KissMeGoodnight eRomance Series:
Throwing a Bridal Shower

Proper Bridal Shower Protocols For a Host

When considering a bridal shower, there are so many things that should be thought about. Most of these, though, will be taken care of by the host. Many people wonder, who should be the one to host the shower for the bride? Proper wedding etiquette suggests that a shower should be hosted by a close friend of the bride. It is considered impolite for a family member to host a bridal shower. Showers are considered to be gift-giving events, and if a family member serves as the host, it looks as if the family is fishing for gifts. However, this suggestion is not always true in cases where the maid of honor is the sister or relative of the bride, as the maid of honor is the traditional wedding shower host. Once you've decided to host the event, there are a number of protocols that you must think about.

One of the most important protocols you should consider is the invitations. Invitations can have any look or feel you wish. You can go with a themed invitation. For example, if you plan to have a kitchen shower, choose an invitation that reflects that – maybe something with pots and pans on it. You could also go with an invitation that reflects the bride's wedding invitations. In fact, many printers will sell companion invitations and thank you cards. Check with the printer, as he or she may be able to give you a good price on these depending on how many wedding invitations the bride and groom have ordered. Once you choose the perfect invitation, you need to think about the wording. You need to 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, 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. Most people invite around five to twenty guests. If you have more guests, things tend to get complicated. Be sure to consult the bride when you get ready to make an invitation list. Female family members of both the bride and groom should top any guest list. You should also include the bride's close friends and wedding party. Anyone who is invited to the bridal shower should also be on the wedding guest list as that may prevent some hurt feelings. Be sure to send out the invitations at least one month in advance of the shower.

Another important host protocol is the order of events. Once the guests arrive, you should greet everyone personally and serve some light appetizers and drinks. After everyone has arrived, seat them in a circle, and introduce each one or allow them to introduce themselves and tell their relation to the bride. Play two to four shower games. You can use these as ice breakers. Take a break for everyone to refill their food plates, and then have everyone sit back down so the bride can open her gifts. Be sure to have someone right down each gift and its giver on a list for the bride, as it will help her write her thank you notes. After the gifts have been opened, if you wish to serve cake, serve it then. Allow people some time to socialize and look over the bride's gifts. Be sure to thank each person for attending before they leave. The total shower should last about two hours, but you can cut it short if you need to for special reasons.

Some hosts wonder about shower favors for the guests. This is more a regional thing than anything else. In some areas, it is traditional for each guest to leave with a small gift. In other areas, shower favors are only given to the winner of the shower games. You might ask friends and family for their opinion on shower favors. If you do decide to hand out shower favors, you only need to do something small like a scented candle or a small sachet of potpourri.

Figuring out what to do when can be one of the toughest parts of hosting a wedding shower. Following the right protocols, though, will help you figure out the best way to handle all of the events.

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by KissMeGoodnight.com : 2006

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