Let's face it, planning a Bridal shower is hard work. Seriously hard work. But we each have our turn in life to plan this special day for a sister or friend, and soon they will get their turn to plan yours (or they have already).
So chin up, notebook out and get planning. Here are my top tips to plan a shower that is fun for everybody and that the bride-to-be will love you for.
1. KNOW YOUR BRIDE
Now is not the time to plan the bridal shower you have dreamed of since forever. This is the bride-to-be's day, so plan something that you know she will love and will feel comfortable at. Don't plan a picnic, when you know the bride-to be is someone that itches as soon as she looks at grass. Or a high tea at the Saxon when she would rather be drinking cocktails in her favorite beach side bar.
Think about what she loves, where she hangs out and what you have talked about. This is a good place to start.
2. THEME
Yes, a theme is hard work. but a theme is fun. It sets the tone, it creates the overall 'picture' on the day and it makes everything else easier. It narrows down the location, invitations, food, drink, decor and dress code.
So chin up, notebook out and get planning. Here are my top tips to plan a shower that is fun for everybody and that the bride-to-be will love you for.
1. KNOW YOUR BRIDE
Now is not the time to plan the bridal shower you have dreamed of since forever. This is the bride-to-be's day, so plan something that you know she will love and will feel comfortable at. Don't plan a picnic, when you know the bride-to be is someone that itches as soon as she looks at grass. Or a high tea at the Saxon when she would rather be drinking cocktails in her favorite beach side bar.
Think about what she loves, where she hangs out and what you have talked about. This is a good place to start.
2. THEME
Yes, a theme is hard work. but a theme is fun. It sets the tone, it creates the overall 'picture' on the day and it makes everything else easier. It narrows down the location, invitations, food, drink, decor and dress code.
www.tressugar.com
3. INVITATIONS
Your invitations should reflect the personality of your bride-to-be. And make and extra one and give it to her in a little keepsakes box after the shower.
But the most important thing is to send out your invitations ON TIME. And on time means 6-8 weeks in advance. Why? Because people are busy, and sending out your invitations too late means that some guests will not be able to plan around it. Which means that important people will not be able to attend. And that sucks.
And then send out the reminders again, 2 weeks and 7 days before the event. People are busy, they forget.
4. NAME TAGS & SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
Name tags ensures that everyone laughs about their silly name tags. And make silly name tag jokes. They also make people remember each other's names. Which is a good thing when not everyone knows each other. You see where I am going with this?
Seating arrangements ensures that everyone is sitting next to someone they know or then at least have met once or twice before. it can be uncomfortable for some people to sit next to someone they have never met, not a problem of course for our more extroverted guests. Small way to make everyone a little more comfortable.
5. GAMES a.k.a ICE-BREAKERS
Ice-breaker: a thing that serves to relieve inhibitions or tension between people.
Know you guest. Be creative. Choose something fun. Lead the activity. It works.
6. DRINKS
Pink drinks, bubbly drinks, drinks with straws in them, drinks in little bottles. Have a least one 'focus' drink. Something pretty, something everyone will 'ooooo' and 'aaaaa' over. Have some coffee and tea. Have some alcoholic drinks. Have some yummy non-alcoholic drinks. Everyone is happy!
See some pretty ideas here.
Your invitations should reflect the personality of your bride-to-be. And make and extra one and give it to her in a little keepsakes box after the shower.
But the most important thing is to send out your invitations ON TIME. And on time means 6-8 weeks in advance. Why? Because people are busy, and sending out your invitations too late means that some guests will not be able to plan around it. Which means that important people will not be able to attend. And that sucks.
And then send out the reminders again, 2 weeks and 7 days before the event. People are busy, they forget.
4. NAME TAGS & SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
Name tags ensures that everyone laughs about their silly name tags. And make silly name tag jokes. They also make people remember each other's names. Which is a good thing when not everyone knows each other. You see where I am going with this?
Seating arrangements ensures that everyone is sitting next to someone they know or then at least have met once or twice before. it can be uncomfortable for some people to sit next to someone they have never met, not a problem of course for our more extroverted guests. Small way to make everyone a little more comfortable.
5. GAMES a.k.a ICE-BREAKERS
Ice-breaker: a thing that serves to relieve inhibitions or tension between people.
Know you guest. Be creative. Choose something fun. Lead the activity. It works.
6. DRINKS
Pink drinks, bubbly drinks, drinks with straws in them, drinks in little bottles. Have a least one 'focus' drink. Something pretty, something everyone will 'ooooo' and 'aaaaa' over. Have some coffee and tea. Have some alcoholic drinks. Have some yummy non-alcoholic drinks. Everyone is happy!
See some pretty ideas here.
7. FOOD
Make sure that there is a good selection so that everyone has something to eat. The vegetarian, the gluten intolerant, the diabetic etc. Make sure there is enough food and enough of everything. Make sure to include foods and sweet treats that are favorites of the guest of honor.
8. MUSIC
It fills awkward silences. It creates mood. It makes people happy.
9. GIFTS FOR THE GUESTS
What makes everyone happy - especially women? You guessed it, GIFTS, Prezzies. Put some effort into this one. In the next section I will come up with some great ideas for you.
10. THANK YOU CARDS
The last task. Thank you cards make people feel that you appreciate them. Help the bride-to-be with her thank you's after the event. Make notes of the gifts each guest gave during the the bridal shower to make it easier afterwards.
There we go, my top tips for a great Bridal Shower. Have something to add? I would love to know: info@planmepretty.co.za
www.weddingphotography.com
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