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| Purchase a customized invitation for the bridal shower for a special touch, like this design by Glass Slipper Designs. |
Here are some tips and tricks I've compiled through my own personal experience and through working on bridal shower and baby shower invitations for clients over the years:
1) If multiple people are hosting, decide on how much each person is willing to spend UPFRONT before you start to buy things.
I once was one of the hosts of a bridal shower where I got completely caught off-guard by the final amount owing. One of the girls just "decided" to go out and spend $200 on food without telling anyone she was going to spend that amount, and we all got caught off guard with a hefty portion of shower costs to swallow at the end.
2) Confirm what the bride or mom-to-be wants or doesn't want.
Make sure to talk to the bride-to-be or mom-to-be about what they want or don't want to see happen. For example, so brides really don't want to play cheesy games. And some Moms-to-be might not feel comfortable with opening presents while all the guests are present. Some brides or moms-to-be might want a more "open house" style event, where guests can come and go as they please. Just be sure to keep the honoured guest in the loop to make sure to ensure the big event is everything they hoped for.
3) Delegate, delegate, delegate.
I cannot stress this enough. While there is usually someone who "takes the lead" when it comes to organizing an event like a bridal shower or baby shower, delegate tasks to all involved - you'll save your sanity and things are less likely to slip through the cracks.
4) Communication is key.
If there are multiple hostesses, be sure to regularly keep each other in the loop through regular emails or on an as-needed basis. That way everyone knows what has been done and what is still left to do.
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| Airplane theme baby shower invitation by Glass Slipper Designs |
There are so many adorable bridal shower and baby shower themes. Pick a cute theme and let that theme shine through every element of the shower - from the invitations to the decorations and favours.
6) Account for the weather.
If you're planning on hosting the shower outside, keep in mind that the weather my not cooperate and a Plan B might need to be implemented. Make sure there is an indoor space that could be used as back up.
7) Don't forget the details.
Sometimes, there are so many things going on that the little things get overlooked. For example, if serving coffee, make sure you have an urn, cream, sugar and spoons for stirring.
There is nothing worse than having to run out at the last second to purchase items right before guests arrive!
8) Have a notebook on hand and have one of the hostesses or maid of honour write down all the gifts received.
Write down as many details as possible - who the gift is from, detailed description, brand name, etc. This will help the bride or mom-to-be craft personalized thank you cards after the shower.
9) Allow ample time for set up.
Whatever time you think you should start setting up, add an additional half hour for the little hiccups along the way - there are always decorations that will not cooperate, more food to put out than originally thought, furniture rearrangement to be done, etc. No use stressing out 10 minutes before the shower is about to begin because you ran out of time.
10) Find out what size of thank you cards the bride or mom-to-be has purchased and pre-address envelopes for her or print off mailing labels for envelopes.
If you have the mailing addresses of all the guests attending, help the bride-to-be or mom-to-be save some time by pre-addressing the envelopes or making mailing labels for her thank you cards. She will be very thankful for one less thing to do!
Glass Slipper Designs specializes in invitations for weddings, bridal shower and baby showers. View our Etsy shop to see designs available. We are happy to do custom orders, so just send us an Etsy conversation if you are looking for something specific.
