The Bridal Shower Part I: How to Organize the Perfect Party

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."~Helen Keller

Traditionally, bridal showers were a ritual for female bonding where women got together with the bride to share stories, eat and focus on the bride, providing her with gifts and a fun time. Nowadays, many showers include both women and men and is often referred to as a "Jack and Jill" or "Couple's" shower.

Your bridal shower is a party with a purpose and one of the many pre-wedding activities you will be attending. The bridal shower is meant to equip the soon to be newlyweds with useful items for their home. Bridal showers are also an opportunity for the bride to get together with her family and friends and have a great time!

Showering the bride or bride and groom, with love and friendship by providing a memorable day which will always be cherished, can be made easy by following a few simple tips:

-Now is the time to decide if you will be hosting an "all girls" shower or a "Jack & Jill/couples" shower. A "Jack & Jill" or "Couple's" shower can be a great deal of fun and includes both male and female guests. The "Jack and Jill" is often held on a Friday or Saturday night although any day and time is acceptable as long as it works for everyone involved.

-Generally, the planning of the bridal shower is the responsibility of the Maid of Honour and the bridesmaids. If the Bride knows about the shower, then she can work together with her girls. The bride's family can pitch in and help if the shower is a surprise. It is not uncommon today for the bride's mother or both mother of the bride and mother of the groom to host the bridal shower. Also, it is not uncommon for the bride to have more than one shower.

-The cost of the bridal shower essentially falls into the laps of the Maid of Honour and the bridesmaids. The invitations and/or the party location are sometimes offered by the family of the bride.

-Participating in a wedding in most cases, can be quite costly, therefore, it is of the utmost importance that a manageable budget is decided upon from the get go.

-Organizing a guest list for the shower can, in some cases, be a little bit on the daunting side. Usually the mothers of the bride and groom will be able to provide you with a guest list which will take the guesswork out of the task. Remember to get accurate addresses, telephone and cell numbers as well as e-mails.

-If you plan on going the way of informality then you can contact your guests by telephone. You can also choose to mail out invitations formally. Sending out e-cards is also gaining popularity. Just select whatever method works best for you.

-It is very important to remember that anyone that is invited to attend the wedding, should be invited to the shower. Conversely, it is definitely not okay to invite anyone that did not make the wedding list.

-When choosing a theme for the shower, take into consideration the couple's characters, their likes and dislikes, what they already have or don't have, etc. This will get you off to a good start. Also, if the couple is living together, they may not need items such as kitchen products. Perhaps the bride is fond of lingerie. If the couple have purchased a home, a money shower may be appropriate so they can make their own purchases. Many bride's sign up for various gift registries which makes it easier for guests. Just make sure that the gift registries are clearly indicated on the invitations or let the guests know if they are being invited by telephone.

-Your bridal shower menu should be a reflection of your theme, time of day, (such as brunch, lunch or dinner), as well as the number of guests you have invited. Remember, there is no need to go over the top, this is meant as a day of happiness and enjoyment for both the bride and her guests. If you have reserved space for the shower make sure you know exactly how much time you are being allotted. Also, it's a good idea to find out beforehand if anyone invited has any dietary restrictions.

-If it's possible and not overly expensive, a smaller, similar version of the wedding cake would be a nice touch and will really surprise the bride.

-Try to keep the bridal shower location in perspective. Select a location that is easily accessible for your guests and will accommodate the needs of the party. You might also consider a site that best suits your theme. It is a good idea to know exactly how many guests are attending before finalizing your arrangements.

-Bridal showers are generally held eight to ten weeks before the wedding. A shower may be held on a weekend or weekday. It is best to select a day and time that will be convenient for everyone, especially if you are expecting any out-of- town guests. If guests attending the shower are employed, an evening or weekend event would be appropriate. Many bridal showers are held on Sunday afternoons. Also, holding a shower on a Friday night is a good idea as well because it will feel more like a night out without using up any part of the weekend.

-Having a specially decorated chair for the bride is a good idea.

-Be sure to include plenty of games and prizes for that added element of fun.

-Make sure to offer your guests refreshments when they arrive and whatever else you wish to provide.

-Enhance the ambiance of the occasion by lighting candles (if allowed) and placing flowers and decorations throughout the room. Create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for both your guests and the bride.

-Don't forget to play music, it will help to create a more festive environment.

-Be sure to designate someone to record gifts as the bride opens them. She will definitely appreciate it when it's time to write thank you cards.

-It is always nice to give guests a small token or favor to remember the day by. A gift reflective of your theme would be fitting.

Bridal showers can be one of the most memorable and entertaining pre-wedding parties the bride will attend. No matter which shower style or theme you choose, keep in mind that a bridal shower is meant as a fun time to honour the bride. So,try your best to create an atmosphere that will be enjoyed by everyone involved.