Traditionally, the task of organizing and hosting bridal showers falls on the maid of honor or a bridesmaid, but today, a bridal shower can be thrown by anyone close to the bride.  If you’re the lucky host, here’s a quick guide to throwing a great bridal shower.

First, plan to hold the shower two to six weeks before the wedding day.  Talk to the other members of the wedding party. and of course, the mothers of the bride and groom to let them know of your plans and make sure that they will be available on the chosen day.   Unless you’re certain you know everyone that the bride would want to be in attendance, and you have access to her daily schedule, it’s probably not the best idea to make it a surprise.  With all the wedding planning and preparation, you’ll want to make sure the bride hasn’t already scheduled something else on the day of the party.

Most often, a shower is held in someone’s home but it doesn’t have to be.  A bridal shower can be held anywhere that can accommodate the number of guests, such as a restaurant or a favorite park. Bear in mind, however, that the bride will be ‘showered’ with gifts to be opened at the event so it might be easier to have the party at home.

Showers are traditionally all-girl affairs, but today’s bridal showers sometimes include the groom and his friends as well.  Once you’ve decided whether or not it will be a co-ed affair, you can start planning a theme.  If the couple is already planning a theme wedding, you can plan the shower around the same theme.  For instance, if there’s a destination wedding in the works at an exotic beach, shower gifts might include colorful towels or hotel spa treatments.  If the couple likes to engage in a particular hobby such as skiing or boating, guests might be able to locate the perfect gift at a ski shop or nautical equipment store.
 
There are dozens of fun bridal shower games to keep things light and lively. One idea is the ‘bathroom tissue-wedding dress’ game.  Guests are divided into teams with one chosen as a bride.  The teams are given several rolls of bathroom tissue and a specific amount of time to design a ‘wedding dress’ for the ‘bride’.  The ‘brides’ model their ‘gowns’ for the crowd and the best dress wins!

Whether casual or formal, keep in mind that a bridal shower is meant to be a fun and relaxing event for the bride.  The food need not be overly fancy, and the costs can be shared among the host and bridesmaids.  It’s not absolutely necessary to choose a theme or plan specific games.  It’s a celebration of the wedding of two people you care for and who care deeply for one another, so don’t sweat the small stuff.  The gathering of friends and family bestowing best wishes and presents for the happy couple can be all that’s needed to have a terrific bridal shower.