As simple as this may sound, plan a shower that you will enjoy pulling together. It will be less stressful for you to take care of details such as cleaning and shopping early. Don't forget silver, linens and vacuum bags. Also checkout our Bridal Shower Ideas page. When making your plans these are the things that you should conquer:

Budget
Do not overspend — find out who has what that you can borrow before you rent or buy.

Location

• The shower should be held wherever is most convenient to the party, including you.
  
• Consider weather, number of guests, time of day, temperature control (inside and outside), as well as the location of the bride.
  

Assistance
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Young adults are usually enthusiastic assistants.

• Food preparation
  
  • KISS — You should enjoy the party as well
    
  • Over-estimate the amount of food you will need
    
  • Plan for temperature control
    
  • Ice-chests, a neighbors fridge or a rented cooling unit will be fine
    
  • Borrow or rent chaffing dishes or hotplates
  
  
  
• Serving
  
  • The guests should have trays when a table is not available
    
  • If serving buffet style be sure to spread it around so the entire party is not cramped around one table
  
  
  
• Clean-Up
  
  • Have your assistants clean as you go, it will save time in the end
  
  
  
• Decorating
  

Supplies you may need include:

Film for your camera

Guest soaps

Hand towels

Lotion

EXTRA toilet paper

Fresh flowers

Potpourri

Candles

Chairs

Tablecloths

Ice chest or cooling unit

Hot plates

A corsage for the bride and her mother

Napkins, plates & cups

Centerpieces

Silk flowers

Music

Pencils and paper for games

Serving trays

Relish dishes

Snack bowls or trays

Additional rented or borrowed tables

Invitations

Seating Cards


Atmosphere

• Candle in the bathroom
  
• Fresh flowers in the entry hall
  
• Music
  
• Lighting
  
• Coordinated items
  

Choose a theme coordinate:

Simple pleasures can add class and atmosphere to any function. The more original your atmosphere, the longer the event will be remembered.

Activities



• Shower games
  
• Eating
  
• Any lap trays you may have to purchase could be given away as party favors or prizes or make a much appreciated prize that is not too expensive.
  
• Gift opening - The bride will need a bag to store her bows in as she open's her gifts.
  
• Select a viewable opening area (possibly a corner)
  
• Have one of the assistants write down who gave the bride what
  



Guests



• Plan the event in stages. Follow the guests lead, watch their moods and try to accommodate.
  
• Try to invite guests who know each other or at least one other person.
  
• Use seating cards for the shower, fill them out as you receive the confirmations
  
• Plan seating so that it promotes conversation
  
• If you have a co-ed shower, separate the spouses to increase extra-marital conversation
  
• Assign the role of photographer to someone who will step out of the crowd for that special shot, but who will not dominate the attentions of the bride.