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The Host:
The Maid or Matron of Honor typically hosts the bridal showers. It is not uncommon, however, for the shower to be hosted by friends, co-workers or family members.
The Invitation List:
A shower is usually an intimate party; therefore you should not invite every female guest who is also invited to the wedding. To invite every woman you know can send the wrong message that you are just throwing a huge party so the bride can get a lot of nice gifts. To do that is definitely in poor taste. Because guests are expected to bring a gift to a bridal shower, it is considerate to check guest lists (if there is more than one shower being given for you, which is not unusual) and make sure there aren't too many guests receiving overlapping invitations. There will, no doubt, be family members and wedding attendants who will attend all of your showers. If this is the case, ask them to limit their gift to a moderate amount. They will certainly appreciate your concern. Another option popular today is to have a coed shower, with both the bride and groom there as guests of honor, and both of their friends invited to share in the fun.
Where to have the shower: You can have the shower in a number of different places, including a private home, a church hall, a restaurant, or even at the home of the bride. Two major factors affecting
the decision are the number of guests invited, and the budget available for the shower.
Refreshments:
Once again, there are several options. You can have a late morning brunch, an afternoon luncheon, an informal dinner or dessert. How about a shower in summer months where all of the guests make themselves ice-cream sundaes? You may decide to hire a caterer for the event, or get together with friends and take care of the food yourself. Alcohol may or may not be served, depending on the preferences of your guests, and the time of day the shower takes place.
Entertainment:
The main entertainment for the shower is the opening of gifts. You may decide to play games to "break the ice" if there are a number of guests there who do not know each other.
When to have the shower: As the date of the wedding approaches, the wedding couple typically finds themselves caught up in a
whirlwind of activity. There are final details to be taken care of, as well as attending various parties being held in their honor. You want the bride (or both the bride and groom) to enjoy the shower. Therefore it
is best to plan it anywhere from two weeks to two months before the wedding. Obviously, the date you choose will depend on how far away the bride lives, as well as the guests you wish to invite.
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