How to Plan a Bridal Shower | Downloadable Bridal Shower Checklist

Whether you’re the maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or a close family member tasked with planning the event, a little organization goes a long way when it comes to planning a bridal shower! Many times, the bridal shower is the first big wedding event for the bride-to-be, making it an extra special day. There will be many hugs, smiles, and maybe some happy tears along the way!

If you are in charge of planning the bridal shower, here is everything you need to know! If you’d like a downloadable bridal shower checklist for planning, scroll to the bottom of this article!

How to Plan a Bridal Shower

1. Determine the Host(s)

Before diving into the details, establish who is hosting the event. Traditionally, the maid of honor and bridesmaids take on this responsibility, but it’s also common for close family members or a group of friends to plan together. Establishing a team early helps with dividing tasks and budgeting.

2. Set a Budget

The budget will influence every decision that follows—from the venue to the food and décor. Be realistic and clear with all contributors from the start. Consider how many people will be contributing to the costs and what everyone is comfortable spending. Once you have a total budget, allocate it into categories like venue, food and drinks, decorations, favors, and games.

3. Choose a Date

The bridal shower typically takes place anywhere from two months to two weeks before the wedding. Coordinate with the bride and key guests to choose a date that works for everyone, especially those traveling from out of town. Saturdays and Sundays are popular choices, but don’t overlook weekday evenings if you’re planning a smaller, local gathering.

4. Create a Guest List

Work with the bride to come up with a finalized guest list. Remember that everyone invited to the bridal shower should also be invited to the wedding. Keep in mind the size of your venue and budget limitations as you decide on numbers.

5. Pick a Venue

The location sets the tone for the entire event. You can host the shower at someone’s home, a restaurant, a private event space, or even outdoors if the season allows. Make sure the venue accommodates your guest list and offers enough space for activities, food, and mingling.

6. Select a Theme

While not required, a theme can make the shower more cohesive and fun. Popular bridal shower themes include garden parties, brunches, rustic chic, travel-inspired, or tea parties. The theme can influence everything from the invitations to the decorations, menu, and party favors. Just be sure the theme suits the bride’s personality and style.

7. Send Invitations

Once the date, guest list, and venue are set, it’s time to send out invitations. Whether you opt for printed invites or digital ones, send them out about 6–8 weeks in advance to give guests plenty of notice. Be sure to include key details like date, time, location, RSVP instructions, dress code (if any), and registry information.

8. Plan the Menu

The food and drink selection should match the style of the event. For a casual afternoon shower, consider finger foods, a brunch spread, or a light lunch. A more formal affair might call for a catered meal or sit-down dinner. Don’t forget to offer beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and of course, a dessert option like cupcakes, a cake, or cookies.

9. Organize Games and Activities

Games help break the ice and keep guests entertained. Some popular bridal shower games include:

• “How Well Do You Know the Bride?”

• Bridal Bingo

• Advice for the Bride cards

• Memory Lane (guests write down a memory they have with the bride)

Try not to overdo it—plan for two to three games or activities so the event still feels relaxed and natural.

10. Decor and Atmosphere

Décor sets the mood and ties everything together. Think florals, banners, table centerpieces, and signs that reflect the theme. Don’t forget music—create a playlist of upbeat songs to play in the background and keep the energy light and cheerful.

11. Purchase or Make Party Favors

Party favors are a thoughtful way to thank guests for coming. These can be simple and budget-friendly, like mini candles, personalized cookies, seed packets, or bath salts. Make sure they’re practical and easy for guests to take home.

12. Prepare a Gift-Opening Area

If the bride will be opening gifts during the shower, set up a designated spot with a comfortable seat and space to stack presents. Assign someone to write down who gave each gift so the bride can send thank-you notes later.

13. Assign Day-Of Tasks

Even the most organized plan needs a little help on the big day. Assign tasks like greeting guests, keeping the schedule on track, taking photos, and helping clean up afterward. Having a team in place ensures everything runs smoothly and lets the host enjoy the event too.

14. Celebrate and Enjoy

At the end of the day, the goal is to celebrate the bride and her upcoming journey into marriage. Don’t stress over perfection—focus on creating a warm, joyful atmosphere where the bride feels loved and supported.

Downloadable Bridal Shower Checklist

Use this checklist or download our PDF to ensure nothing is missed when planning a bridal shower for your best friend or loved one!

👉 Download NearlyWed_Bridal_Shower_Checklist.pdf

3–4 Months Before:

• Confirm who is hosting

• Set the budget

• Choose a date

• Create the guest list

• Select and book a venue

• Pick a theme

6–8 Weeks Before:

• Send out invitations (digital or printed)

• Finalize menu or caterer

• Start planning games and activities

• Choose or order decorations

• Coordinate with the bride about registry info

• Plan party favors

• Create a music playlist

2–4 Weeks Before:

• Order cake or desserts

• Purchase decorations and supplies

• Buy or make party favors

• Create or print game materials

• Confirm RSVPs and finalize headcount

• Assign roles for day-of tasks

1 Week Before:

• Confirm food and beverage plans

• Prepare a gift-opening area plan

• Write out a rough timeline for the day

• Pack a “host kit” (scissors, tape, pens, extra utensils, etc.)

Day of the Shower:

• Set up venue (decorations, tables, games)

• Designate someone to greet guests

• Designate someone to take photos

• Set up food and drink stations

• Prepare music playlist or speaker setup

• Run games and activities

• Write down gift list as the bride opens presents

• Hand out party favors

• Enjoy and celebrate