A Quick and Simple Bridal Shower Planning Checklist

Planning a bridal shower is a lot more work than one may think. The maid of honor needs to really come through and host a bridal shower that the bride-to-be will not only enjoy but cherish the memory for the rest of her life.

Before you begin to feel overwhelmed with the planning details, follow our timeline to make sure you dot all the i's and cross all the t's. There will be plenty of questions going through your head as you start thinking about everything you need to do. Such as:

What dates are best for her for you to host the bridal shower?

Do you need to consult with her mom, sisters, mother-in-law, friends or anyone else who's important in her life?

Are there particular cities or venues she's interested in having her shower?

Are you expected to wrap yourself in toilet paper for bridal shower games?

Does she think you will be baking treats from scratch?

How much is this going to cost? And who's paying for it?

In order to get these questions answered, the planning process has to begin in advance, with enough time to figure out all of the details and plan a really fun and memorable bridal shower.

Follow our basic bridal shower checklist to get the process started broken down by timeframes.

At Least 6 Months Before the Big Day

Start talking with the bride about what her vision is for her shower. Find out if she’s looking for a daytime or evening event. Is she interested in a more traditional shower complete with bridal shower games, drinks and favors? Or if she’s not a conventional bride, what features she wants you to incorporate into the shower? Perhaps an invitation to guys, too? And most importantly, find out exactly who you are inviting and what the venue will be.

Once you have a good idea of where you'll host the party, estimated costs based on the guest list and any to-dos you need help with, figure out the cost breakdown for anyone contributing and get assignments dished out.

If costs are higher than expected for some people, work with them and see what they can afford. Things likes decorations, favors, special desserts, menu, etc. are going to cost a few dollars and cents. Typically the burden is shared with the rest of the bridesmaids. Talk to them and determine how that will be handled and make sure that everyone is on the same page.

At Least 3 Months Before

Send out invitations and get to work on any DIY ideas you'll be incorporating into the shower, like handmade favors, a wishing well or table centerpieces.

Also, finalize what menu you are looking to have at the shower and any other logistical items for the day-of like getting the bride to the venue.

Four Weeks Away

Figure out any games you’ll want the guess to play and order prizes to give away to the winners. Make sure you get the bride a gift off the registry, too!

A Week Before and Last Minute

Confirm all your party details, touch base with the rest of the bridesmaids and figure out any last-minute to-do's like packaging favors. Also, run through your list of RSVPs and give a final count to the venue.

A lot of brides will appreciate if they're kept in the loop with general information as the last two months before the wedding are very hectic for them. No need to share details, but a general date or time is always nice!

The Day Of

The day of, grab the your gift and get to the venue at least an hour and a half earlier to set up. Also, make sure you have any information you need for outside vendors - this way, if the cake isn't there when you arrive, you can call easily.

Just remember through the entire process to make sure you’re connecting with the rest of the bridesmaids and even the bride to assure her you’ve got everything under control, because you do!