Planning a shower for the bride-to-be? This bridal shower checklist is everything you need! In our checklist, we’re sharing seven bridal shower must-haves.
And just in case you need to pass on this info to someone, we’ve created a FREE downloadable checklist printable you can get at the end of this post. Enjoy!
Here are the bridal shower must-haves for a fun and successful bash.
1. Bridal Shower Invitations
Every great party begins with a proper invitation.
According to proper etiquette, bridal shower invitations should be mailed to guests six to eight weeks before the party. Make sure you include an RSVP on the invitation for guests to reply; this person should be the host or maid of honor, for instance, and can include a phone number and email address for quick + easy RSVPs.
You can buy bridal shower invitations at your local store or party supply place. Invitations range from informal to formal and can include themes from tea inspired bridal showers to brew/bbq themed couples showers.
Pick a shower theme the bride will love; if choosing to throw a couple’s shower, pick something they enjoy together (i.e. cooking, bbqing, camping, music, wine tasting, etc.)
And be sure your invitations are on theme. It makes for a perfectly cohesive, pulled-together event. And honestly, themes make planning weddings and showers so much easier (promise!)
+ You can find beautiful bridal shower invitations online at Minted, Basic Invite, and Etsy.
2. Food, Drink, and Cake
Have you ever attended a bridal shower without food and drinks? Probably not. The reason why is because food and drink are absolute bridal shower must-haves. Everyone expects to eat food and drink refreshments.
You don’t have to serve co*cktails; soft drinks, tea, and coffee are common refreshment options, too. If you would like alcohol-infused options, choose something like punch, champagne, wine, or a specialty co*cktail.
At a bridal shower, you’ll typically serve lunch. If the party is later in the evening, dinner is served. In addition to food, appetizers or snacks at tables is pretty common (i.e. popcorn, snack mix, nuts, candy, etc.)
And don’t forget about the cake! As Julia Child once said, “A party without cake is really just a meeting”. :)
For the cake, a topper like any of these really adds to the charm.
3. A Wedding Registry
Ah, the wedding registry! A registry is most definitely an important point to note in our bridal shower checklist.
A registry gives guests the ability to know exactly what the couple wants, needs, or would like to have as a gift.
Guests want to bring gifts; they don’t always know what you need or what style you’re going for, so a registry is much appreciated by guests.
+ Brides: you can make a free registry here and add anything from anywhere to it, all online. If a traditional registry isn’t your thing / you’re living together / you already have everything you need, you can register here instead (you can register for cash, your honeymoon, experiences, etc.)
4. Games + Prizes
You may not agree with me on this one, but I’m going to come out and say it: GAMES are bridal shower must-haves! Guests really love something to do during the shower and playing games (+ winning prizes) are a fun way to pass the time before lunch, after lunch, or before gifts are opened.
Games can be simple print-outs and are always a great way for guests to break the ice at the party.
Some of my favorite games: scratch off cards, bridal bingo, purse game, mad libs, and how well do you know the bride.
You can get a whole plethora of games at Inklings Paperie, where we found these fun printables.
As mentioned in this bridal shower checklist, you also need prizes for the games. What kinds of prizes should you offer, you ask? That’s easy! Look for things themed with the party: for a kitchen themed shower, give recipe boxes and cards, oven mitts, cute kitchen towels, or aprons.
Note: June Clever (mitt shown above) has some really fun products in their shop here.
For a spa-themed shower, give bath bombs, luxurious bath gels and lotions, loofahs, and face masks or hair masks. You can find really fun (affordable!) face masks here in a bulk pack.
Planning a stock the bar shower? Give a set of two co*cktail glasses, stirrers, mixers, shakers, or fun co*cktail-making books, like this fun Gin Austin book. I want to see these!
For a Kate Spade-inspired party, give favorite gifts: this bow bracelet, a travel tumbler, or charming glassware, just to name a few. (You can see some great-priced items like these here.)
You don’t need to spend a ton of money on prizes; keep it simple, fun, and choose a prize everyone will enjoy.
5. Bridal Shower Favors
Favors, take-home gifts for guests, are a must-have for your bridal shower and are a nice way to thank guests for attending.
There are many bridal shower favors you can browse here. This year, we’re seeing popular bridal shower favors like candles, spa-related products, coffee, tea, candy, and luggage tags, just to name a few.
Focus on giving favors that are functional: guests love ’em! These candles (from Veris) are one of the big trends this season. You can completely customize the lids with colors, themes, and the bride’s name.
6. Tables and Chairs
This is an obvious one, but your wedding shower needs tables and chairs. In addition, you’ll want table linens, flatware, glassware, napkins, and anything else you’d like close-at-hand for your guests.
7. Decorations
And last but not least, your bridal shower must-haves should include decorations. Add centerpieces to your tables, create an entry table with photos of the bride and groom, a guest book (if you’d like), or a fun photo booth backdrop.
A guest book is a nice way to commemorate the occasion and the bride can flip back through it in the future.
A photo booth backdrop like this from StarVisionWorks is a fun + easy way to get guests to snap some photos!
Decorations around your bridal shower space really add a personalized touch. Garland, like this tulle wedding dress style from LottieElizabeth, is a favorite.
A personalized balloon with her new last name is a fun touch! By ModParty.
Fun touches like personalized co*cktail napkins really add a stylish element to your party. Here’s some examples we spotted at For Your Party: you can completely customize them to your liking!
And last but not least, a cute cake topper — like this “Almost Mrs” topper by Glitter Party Decor — adds a charming accent to her cake.
That’s it!
Now you know the bridal shower must-haves and you can get to work planning! Print out the checklist here for your wedding planner agenda and keep it close at hand.
Download the Bridal Shower Checklist Here (FREE!)
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
P.S. What do you think of these bridal shower must-haves? What would you add to our bridal shower checklist? Tell us in the comment box below!
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Emma Arendoski
Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.
