NPR: Hosting a Bridal Shower, Need Help!

So my sister decided they are moving their wedding date to Memorial Day weekend of 08. I'm supposed to plan a bridal shower, but have no clue where to start. When does one typically have a bridal shower? How many months before? Emma's bday is April, so I wanted to avoid that month since her bday will be a huge expense along with the shower.

Do people play games at these things? Any ideas on games if that's what is done? Do they have a wishing well thing for something like that? How long do they usually last? How far in advance do you send invites? I tried to look at LIW, but it's just so overwhelming over there!

And no, I've never been to a bridal shower in NY since all my friends were married long before I met them here! And things work a little differently where I come from

Re: NPR: Hosting a Bridal Shower, Need Help!

Ok, I have been a MOH a couple of times. I think showers are usually about 2 months before the wedding or so. Do it before Emma's birthday. Mine was December 4, 2005 for my February 25, 2006 wedding b/c of holidays.

My sister and my mom had it in the room in my mom's apartment building, they got "Kate" themed food and did gift baskets where everyone got tickets and put them in a basket and someone won each basket.

Then we opened gifts and had cake, I knew when it was, but didn't know who was attending. I really liked my shower.

The last time I was a MOH, the shower was a surprise, so we hung out til she got there and then she ate, did gifts and we played some shower games.

Re: NPR: Hosting a Bridal Shower, Need Help!

Yes, usually about 2 months before the wedding - so like late March. Send the invites out 4 weeks before. If you have it at a restaurant or something like that, you usually get a four hour time period. If you have it at a private home, its obviously more flexible. Saturday or Sunday afternoon, starting at 12ish, have the bride come 30-45 minutes after the time you put on the invite. Have the bride give you an invite list and tell you where she's registered.

If you have it at a place, they will provide food/drinks/cake etc. If you have it at a home, you'll have to do all that but it will definitely be cheaper. You can certainly do games at the shower with small prizes. For me personally, I'm not a fan of wishing wells at bridal showers, I think its more appropriate at baby showers. But you can do it if you want. Her FH should show up at the end to thank everyone and help her with the gifts.

Hope this helps!

Re: NPR: Hosting a Bridal Shower, Need Help!

Thanks girls! That defininitely helps! I'll probably have it out somewhere since my place is wayyyy too small.