The Ultimate Bridal Shower Checklist: Everything You Need for a Perfect Celebration [PLUS: FREE TEMPLATE]

Planning a bridal shower? Whether you’re the maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or a close friend of the bride, organizing a flawless event requires thoughtful preparation. According to The Knot, 75% of brides have a bridal shower, making it a cherished pre-wedding tradition. If you're in charge, this ultimate checklist ensures nothing gets overlooked!

Step 1: Set the Date and Budget

✔ Pick a Date: Most bridal showers take place 3-6 months before the wedding but there is no hard and fast rule. Check with the bride and key guests to find a date that works for everyone. 

✔ Determine the Budget: The average bridal shower costs between $15 and $50 per guest depending on location, catering, and décor. Split the costs amongst the bridesmaids or family members to make it more affordable. When building a budget, make sure to include all of the variables below including venue, catering/food, beverages, transportation, games, invitations, etc.

Step 2: Choose a Theme and Venue

✔ Select a Theme: A themed bridal shower adds fun and personalization. Popular themes include:

• Garden Party (florals, pastel colors, outdoor setting)

• Brunch & Bubbly (mimosas, waffles, and chic décor)

• Boho Chic (earthy tones, dried florals, macramé décor) 

• We recommend theming that matches the wedding theme or a theme you know the bride would like.

✔ Book a Venue: Options include hosting at home, a rented venue, a restaurant, or even a spa day. If you’ve never booked a venue before, our recommendation is to start with the people you know and ask if they have a party room in their condo or apartment building, at a local church or community centre. 

• Condo/Apartment Party Room 

• Reach out to people you know to see if anyone lives in a building with a party room

• Local Church 

• See if anyone you know is a member of a church, mosque, synagogue or other religious institution that may have a party or meeting room suitable for a shower

• Community Centre 

• Community centres often have rooms to rent that are less expensive than traditional venues

• Restaurant 

• Some restaurants allow larger groups of people to host events. There’s typically less flexibility of the use of the space, but it depends on the type of shower you’re planning.

• Local Venues

• Just a quick google search in your area for “venue” should provide you with some options. Traditional venues come with a price, so be prepared to expect anywhere between $500 and $2000 for the event.

Step 3: Guest List and Invitations

✔ Create a Guest List: Typically, close friends, family, and bridesmaids attend. The average bridal shower has 20-30 guests. 

✔ Send Invitations: Digital invites (Evite, Paperless Post) or physical ones (Minted, Zazzle) should be sent 4-6 weeks in advance.

Step 4: Plan the Menu and Drinks

✔ Food Options: Decide between catering, a potluck, or DIY. Trending menus include:

• Charcuterie boards & grazing tables

• Mini sandwiches & canapés

• Brunch favorites (avocado toast, quiche, french toast bites) 

• Cake (classic and always appreciated) or assorted desserts

✔ Drinks & Cocktails:

• Signature cocktail (Bride’s Bellini, Rosé Spritz, etc.)

• Non-alcoholic options like mocktails or infused water

Step 5: Organize Fun Activities & Games

✔ Classic Games:

• “How Well Do You Know the Bride?”

• Bridal Bingo

• Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest 

✔ Modern & Interactive Ideas:

• DIY flower arranging station

• Wine or cocktail tasting

• Advice cards for the bride

Step 6: Gifts & Registry

✔ Gift Etiquette: Guests typically spend $50-$100 on bridal shower gifts. Provide links to the bride’s registry in the invitation. 

✔ Alternative Gift Ideas:

• Group gift (luxury spa day, Airbnb experience)

• Scrapbook with handwritten messages from guests

• Honeymoon fund contributions

Step 7: Decor & Ambiance

✔ Must-Have Decor:

• A statement backdrop (balloon arch, flower wall, neon sign)

• Personalized signage and welcome board

• Themed table settings with florals & candles 

✔ Music & Atmosphere:

• Create a bridal shower playlist with fun, upbeat tunes

• Incorporate a photo booth with props for memorable pictures

Step 8: Capture the Memories

✔ Photography/Videography: Hire a professional or designate a friend as the photographer. You’ll want to capture memorable moments of the day but make sure it’s not you in charge of photography! You’ll have enough on your plate that day!

We recommend our friends at ShutterB for content capturing!

✔ Hashtag It: Encourage guests to post on social media using a unique hashtag (e.g., #KatieSaysIDo). Let them know the bride’s handle so she can be tagged!

Final Step: Thank You Notes & Follow-Up

✔ Thank Guests: Send handwritten thank-you notes or e-mail guests within two weeks of the event. 

✔ Share Photos: Create an album and share it with guests via email or a shared Google Drive folder with all the pictures for folks to enjoy. 

Final Thoughts

With this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a fun, elegant, and stress-free bridal shower! The key is planning ahead and ensuring the event reflects the bride’s personality. Also, did you know that you can collaborate with the bride directly on On Time Bride? You can plan everything in the app and send details to the bride directly so everything is in one place! Let’s get planning!

Looking for a planning toolkit to make this process easier and more organized? Click here for our done-for-you Bridal Shower template!