The Ultimate Bridal Shower Checklist and Timeline

The bridal shower is undoubtedly one of the most exciting events leading up to your big day. It is a pre-wedding celebration where the bride’s nearest and dearest come together to shower her with love, support, and gifts.

A bridal shower lets the bride let her hair down, enjoy quality time with her favorite people, and receive fabulous presents to start her new life with her partner.

But with so many things to consider, organizing the perfect bridal shower can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate bridal shower checklist and timeline to help guide you through the step-by-step planning process.

Consider this as your guide to everything you should know and plan for a bridal shower.

6-8 Weeks Before the Bridal Shower

• Determine the date, time, and location of the bridal shower.
• Create a guest list and send out invitations.
• Choose a theme for the bridal shower.
• Decide on decorations, including centerpieces, balloons, and tablecloths.
• Plan the menu and decide on whether to have it catered or do it yourself.
• Purchase or make party favors for guests.

4 Weeks Before the Bridal Shower

• Plan the games or activities for the bridal shower.
• Choose music or entertainment for the event.
• Purchase or create a bridal shower guest book.
• Plan the seating arrangements for guests.
• Determine the dress code for guests, if any.

2 Weeks Before the Bridal Shower

• Purchase or make a bridal shower gift for the bride-to-be.
• Purchase or rent any necessary equipment, such as tables, chairs, or sound systems.
• Confirm the attendance of guests and vendors prior to the event.

1 Week Before the Bridal Shower

• Set up the venue, including decorations, seating arrangements, and food and beverage stations.
• Greet guests as they arrive and direct them to their seats.
• Serve food and drinks throughout the event.
• Facilitate games and activities, and encourage guest participation.
• Take photos throughout the event.

After the Bridal Shower

• Assist the bride-to-be with opening gifts and writing thank-you notes.
• Clean up the venue after the event.

Tips & Notes

• The best time to plan a bridal shower is usually around two months before the wedding date, but it ultimately depends on the bride’s schedule and preferences, as well as the availability of key guests and vendors. Communicate with the bride and important stakeholders to ensure that the shower is planned at a convenient and appropriate time.
• Traditionally, the maid of honor or bridesmaids would plan the bridal shower. However, in modern times, anyone close to the bride can plan a bridal shower, such as the bride’s sister, mother, aunt, cousin, or friend. The most important thing is that the person or people planning the shower have a good relationship with the bride and are familiar with her tastes and preferences. Additionally, it’s important to communicate with the bride throughout the planning process to ensure that the shower meets her expectations and preferences.
• Don’t forget to create a thank-you list to keep track of gifts and guests who attended
• Assign someone to be responsible for taking photos and capturing memories of the day
• Consider setting up a photo booth or backdrop for guests to take pictures
• Plan a special outfit for the bridal shower, such as a white dress or a floral blouse
• Lastly, remember to enjoy your bridal shower and celebrate with your loved ones!

Pin for Later

Reference Links:

• https://www.theknot.com/content/a-bridal-shower-planning-checklist
• https://www.brides.com/bridal-shower-checklist-4844918
• https://theweddingguys.com/blog/2021/05/01/bridal-shower-checklist/