The Ultimate Bridal Shower Planning Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a bridal shower can feel overwhelming—especially when you're trying to honor the bride and bring together friends and family. Whether you’re the bride’s mom, an aunt, or a beloved member of the bridal party, our comprehensive checklist is designed to guide you through every detail of the process.
(Because you deserve to have a memorable and stress-free celebration for your bride-to-be!)
1. SET YOUR BUDGET
Before diving into the details, it’s essential to determine how much you’re willing to spend. Your budget will guide many of your decisions:
Venue Rental: Consider all options, including the exceptional spaces at HAVN.
Decorations & Theme: Budget for table settings, centerpieces, and other decor elements.
Food & Beverages: Decide whether you’ll have a catered event, a DIY buffet, or a potluck.
Entertainment: Allocate funds for fun activities and games.
Favors & Gifts: Plan a small thank-you gift for guests to take home.
Pro tip: Keep a running spreadsheet of expenses to stay organized and avoid surprises.
2. CHOOSE THE DATE + TIME
Select a date that works best for the bride and the key guests. Remember:
Coordinate with the Bride: Ensure the chosen date doesn’t conflict with her other wedding preparations.
Consider Guest Availability: Weekends or evenings often work best for busy family members and friends.
Venue Availability: Confirm that your desired event space is available on your chosen date. (PS – Here’s our current availability.)
3. SELECT THE PERFECT VENUE
A great venue sets the tone for the entire event. When choosing a location, consider:
Capacity: Make sure the space accommodates your guest list comfortably.
Ambiance: Look for a setting that aligns with your bridal shower theme—elegant, fun, or cozy.
Amenities: Check to see what your options are for catering, decor, and audiovisual equipment.
At Havn Co, you’ll find a stylish, adaptable space that caters to every bridal shower vision—from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. You can find all the details here.
4. CREATE THE GUEST LIST
Work with the bride – and possibly her family – to compile a guest list. Consider:
Close Family & Friends: Include the bride’s closest relatives and friends.
Bridal Party Members: Ensure all key players are invited.
Additional Loved Ones: Depending on the size, extend the invitation to supportive aunts, cousins, or colleagues.
Note: Keeping the guest list manageable helps maintain an intimate atmosphere and simplifies planning.
5. CHOOSE A THEME
A theme not only adds a fun twist but also guides your decor, invitations, and even the menu. A few of the fun themes we’ve had at Havn Co. include:
Bridal Brunch: Brunch and bubbly to celebrate the bride.
A Pizza My Heart: A laid back pizza party for your go-with-the-flow bride.
That’s Amore: An Italian-themed shower for the bride who’s honeymooning in Italy.
Pro Tip: Let the bride’s personality and wedding style inspire the theme!
6. DESIGN + SEND INVITATIONS
Once you’ve finalized your guest list and theme:
Create Digital or Paper Invitations: Choose designs that reflect your theme.
Include Essential Details: Date, time, venue, RSVP information, and any special instructions (like a dress code or themed accessory).
Timing: Send out invitations at least 4–6 weeks in advance to give guests ample time to RSVP.
7. PLAN THE MENU
Food is a central part of any celebration. When planning your menu:
Catering vs. DIY: Decide whether you’ll hire a caterer or prepare food yourself.
Dietary Restrictions: Consider guests’ allergies and dietary preferences.
Beverages: Offer a mix of non-alcoholic options, and if appropriate, a signature cocktail that matches your theme.
Presentation: Elegant serving ware and creative food stations can add a personal touch to your event.
8. ORGANIZE GAMES + ACTIVITES
Fun and games break the ice and create lasting memories. Consider these ideas:
Classic Bridal Shower Games: "He Said, She Said," bridal bingo, or a trivia game about the bride and groom.
DIY Stations: A flower-arranging workshop or a custom accessory station.
Photo Booth: Set up a backdrop and props for fun, candid photos that guests can take home.
Remember: Tailor activities to the bride’s personality—she may prefer heartfelt conversations over high-energy games.
9. DÉCOR, FAVORS, AND PERSONAL TOUCHES
The details make the day truly special:
Decor: Align your decor with your chosen theme using table settings, centerpieces, and ambient lighting. Consider seasonal flowers or unique pieces that tell a story.
Favors: Simple, thoughtful favors like personalized candles, mini succulents, or custom treats are a great way to thank guests.
Special Touches: Create a memory board or a guest book where attendees can leave their wishes for the bride.
10. FINALIZE THE DAY-OF DETAILS
As the event day approaches, double-check everything:
Confirm Vendors: Touch base with any caterers, photographers, or entertainment providers.
Setup Timeline: Create a timeline for the day—arrivals, food service, games, and any special moments.
Emergency Kit: Prepare a kit with essentials like extra utensils, a first-aid kit, and any necessary tools for quick fixes.
Venue Walk-Through: Do a tour of Havn Co. – or your chosen venue – to review the layout and visualize how it will all come together.
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
With this checklist in hand, you’re well on your way to planning a bridal shower that’s both seamless and spectacular. Remember, the goal is to celebrate the bride in a way that reflects her unique journey—so have fun with the process!
At Havn Co., we pride ourselves on offering a flexible, stylish event space that transforms any celebration into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hosting an intimate tea party or a vibrant modern glam shower, our space is the perfect canvas to raise a glass to your bride.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Our event booking process is as easy as 1-2-3:
View our amenities and live availability on our event space page.
Request to book your event.
After we’ve received your request, we’ll email you with the contract and payment to confirm your booking.
Happy planning, and cheers to a day filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories!
