Start with who and how many you’re inviting…the size of the shower can determine where and when you’re hosting, and so many other factors. After all, your home may only hold so many; whereas a banquet room will hold more; or if you have your heart set on pampering the bride-to-be with a private dining room at her favorite restaurant it’s important to know the maximum seats before the invitations are sent!

As far as following proper etiquette, anyone on the wedding guest list can be included. However, if you need to shorten the list, invite close family and friends that are in town - or just the women.

One or two months before the wedding is considered good timing, and bridal showers are generally 2 -3 hours long. The time of day to host the shower is personal preference, and most likely it will narrow your selections of food and drink - for example: small appetizers vs. a gallant brunch spread; snacks set around the room vs. buffet lunch; or sweets & a chocolate fountain vs. an elegant dinner.

Even if you simply choose a color, a theme can inspire decorations - and even narrow the overwhelming choices! It may even help you select just the right games, even the invitations and favors. Plus, planning and prep are simplified when you start with a plan. Talk it over with other co-hosts and see if one of these Bridal Shower Themes inspires your shower.

Games ought to be the fun part of planning the shower, so don't wait until the last minute to think about them! It’s no fun planning last minute games because – yes, I’ve done it – you run out of time! (On second thought, if you run out of time, you are our perfect customer and we would love to help you!)

What works best for me, find one of the guests who would like to be the game coordinator and work with her to pick out some Bridal Shower Games you think the guests will enjoy – and - hopefully go along with the shower theme.

Four games for a two-hour shower is just about right... an ice-breaker plus games in the middle of the shower to get everyone laughing. It still leaves enough time to chat with the bride-to-be, open presents, eat, and mingle.

What time of day are you hosting, and what are the guests expecting? Entire meals make elegant showers, but if you’re hosting at 2 in the afternoon, guests may like a lighter fare.

Food meant for mingling? Try this…finger foods set at different places the room and beverages at yet another spot to get guests moving around.

Now it’s time to finalize a guest list so you can kindly send invitations about two - three weeks in advance, allowing time for the guests to clear their schedules and find that 'perfect' gift.

Inside the invitation, if a game or theme requires guests to bring items to the shower, don't forget to let them know inside their invitation. Additional Invitation Etiquette