Showers! Showers! Showers!
There is a lot to know when it comes to planning a shower. Here I give the maid of honor or anyone planning a shower helpful information as well as what is expected from the soon-to-be bride.
Showers should generally be 1 to 2 months before your wedding date. For those of you that have your family or your fiancé’s family that live in a different city that is still close by within about 3 to 4 hours you might consider having two showers: one where you live and one where a good portion of your family lives. This is a nice gesture because it is a lot easier for you to drive the 3 or 4 hours for the second shower than numerous people having to drive to just one shower.
There are a few cons to having multiple showers though, it may appear as if you are fishing for gifts so be sure you don’t double up too much on who you invite. Obviously, your bridesmaids will still be expected to attend both showers especially your maid/matron of honor. However, you should let your bridesmaids know that they aren’t expected to get your gifts for each shower.
Another con is that it is something else that you have to go to and deal with, which as it gets closer to the wedding, is one less thing you may not necessarily want to deal with.
You should try to avoid embarrassing games and stories about the bride and groom because although you may think it is fun, it usually isn’t for them and when you get married its going to come back to you 10-fold. Also, if parents, grandparents or other friends of the family are going to be in attendance you really do want to make sure the stories are appropriate and no one feels uncomfortable.
It is also important to listen to the bride and groom’s wishes and to be sure to double check the invite list with them to be sure that no one is left out. Also, don’t forget that everyone invited to the bridal shower should be invited to the wedding. The bride/couple shower isn’t meant to be a surprise for the bride and groom. Feel free to ask them questions if you aren’t sure about the games or food that will be there.