Creating a Bridal Shower to Remember

The wedding is only a few more months away-it's time for the bridal party to throw a shower. Since it's likely that at least some of the bridesmaids have never done this before, there may be some panic and feelings of being overwhelmed. However, while it is necessary to get the guest list right, mail invitations on time, plan the food and buy a group gift, don't let the details and the stress rob you and the rest of the bridal party from having an all-around good time. This day should be memorable for you as well as for the bride-and not just because it was a headache.

After you've selected a date for the bridal shower, it's a wise idea to figure out the guest list. By determining how many people you're inviting you'll create a point of reference for a few other variables: how much food will be needed, how many invitations must be made and how big of a facility will be necessary.

Location:

Holding the shower at a home is of course the cheapest route. While it does create a comfortable atmosphere for the shower, space is usually limited. If a large number of guests will be attending, make a judgment call: cozy is nice, crowded is not.

If you decide to use a house you'll have the freedom to decorate and arrange furniture and do any activity however you wish, but keep in mind that you may have to borrow or rent chairs to provide seating.

If the shower will be a sit-down meal and it's necessary to rent tables and chairs for the event, you may be better off renting a facility. Renting has its pros and cons, varying on the type of facility rented. A restaurant or banquet hall will generally not allow you to do much in terms of decorations-this makes life easier, but it also takes away a personal touch. On the other hand, there are no worries regarding adequate seating, tables, purchasing decorations (other than maybe a table centerpiece), or having the hostess clean and ready her house.

Another option is renting a community center or clubhouse or park district-type meeting hall. In a sense this offers the best of both worlds because restrictions are looser-you can decorate however you like, you have the privacy of the room to yourself, but you are guaranteed enough space for your guests, tables, chairs, and often a kitchen. And don't forget that you won't have to worry about cleaning the house ahead of time or Aunt Margaret spilling punch on the hostess' Persian rug.

Décor:

Decorations, while not crucial, help make the event beautiful along with distinguishing it from any other birthday, retirement or going away party. Crepe paper streamers will work, but nothing gives a bridal shower that "wedding" tone like tulle. Wedding tulle-also known as wedding veil or wedding netting-is cheap, comes in a variety of colors and gives the event a wonderful tone. By several yards of tulle and tape or tie it, in a draped fashion, around doorframes, windows, banisters or gift tables. Other decorations include balloons and flowers which can be used alongside the tulle or as centerpieces on tables. And don't forget the candles, which-even in daytime-create a soothing, elegant atmosphere. Party favors, if placed at each place setting, can also add a delicate detail to help tie the room the together.

Food:

Catering is always an option, but it's not too difficult to organize the food yourself, and it might be more economical, so it's worth considering. One alternative is to ask guests to bring a dish, appetizer or dessert. This leaves the food cost and preparation minimal for the bridal party. If you're not comfortable requesting this of your guests, the bridal party can make some dishes while utilizing the services of a local grocery store for some food items like wraps, veggie trays or maybe the main cake. Then again, if the shower is held at a banquet facility, the only meal preparation left to your hands is picking out the menu-one definite pro to renting.

Take a deep breath:

With the guest list, the location, the decorations and the food all worked out, the bridal party should be breathing easier about their upcoming shower. With the most stressful aspects out of the way, odds and end tasks like making the shower favors can be turned into a fun, relaxing evening where the bridal party gets together to have pizza and watch a favorite movie while tying bows or counting chocolates for the favors. When all is said and done you might even beg to be a bridesmaid again!