Bridal Shower NOT To Do List (Don't Make These Mistakes)

Sheryle -

Planning a bridal shower is an exciting time for the guest of honor and her inner-circle—but it can also be stressful! With so much to do, it’s easy to make mistakes that you wish you hadn't. To ease your soul from worrying about any faux pas during the event, we have compiled a list of “Bridal Shower NOT TO DOs” that will keep your party under control, fun, and oh-so memorable. So tie up those laces on your event planning shoes…because with this not to do list come tips of what SHOULD be done!

  1. Don't forget to actually plan the shower. It's not just about booking a venue and sending out invitations. You need to put together a guest list, come up with a theme, and decide on activities, food, and drinks.
  2. Don't invite everyone under the sun. A bridal shower is supposed to be an intimate gathering of the bride's closest friends and family members. There's no need to invite your second cousin twice removed or your old college roommate you haven't spoken to in years.
  3. Don't make it all about gifts. Yes, gifts are nice, but they shouldn't be the focus of the shower. The point is to celebrate the bride-to-be, not to see who can give the most expensive gift.
  4. Don't forget to include some fun activities. A bridal shower should be a fun and festive occasion, so make sure to include some games or other activities to keep everyone entertained. Be sure this fun does not include uncomfortable or awkward questions for the bride.
  5. Don't make it too long. A bridal shower doesn't need to be an all-day affair. Keep it short and sweet so that everyone can enjoy themselves without getting too exhausted.
  6. Don't skimp on the food and drink. Make sure there's enough food and drink for everyone to enjoy themselves throughout the duration of the shower. No one wants to be left hungry or thirsty!
  7. Don't forget about decorations. A few simple decorations can go a long way in making a bridal shower feel special and festive. Balloons, streamers, and flowers are always nice touches.
  8. Do not use outrageous or inappropriate decorations. Bridal showers usually have older family members invited so save decorations of this nature for the bachelorette party.
  9. Don't neglect the invitations. The invitations should set the tone for the entire event, so take some time to choose ones that fit with the theme and style of the shower.
  10. Don't wait until the last minute to send them out! Invitations should be sent out at least three weeks in advance so that everyone has plenty of time to RSVP and make arrangements if necessary.
  11. Don't forget about thank you cards . After the event is over, don't forget to send out thank you cards to all of your guests . This is a nice way to show your appreciation for their attendance and gifts.
  12. Don’t try to do everything yourself  - Delegate tasks to other people so you’re not stuck doing everything by yourself . This will help reduce your stress levels and allow you to enjoy the event more.
  13. Don’t forget about the bride’s input  - The bridal shower is supposed to be all about her , so make sure you involve her in the planning process as much as possible .  She’ll appreciate being able to have a say in how her own party turns out!

Planning a bridal shower can be full of potential pitfalls. To avoid any potential drama, remember not to forget the guest list, pick a venue that's too small, forget the food and drinks, choose décor without the bride's approval -- or literally any of the other points on this list. Don't risk being called out for being "that person" who takes the bridal shower down an unfortunately unforgettable path. Keep it light and as enjoyable as possible!

Now that you know what NOT to do, are you ready to learn what you SHOULD do? Tap here now to see how to make your bridal shower extra heartfelt and memorable.  So go ahead -- it's time to plan a party that'll leave everyone looking forward to the big day!