer a relaxed and intimate setting, perhaps with a sit-down meal or afternoon tea, where you can engage in conversations and enjoy games focused on your journey to marriage, a bridal shower might be ideal. If you envision a livelier and more adventurous celebration, such as a night out on the town, a spa day, or a destination weekend, a bachelorette party could be more suited to your preferences.
4. Time and Logistics: Consider the practical aspects, such as timing and logistics. Determine how much time and resources you and your friends are willing and able to dedicate to the event. If you have limited time or are planning a destination wedding, a bachelorette party may be more manageable. If you have more time and want to include a broader group of people, a bridal shower can be a flexible and inclusive option.
5. Communication with Loved Ones: Discuss your thoughts and preferences with your bridesmaids, maid of honor, and close friends or family members who may be involved in planning or hosting the event. Their insights and input can help you make a decision that aligns with your desires while considering their abilities and availability.

Remember, there is no right or wrong choice. It’s about selecting the celebration that resonates most with your personality, preferences, and the dynamics of your relationships. You can also consider combining elements of both celebrations or having separate events if that aligns with your vision and circumstances.

Having both a bridal shower and bachelorette

If you desire to have both a bridal shower and a bachelorette party, it is absolutely possible to plan and incorporate both celebrations into your pre-wedding festivities.

I would offer to host one yourself or at least have two different people be the host of each one. It is a big task to organize one event, let alone two.

Here’s how you can make it work:

1. Communicate your wishes: Discuss your desire to have both celebrations with your bridesmaids, maid of honor, and close friends or family members involved in the planning process. Let them know that you would like to have both a bridal shower and a bachelorette party and explain your reasons for wanting both events.
2. Determine the timing: Decide on the timing of each event. You can choose to have the bridal shower a few weeks or months before the wedding to allow for the traditional gift-giving and well wishes. The bachelorette party can take place closer to the wedding, such as a week or a few days before, to create a fun and memorable experience leading up to the big day.
3. Delegate responsibilities: Assign specific responsibilities and tasks to different individuals involved in the planning process. This could include designating one person or group to organize the bridal shower and another person or group to handle the bachelorette party arrangements. Clearly communicate expectations, budget considerations, and any preferences you have for each event.
4. Consider combining elements: While the two events have distinct purposes and atmospheres, you can still find ways to incorporate elements that overlap. For example, you could have some light-hearted games or activities at the bridal shower to add an element of fun, or you could have a moment during the bachelorette party where guests can offer advice or well wishes to you.
5. Manage guest lists: Determine the guest lists for each event based on the purpose and dynamics of the celebrations. The bridal shower guest list can include a broader range of female friends and family members, while the bachelorette party guest list can consist of your closest friends and bridesmaids. However, there may be some overlap in the guest lists, so ensure proper communication to avoid any confusion.
6. Plan logistics and budgets accordingly: Coordinate with the respective organizers to plan the logistics and budgets for each event separately. This will help ensure that the arrangements and finances are appropriately managed for each celebration.

Remember, the key is open communication and collaboration with those involved in the planning process. By expressing your desire for both a bridal shower and a bachelorette party and working together to make it happen, you can have the best of both worlds and create memorable experiences leading up to your wedding day.

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