Bridal Shower Do’s and Don’ts for the Bride

//The Knot// Don’t: Invite anyone that you don’t plan to invite to the wedding. But also don’t invite every woman that is invited to the wedding. The bridal shower is not the time to invite the people that didn’t make the cut for the big day thinking you still want to try to include them in some way or another. You maybe need to rethink their invite to the wedding if you have such strong feelings about wanting them to attend your shower. On the flip side, you also don’t need to invite every female that is on the guest list for the wedding. The intention for this day is to get your closest friends together along with you and your fiancé’s close female relatives to celebrate and bond over the fact that you are marrying the man of your dreams!
//Green Wedding Shoes//Grey Likes Weddings//
Do: Find someone who can make one of those awesomely ridiculous bow bouquets. This is truly an art, my friends. There is definitely a special technique that goes into making one, but it is also something that can be learned while doing with sort of a trial and error mentality. If no one at your shower knows how to make one, just nominate someone to give it a try, because after all that will make it more unique and more memorable! Having something for the rehearsal to practice holding while you make your grand entrance can even calm any nerves that you may have since it will give you something to fiddle with.

//Spot of Tea Designs// Don’t: Be afraid to play the cheesy typical shower games, but do find ways to make them more interactive. No, this does not mean that you have to make your guests run around and make a wedding dress out of toilet paper, but it does mean that you can find a fun way to have your guests voice their opinions or include your groom. A way to put a fun, interactive spin on a more traditional game of who said what is to give your guests props to hold up when they guess if either you or your fiancé answered the question. This can be as simple as a cut out of lips or a high heeled shoe on construction paper if you answered the question or a cut out of a bow tie or football if your fiancé answered the question. This can give your guests a way to feel more included in the game rather than simply circling their answer on a piece of paper.

//Bridal Musings//Quite the Occasion Events//
Do: Enjoy your time in the spot light while opening gifts in front of everyone. Your guests spent time, effort and money to attend your shower and buy you the perfect present, so be sure to take the time to show off your new treasure to everyone else in attendance. If being in the spot light and having everyone’s eyes on you while you open awesome gifts isn’t you, don’t worry! You can suggest to your host or your MOH to make an announcement before the wrapping paper tearing begins, thanking everyone for coming and just simply stating that you will begin opening presents now and for those that can stay, please do, but for those who need to scoot out, it is a-ok! There will be some people who could not fathom missing the opportunity to scout out what you got, but it also might give a few people the opportunity to sneak out and make the crowd a little smaller and less intimidating.

//Style Me Pretty//Brides//
Don’t: Forget to thank your host! This is a must and something that can be easily overlooked with all the other details of planning your wedding. Your gesture can be as simple as a hand written note, flowers, or fun monogrammed paper cocktail napkins that can be used at a future event! Something else to consider is having your fiancé show up at the end of the shower to bring the host flowers. Having your fiancé show up is a great way for him to also thank the guests for showering you, his beautiful soon- to-be bride with all the wonderful gifts for your new life together.

//Style Me Pretty//
Do: Speak up if the planning seems to be getting too out of hand or you don’t think it represents you. This event is about you after all! When your host volunteers to give the shower, don’t be afraid to tell her about one or two details that you have always wanted of like a fun donut bar brunch or a dressed up dessert party. You don’t want to control the planning too much since you are already planning the big day. But having someone like your MOH or mom, who knows you like the back of your hand, keep tabs on some of the shower details can help ensure that it is everything that you ever dreamed.
//Wedding Chicks//Style Me Pretty//
Most importantly.. throughout the entire bridal shower and wedding planning, always remember that the main focus is on you and your fiancé’s wants, desires, likes and dislikes. Just remember to enjoy the process and all aspects that go into it. As always though, it is also important to be considerate, inclusive and gracious. Just think, in a few short weeks or months, you will be married to your best friend!
//onelove photography//
Happy showers! XO,
Emily