Planning a bridal shower can be one of the most exciting activities you have ever experienced. There is so much joy associated with bridal shower. Everyone is pleased to bring gifts that the bride is excited to see as a sign of the start of her new life. Even though getting ready can be an exciting time, it can also be a very stressful time. There are so many things that you must consider when you are planning your bridal shower.

One of the most important things to first consider is the guest list. You should invite anywhere from five to twenty people. If you invite more than twenty, you risk overwhelming the bride and the guests, as you want it to be a rather intimate affair. When you make your guest list, be sure to consult the bride as to whom she wishes to have at her wedding shower. Female family members of both sides of the wedding party should certainly be at the top of your guest list. You will also want to include the bride's closest friends, and, of course, the wedding party. Be sure that everyone who is invited to the wedding shower is also on the invitation list to the wedding to avoid any hurt feelings.

The second important thing to think about is the invitations. The invitations you choose can have any look or feel that you like. If you wish to have a themed shower, send out invitations that match your theme. For example, if you plan to have a beach party shower, send out invitations that have the look of a beach party. If you are not having a themed shower, you might want to go with something that looks like the bride's wedding invitations. Check with the printer of her wedding invitations, as he or she might be able to cut you a deal if the bride's invitation order was big enough. Whatever type of invitation you go with, be sure to include the guest of honor's name, the time, date, and location of the invitation, the hostess' name and phone number, an RSVP deadline (about two weeks before the shower is sufficient), and the shower theme. If you wish, include a map of how to reach the location. You might also think about including where the couple has registered and the colors of their future home. Send the invitations out about one month in advance of the wedding shower.

Once you've sent out the invitations, it is time to start planning your party. You will want to start with some light appetizers for your party guests. Try to provide a variety of foods, and try to avoid foods that guests might be allergic to. If you intend to serve highly allergenic foods like peanuts, be sure to keep them well away from the other foods you will serve. Don't forget to think about drinks as well. Serve a wide variety, and be sure to include healthy drinks like water and fruit juice. If you also intend to serve cake, try to make it fit with the theme of your party.

Once you've considered the food, you are ready to start thinking about party games. You will want to play two to four games during your bridal shower. These games can serve as ice breakers if you wish. One fun game is to issue a list of common purse items. Whoever has the most items in their purse from your list wins. Another great game is a simple wedding word scramble. Whoever deciphers the most words in the time allotted is the winner.

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Be sure to include time in your shower for everyone to introduce themselves and their relationship to the bride. Remember that several of your guests may have a connection to no one but the bride, so it is important to help them get involved with the other shower attendees.

A sixth thing to consider when you are planning a bridal shower is party favors for all of the guests. While this tends to be a regional idea, offering party favors for each guest is a nice touch. You can do something as simple as a small box of candy or a scented candle. Try to offer party favors that reflect the theme of your shower, if you have one.

An additional thing to think about when you are planning is the decorative scheme. If you are having a themed shower, you probably already have some ideas in mind for decorations. If you are having a fairly general themed bridal shower, you need to think about table linens and centerpieces at the very least.

One final thing you must consider when you are planning a bridal shower is planning for after the shower. Buying some thank you notes for the bride to send that match the invitations is a nice touch. Furthermore, giving the bride a preprinted list of guests with up-to-date address information can also be quite helpful.

Planning a bridal shower is an intensive procedure, but getting the right combination of events will lead to a happy memory.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing--the more you understand about bridal showers, the more you will be able to share with others.

Nicole Owczarczak is owner of Dress-My-Wedding.com. Their new online store offers you designer wedding dresses at discounted wholesale pricing.