Are you about to be a gorgeous bride, or perhaps one of your close friends or family members is looking to host a bridal shower? You may have heard about this special pre-wedding celebration but never experienced one yourself – and that’s completely normal!
Many of our clients initially have no idea what goes into planning a wedding shower. To make things easier (and more fun), we’ve created this practical guide to help you plan a beautiful, stress-free event that celebrates the bride-to-be in style.
What Is a Bridal Shower?
A bridal shower is a joyful gathering of close family and friends to honour the soon-to-be bride and make her feel extra special before her wedding day. Traditionally, these are daytime events filled with laughter, games, gifts, and delicious treats – a perfect occasion to celebrate love and friendship.
In the past, bridal showers were women-only events, but times have changed. Nowadays, many couples opt for co-ed celebrations, bringing together friends and family from both sides.
Typically, the maid of honour hosts the shower, but bridesmaids, relatives, or parents often lend a hand with planning, decorating, and logistics.
Top Tips for Planning a Bridal Shower
1. Set Your Budget
Before anything else, define your budget. The host traditionally covers the cost of the shower, so it’s important to plan something that’s both memorable and financially comfortable.
2. Choose the Right Date
Plan the event at least six months ahead, ideally about two months before the wedding.
Make sure to consult with the bride first to confirm her availability and ensure that close family and friends can attend.
3. Prepare the Guest List
Once your budget and date are set, it’s time to tackle the guest list. If you’re a close friend of the bride, check in with her to identify the must-have attendees. Remember to keep the list aligned with your budget and venue capacity.
4. Choose a Location
Hosting the event at someone’s home is a timeless option, but many modern hosts prefer venues like cafes, restaurants, gardens, or private event spaces.
When in doubt:
- Ask the bride for her preferences.
- Make sure the location is accessible for all guests.
- Ensure there’s enough space for mingling, games, and photo ops.
Bridal Shower Menu Ideas
Now comes one of the most exciting parts – the menu! Choose food and drinks that the bride loves and that are easy to serve.
If you’re planning a brunch-themed bridal shower, consider these delicious options:
Food & Snacks:
- Mini waffles and French toast bites
- Fruit skewers and yoghurt parfaits
- Finger sandwiches or croissants
- A DIY taco or salad bar
Drinks & Beverages:
- Freshly brewed coffee or iced lattes
- Sparkling mimosas
- Signature cocktails (like a “Blushing Bride” spritz or “Something Blue” gin fizz)
- Refreshing mocktails for non-drinkers
Pro Tip: Set up a cute drink station or mimosa bar with garnishes like berries, citrus slices, and edible flowers – it’s both decorative and interactive!
Bridal Shower Theme Inspiration
While themes aren’t mandatory, they add a beautiful personal touch and tie the event together. From invitations to decorations, a consistent theme helps create a cohesive and memorable atmosphere.
Here are some popular bridal shower themes to consider:
- Rustic garden brunch
- Floral tea party
- Champagne & pearls
- Modern minimalist
- Boho picnic
- Wine & cheese soirée
If you’re not sure what to pick, draw inspiration from the bride’s favourite colours, hobbies, or even her wedding theme.
Sending Out Invites
Once you’ve settled on the theme and location, send invitations 4–5 weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to RSVP, plan their outfits, and shop for gifts.
You can send digital invitations via email or printed ones for a more traditional touch. Either way, include all the essential details – date, time, location, theme, and any gift registry info.
To stay organised, create a bridal shower itinerary to keep track of tasks and schedules.
Games & Activities
No bridal shower is complete without a few fun games! These are great for breaking the ice and keeping guests entertained.
Here are some tried-and-true ideas:
- Bridal Bingo
- Guess the Love Song
- Who Knows the Bride Best? Quiz
- Advice cards for the bride-to-be
- DIY photo booth with props and a cute backdrop
You can also elevate the experience with unique activities like:
- A mini cocktail-making class
- A “create your own flower crown” workshop
- A chef-led cooking demo
And don’t forget the music! Create a playlist that mixes upbeat pop with romantic classics to keep the atmosphere lively and fun.
Sample Bridal Shower Itinerary
To make your planning easier, here’s a simple timeline for a 3–4 hour event:
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Guests and the bride arrive.
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Serve snacks and drinks while guests mingle.
- 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Play games or enjoy planned activities.
- 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: The bride opens gifts (optional).
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Toast to the bride, thank guests, and hand out party favours.
Of course, feel free to adjust this schedule based on your preferences and the flow of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a bridal shower last?
A bridal shower usually lasts about 2 to 4 hours, but the timing can be adjusted based on the activities planned and the guests’ availability.
Is it necessary to have a theme for the bridal shower?
Themes are not required, but can provide a fun focus for decorations and activities. If the bride doesn’t have a preference, a simple colour scheme can also be effective.
Host a Dreamy Bridal Shower
There’s no strict formula for hosting the perfect bridal shower – what truly matters is celebrating the bride and making her feel loved. Whether you go for a cosy brunch at home or a chic afternoon at a venue, make it meaningful, relaxed, and full of laughter.
If you’re planning a wedding or engagement celebration in the UK, our photography team would be honoured to capture your special moments.
Big Day Productions works with a carefully curated network of talented wedding photographers and videographers across the UK – from London to Edinburgh and everywhere in between.
Our consistent style and nationwide presence ensure every couple gets the same quality, creativity, and professionalism, no matter the location. Contact us!
