How To Plan and Host A Bridal Shower — Ovation Square (2024)

Are you looking forward to celebrating the upcoming wedding of a dear friend or family member? A bridal shower is the perfect occasion to gather loved ones and shower the bride-to-be with love, well wishes, and gifts. In this article, we will explore what a bridal shower is, who typically throws it, and where they are held, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to plan a memorable bridal shower.

What is a bridal shower, you may ask?

It is a pre-wedding celebration held in honor of the bride-to-be, traditionally organized by her close friends or family members. The purpose of a bridal shower is to pamper the bride, offer words of encouragement, and provide her with useful gifts for her new journey into married life.

When it comes to who throws the bridal shower, it is typically a group effort. The responsibility often falls to the maid of honor, bridesmaids, or close family members of the bride. These individuals know the bride well and can plan a celebration that suits her personality and preferences. Collaborating with other bridesmaids or friends can help distribute the workload and ensure a well-rounded event.

Now, let's consider the question of where bridal showers are held.

The location depends on various factors such as budget, guest list size, and the bride's preferences. Some popular venues for bridal showers include restaurants, banquet halls, gardens, or even the homes of the host or bride's family. In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, there are numerous venues available for bridal showers, ranging from intimate spaces to luxurious event venues. Conducting a search for "wedding shower venues" or "venue space rental" in LA can provide you with a plethora of options to choose from.

To plan a successful bridal shower, follow these steps:

1. Set a budget: Determine the amount of money you can allocate towards the shower. This will help guide your decisions on venue, decorations, food, and activities.

2. Create a guest list: Consult with the bride to determine whom she would like to invite. Ensure the guest list includes close friends, family members, and other loved ones.

3. Choose a date and time: Coordinate with the bride and select a convenient date and time for the bridal shower. Consider weekends or evenings when most guests are likely to be available.

4. Select a theme: A theme can add a fun and cohesive element to the bridal shower. Consider the bride's interests and choose a theme that suits her personality, such as a tea party, beach theme, or garden soiree.

5. Find a venue: Based on your budget and the guest list size, research suitable venues in your area. Explore venues in LA that offer bridal shower packages or private event spaces to make your search easier.

6. Send out invitations: Create and send out invitations well in advance. Include essential details such as the date, time, venue, RSVP information, and any specific instructions or requests.

7. Plan the menu: Depending on the time of day, you can opt for a sit-down meal, a buffet, or a selection of hors d'oeuvres. Consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of the guests and the bride.

8. Organize activities and games: Keep the guests entertained with fun activities and games that reflect the bride's interests. You can include a trivia game about the couple, a DIY craft station, or a photo booth.

Remember to personalize the bridal shower to reflect the bride's tastes and preferences. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a well-chosen venue in LA, you can create a memorable bridal shower that will leave the bride feeling loved and celebrated as she embarks on her journey to marital bliss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a bridal shower?

A: A bridal shower is a pre-wedding celebration held in honor of the bride-to-be, where friends and family gather to offer their love, support, and gifts to the bride as she prepares for her upcoming marriage.

Q: Who typically throws the bridal shower?

A: The responsibility of throwing a bridal shower usually falls to the maid of honor, bridesmaids, or close family members of the bride. They are typically the ones who know the bride well and can plan a celebration that suits her personality and preferences.

Q: Where are bridal showers held?

A: Bridal showers can be held in various locations depending on factors such as budget, guest list size, and the bride's preferences. Common venues include restaurants, banquet halls, gardens, or even the homes of the host or bride's family. In Los Angeles, there are numerous venues available for bridal showers, ranging from intimate spaces to luxurious event venues.

Q: How do I plan a bridal shower?

A: To plan a bridal shower, follow these steps: Set a budget, Create a guest list, Choose a date and time, Select a theme, Find a suitable venue, such as one of the many wedding shower venues available in LA., Send out invitations, Plan the menu & Organize activities and games.

Q: What should be included in the invitations for a bridal shower?

A: Bridal shower invitations should include essential details such as the date, time, venue, RSVP information, and any specific instructions or requests. You can also include a brief note about the theme or any special activities planned for the event.

How To Plan and Host A Bridal Shower  — Ovation Square (2024)

FAQs

How To Plan and Host A Bridal Shower — Ovation Square? ›

Q: How do I plan a bridal shower? A: To plan a bridal shower, follow these steps: Set a budget, Create a guest list, Choose a date and time, Select a theme, Find a suitable venue, such as one of the many wedding shower venues available in LA., Send out invitations, Plan the menu & Organize activities and games.

How much should you spend on hosting a bridal shower? ›

That works out at $300 to $800 for a 20-person party but can go as high as $150 per person or $3,000 for a 20-person shower. Based on these estimates and an average bridal shower guest list of 35-50 people, a reasonable budget for a bridal shower is between $350 and $7,500.

