![\"Bridesmaids](\"https:\/\/maggieblogassets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Details-and-Getting-Ready-0089-700x467.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSince the bridal shower itself is not a surprise to the bride, you can always lean on her opinion and ideas if you\u2019re unsure of where to start. Some brides will have a clear vision for their shower, while others might want you to take the reins. If your bride is more on the relaxed side, here are a few theme ideas that are sure to impress:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Pajama Party: As the Maid of Honor, you\u2019re sure to have had your fair share of sleepover parties with the bride, so why not celebrate this? Ask guests to show up in their favorite pair of pajamas, serve breakfast foods, and enjoy mimosas as you celebrate the upcoming nuptials!<\/li>
- Chill BBQ: For any bride who wants to have a co-ed shower, a chill barbeque theme<\/a> is the perfect solution. Find a friend with a big enough backyard, set up some twinkle lights and lawn games, and you\u2019re good to go!<\/li>
- Elegant Garden Party: While a barbeque and PJ party might work for some brides, they aren\u2019t the right vibe for the bride who prefers things a bit more upscale. An elegant garden party is your best bet if you know your bride likes to keep things classy.<\/li>
- Intimate Wine Tasting: If the number of attendees will be on the smaller side, or if your bride simply prefers to keep things more intimate, hosting your own wine tasting is another unique shower option. You can always swap out wine for beer as well, as long as you all get a buzz on while celebrating the bride!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Real](\"https:\/\/maggieblogassets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/ROXANNE_JessicaJonesPhotography_Francesca-4-700x1050.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t be afraid to run your theme ideas by the bride before you officially settle on one. That way, you\u2019ll be able to plan a bridal shower that is certain to impress your most important guest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find a Venue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that you\u2019ve locked in a theme, the next step in bridal shower planning is to nail down the venue. First things first, don\u2019t overthink it. Most restaurants offer a banquet room you can rent out depending on the size of your party. Or, when all else fails, throwing a backyard bridal shower is always a possibility too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Decorations](\"https:\/\/maggieblogassets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Details-and-Getting-Ready-0007-700x1050.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBe sure to take your bride’s opinion into account before officially settling on a place. And if you do end up booking a venue, consider the budget of the other bridesmaids as well. You can always keep things super low key and host a bridal shower right from the living room of a bride\u2019s loved one, saving everyone some extra time and money!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Send Out Bridal Shower Invitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you have your venue, you\u2019re ready to start putting together the invitations! While it\u2019s tempting to jump right into the decorations, getting the invit<\/em>ations together should be at the top of your priority list of bridal shower planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Color](\"https:\/\/maggieblogassets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/5009-700x467.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are a few things you\u2019ll need to take note of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The date and time: finding a date the works best for the entire bridal party can be difficult, so make sure to take a group poll!<\/li>
- Will you need a virtual option for the shower?<\/li>
- Do you plan to limit the number of in-person guests?<\/li>
- How long will the shower be?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These questions have become a given when drafting any invitation. And the good news is, once you\u2019ve answered them, you\u2019re ready to start designing! In today\u2019s digital world, there are plenty of affordable bridal shower invitation templates<\/a> available to choose from. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most even offer a QR code on the back as an easy way for guests to RSVP! Find a template that fits your theme, and get those cards in the mail at least two months in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Figure Out Food and Beverages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your venue happens to be at a local restaurant, chances are your food options have already been decided upon. However, if you\u2019re hosting the shower at a family\/friend’s home, or pretty much anywhere else, determining what food to serve is crucial. Since you probably already know what food the bride likes and dislikes, be sure to take her preferences into consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cheese](\"https:\/\/maggieblogassets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Details-and-Getting-Ready-0048-700x1050.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBridal showers traditionally feature light finger foods that are easy to eat and even easier to prepare. This list from allrecipes<\/a> is a great place to start if you aren\u2019t familiar with making appetizers. Enlist the help of the mother of the bride or even the bride’s future mother-in-law as they will likely be eager to assist you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you decide to cater some finger foods or make them yourself, just remember to avoid heavy appetizers, and you\u2019ll be fine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decide on the Dress Code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another big part of how to plan a bridal shower is deciding on a dress code. As the Maid of Honor, the other bridesmaids, the guests, and even the bride will turn to you to set the standard of attire for the event. Let\u2019s start by taking the season into account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bride](\"https:\/\/maggieblogassets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Bridesmaids-and-Champagne-700x467.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs the planner of the shower, the last thing you want is for you and your guests to end up being too hot or too cold. Make sure the venue is clearly stated on the invitation so that guests know what to expect should it be held outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the shower is in the winter, get creative with deeper colors and classic turtle necks. Layering your look with a long trench coat is a classy solution that works for any occasion, including a bridal shower. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the summer, you\u2019ll want to avoid feeling sweaty due to the hot weather. Try bringing a paper fan along as an accessory for the event. Or better yet, consider buying a pack in bulk to offer to guests! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bridesmaids](\"https:\/\/maggieblogassets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/ytDMwErLnwJessicaSimpsonPhotography40of1159-Bridesmaids-with-Flower-Crowns-700x467.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnother unique way to avoid any unwanted stickiness is to wear cotton underwear<\/a> and breathable undergarments, along with any dress made of light fabric. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider options like a stylish sundress<\/a> as your first choice as dresses like these offer the right balance between too casual or overly formal. Keeping these tricks in mind will save you some extra time as you develop an established dress code fit for any season!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case anyone does approach you asking what to wear to the event, remind them of these rules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Stick to the theme.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t wear white.<\/li>
- Keep things conservative, not sexy.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Fruit](\"https:\/\/maggieblogassets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Details-and-Getting-Ready-0047-700x1050.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFinally, you\u2019re ready to start preparing the fun parts of the shower: the decorations and the games! This is where you can involve the other bridesmaids heavily, and delegate who will be contributing what. With your theme in mind, here is a brief list of everything extra you\u2019ll need for the day of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tables and chairs (depending on your venue)<\/li>
- Place settings (plates, cups, etc., also depending on your venue!)<\/li>
- Small centerpieces<\/li>
- One or two games (this list<\/a> offers some fun\/unique ideas!)<\/li>
- Prizes for the game winners (here are some bridal shower prize ideas<\/a>)<\/li>
- A throne for the bride (this can be any unique chair that matches your theme, usually for present time!)<\/li>
- A table for the gifts<\/li>
- Any other decorations to set the scene (balloons, flowers, music, etc.)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While bridal shower planning as the Maid of Honor is no simple task, we hope the guide above has given you some clarity as to how to navigate this process! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Prizes for the game winners (here are some bridal shower prize ideas<\/a>)<\/li>