By Judy J. Thompson

Bridal showers were established to help the bride and groom stock their new home with kitchen, bathroom, cleaning and decorating essentials.  The term ‘shower’ means to shower the bride with gifts.  It is also a nice reason to spend time with the bride before the actual wedding day.  Bridal showers are also a great way for family members from the bride’s side and the groom’s side to get to know one another and share in funny stories, exchange advice and show their support.

The Maid/Matron of Honour, the bridesmaids or a close family friend should host a bridal shower.  At one time it was considered poor etiquette for a family member to host the shower, unless the family member such as a sister is the Maid/Matron of Honour, but today some people find a family member hosting a shower acceptable whereas some others do not.  Family members can help with the planning of the shower.

Hold the shower anywhere between two months to two weeks prior to the wedding day.  The best time is two months before the wedding day because the bride’s schedule starts getting very tight and stressful. 

Before sending the invitations out decide whether the shower is going to be a traditional ‘girls only’ type shower or a ‘Jack and Jill’ shower where the groom and guests spouses or partners are invited too.  Also decide on if the shower is going to be a themed shower, e.g. kitchen theme or bathroom theme.

Another aspect of a themed shower could be the decorating.  The bride may love the beach and a nice touch would be to decorate with a nautical theme.

Consult the bride about guests to help avoid missing someone who is important to her and causing an upset.  Not all guests who are invited to the wedding need to be invited to the shower.  Invite family, close relatives, members of the bridal party, close friends and possibly some co-workers.

Most showers are held in the afternoon but ‘Jack and Jill’ showers can be held in the evenings.  Decide where the shower is going to be held.  Acceptable locations are a home, restaurant or a hall, if the shower is going to be a community based event.  Unless the shower is a surprise, include the bride in some aspect of the planning.

Send the invitations out 3-6 weeks prior to the shower and a good number of guests is anywhere between 5-20.  A smaller number of guests will keep the event a little more intimate.  Be specific as to who is invited whether addressee only or a guest (spouse) and children and always include a map of where the shower is being held with the invitation.

Whether guests RSVP of not, always plan for guests who RSVP late or not at all to arrive.  Most bridal showers can last anywhere from two hours to three depending on whether guests are chatting as they head out the door.