The days leading up to a bridal shower are exciting for everyone but the planner. In between drafting itineraries, sending out invites, and finalizing bookings, the stress of bridal shower planning can affect even the most organized maid of honor.
If this sounds like you, don’t worry — all you need is some direction. Start by ticking off items on this ultimate bridal shower checklist.
1. Organize Teams
Traditionally, it’s the maid of honor who plans the bachelorette party.
However, you’ll soon realize putting that much pressure on one person isn’t the most efficient way to do things. So, if you’re in charge of party proceedings, the first course of action should be to split up the most crucial tasks between bridesmaids.
Ultimately, the goal of planning a bridal shower is to make sure the bride is happy. Getting all her closest friends and family involved ensures that all her preferences are met, too.
2. Craft a Budget
As per wedding planning experts, the average cost of a bridal shower can range from $50 to $100 per person, depending on where and how you decide to host it. But in California, this could be a conservative estimate, especially for a more upscale experience. If you’re looking to spend less, here’s how to plan a bridal shower on a budget:
- When browsing venues in Los Angeles look out for special deals, compare costs of various services, and ensure it’s easily accessible for all your guests.
- Start booking well in advance, as vendors and service providers will be more likely to offer discounts on dates when they have no prior appointments.
- Consider DIY decor and party activities. This keeps costs low and is a great opportunity to bond with the bride and fellow bridesmaids.
3. Prepare Guest List
While the bride traditionally decides who’s on the guest list, sending out invites, checking availability, and coordinating times falls squarely on your shoulders.
Unfortunately, accounting for guests is also usually the most time-consuming entry on any bridal shower checklist. Only once the guest list is finalized can you move on to other pressing tasks — like choosing between a small or a medium-sized venue in Los Angeles. So make sure you start well in advance.
4. Select a Date
Once you confirm guest availability, settle on a final date. A mistake many first-time planners make is planning a bridal shower too close to the wedding. Ideally, a bridal shower should be held four to six weeks before the wedding. This gives the bride enough time to enjoy the celebration without feeling overwhelmed by last-minute wedding preparations.
Another factor to account for is the venue. Banquet halls in Glendale, for example, can be booked out months in advance. Starting early helps you secure the perfect date and the best deal.
5. Choose the Vibe
No one knows the bride better than the maid of honor. But it can never hurt to brainstorm with other bridesmaids for a more rounded opinion on the party theme.
Some questions worth answering include: Would the bride prefer a cozy brunch or an afternoon filled with fun games and laughter at a large event venue in Los Angeles? Does she have any theme or decor preferences?
Party games? Karaoke? Live performance? The list of options is endless.
It may seem overwhelming at first, but in our opinion, selecting a theme and playing host can be two of the most enjoyable aspects of planning a bridal shower.
6. Select a Venue
No matter how many activities you include in your bridal shower checklist, the party isn’t complete without the perfect venue.
When finalizing a location, look for a space that’s not too big or small — as you don’t want your party to either lack intimacy or make guests feel cramped and uncomfortable.
A small venue in Los Angeles may be ideal for hosting an intimate gathering, while planning a bridal shower for dozens of guests will, naturally, require more space.
7. Plan the Itinerary
Now, it’s time to get down to specifics. What time should guests congregate? What’s the plan for activities? What time will brunch be served? All these questions can be answered by creating a comprehensive bridal shower itinerary.
Here’s what this schedule should include:
- Guest arrival time
- Outline of planned games and activities.
- Meal timings (brunch, tea or snacks)
- Dress codes, themes, or any special attire suggestions
- Details about gifts or any planned surprises for the bride
- Wrap-up time and final farewell plans
Of course, we’ll leave the specifics to you. Just remember not to underestimate how crucial it is to include creating an itinerary in your bridal shower checklist.
8. Meals and Service
The right meal can make the difference between a decent bridal shower party and a memorable experience. With that said, planning a menu is never easy. There’s so much to account for — especially since each guest has their own preferences and tastes.
Getting a professional caterer on board can help ease the process. Not only will they craft a tailored menu, they will also help with service, drinks, and clean-up duties.
9. Finalize Decor
The decor is the final piece in the party planning puzzle — and a crucial point on our bridal shower checklist. There are so many things you can do with the decor that it’s impossible to come close to listing them all.
But here are some evergreen favorites for inspiration:
- Floral centerpieces and garlands
- Balloon garlands or arches
- Elegant table settings with themed linen and napkins
- Bride-to-be sashes
- Decorative dessert tables with cake stands and sweet treats
- Grazing tables
And more! At the end of the day, you’re only limited by your creativity.
10. Goodie Bags and Gifts
This is the final point on our bridal shower planning checklist, only because it’s optional. If you decide to have a bridal registry, ensure all guests are informed so no one shows up embarrassed. At the venue, set up a gift table by the entrance to keep things organized.
Handing out goodie bags to guests is another way to make the day special. They don’t have to be extravagant or too generous, but something thoughtful should do the trick.
Plan a Bridal Shower with Vivaldi Venues
As a maid of honor, the best thing you can do for your friend is enjoy the celebration. This is a special occasion for the bride-to-be, and having one of her closest friends looking visibly stressed out all through the day isn’t going to help things.
That’s why when you plan an event with Vivaldi Venues, we help you in your bridal shower planning in every way we can. Book one of our luxury venues in Glendale today and enjoy a hassle-free experience.