Does the mother of the bride pay for the bridal shower? ›

In short, the host is the one who pays for the bridal shower—or at least some of it. Most commonly, this is the maid of honor, but the couple's relatives, friends or even the to-be-weds themselves can all pitch in to cover the cost of the wedding shower.

How far in advance do you host a bridal shower? ›

Most bridal showers are usually held three weeks to three months before the wedding. The trick is not to plan it too far in advance or too close to the wedding date.

Who normally pays for the bridal shower? ›

Key Takeaway: The host is the one who usually pays for the bridal shower. However, if needed, others can help, too. The planning process can be a beautiful collaboration between the maid of honor, the bridesmaids, the bride's mother, and the groom's mother. And yes, even the bride can join in if she wants!

Who should not host a bridal shower? ›

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Nancy is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.

How many hours should a bridal shower be? ›

Bridal showers typically last 2-4 hours and are not considered an all-day event. Although, depending on the type of shower you are hosting the time can vary. Most showers will either take place in the morning and serve as a brunch, or in the afternoon served with lunch or finger foods.

How many games should be played at a bridal shower? ›

With an average battery life of three hours, a bridal shower typically has three games going on at once. If you're worried about making the wrong choices, talk to the bride-to-be and make your decision based on her input. Everything she says is fair game because this is her bridal shower.

What food to serve at a bridal shower? ›

Fabulous Bridal Shower Finger Foods
  • Crescent Vegetable Appetizers. Quick & Easy Crab Dip. Veggie Dippers. Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches.
  • Veggie Crescent Cups. Flower Fruit Kabobs with Luscious Fruit Dip. Watermelon & Blackberry Bites. ...
  • Mini Rainbow Fruit Kabobs. Fruit Jersey Cake. Balsamic Fruit & Cheese Kabobs.
May 19, 2023

What is the average cost of a bridal shower? ›

If you're going all out with an elaborate bridal shower, you could be talking $40 to $150 or more (gasp!) per person. Even a small, elaborate bridal shower (think 15 guests) could cost between $600 and $2,250—and that's before invitations, decorations and cake.

Do mother in laws go to bridal showers? ›

It's also pretty common today that brides have more than one shower for various reasons. Hosts of the different showers should be sure to consult each other on dates and guest lists so there isn't any overlap. It is common for Bridesmaids, mom and mother-in-laws to be invited to all showers.

What does mother in law give at bridal shower? ›

Consider heirloom-worthy serveware or a handmade book featuring your family's secret recipes. Alternatively, opt for items she'll likely need for the wedding. Think: a luxurious getting-ready robe, something blue or travel essentials for the honeymoon.

What time of day is best for a bridal shower? ›

Pick the right time of day.

A bridal shower usually starts between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and lasts between two and four hours. If the bridal shower theme includes brunch, you'd want to host the event on the earlier side, while an afternoon tea would be on the later side.

Do you have to open gifts at a bridal shower? ›

The decision ultimately is yours. It could be a very special moment and nostalgic and it's totally fine to do it! But if it makes you uncomfortable and you'd rather spend the time doing another interactive activity with guests or mingling – that's fine too! Looking for an elegant venue to host your bridal shower?

Are bridal showers on Saturday or Sunday? ›

A bridal shower is held two to six months before the wedding. Another request we see a lot from guests, is to host the event on a Saturday. Typically, we find that guests really enjoy a Saturday event versus a Sunday - the day of rest - where they can come and enjoy without feeling rushed to get home.

What is a good number of guests for a bridal shower? ›

Bridal Shower Guest List Size. An intimate bridal shower for 15 people is perfectly normal, as is a 50-person coed shower that feels more like a co*cktail party. A variety of factors can influence the size of the guest list, such as: the shower location.

How much should each bridesmaid spend on bridal shower? ›

For the parties, such as the bridal shower and bachelorette, bridesmaids can spend several hundred dollars or upwards of $1,000. Family or family friends could also host and pay for the shower, which could cost between $500 to $2,500, according to Yeah Weddings. Gifts for the shower typically range between $25 to $75.

How much should I give for a bridal shower and wedding? ›

If you're only invited to the shower and wedding, it's suggested to divide your budget 30-70. Considering that the average wedding gift in 2023 was $150*, reverse calculation brings us to a budget of $50 to $75. So, if you're pondering whether $100 is enough for a bridal shower gift, the answer is a definite yes.

How many hours is a typical bridal shower? ›

Bridal showers typically last 2-4 hours and are not considered an all-day event. Although, depending on the type of shower you are hosting the time can vary. Most showers will either take place in the morning and serve as a brunch, or in the afternoon served with lunch or finger foods.

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