Last Minute Bridal Shower Party

If you need to plan a last minute bridal shower party, it's important to create one that will be memorable for the bride and not seem like a last minute bridal shower party. The key to pulling it off is clever planning and getting help from the wedding party. A team effort will help you throw a last minute bridal shower party to remember.

Planning a Last Minute Bridal Shower at Your Home

Try and use items you already own or can easily borrow to set the stage for a lovely bridal shower that doesn't look like it was thrown together at the last minute. If your bride wants a traditional bridal shower party, borrow a set of china if you don't have one to use, or simply use elegant glass plates. Keep the menu simple and either choose a local caterer or purchase a veggie platter and a deli meat platter from the grocery store. Then, supplement with a simple artichoke dip for an appetizer, and order a cake for dessert.

Once you get the guest list from the bride, don't waste any time contacting guests. Depending how close to the bridal shower date you are, you might want to divide the guest list among the bridesmaids and phone each guest to let them know the date and time. You should still send bridal shower invitations but phoning first will hopefully secure more acceptances. Use fill-in or print your own bridal shower invitations that are easy on the budget and are ready as soon as you fill them out.

Remember to order an arrangement from a florist as a centerpiece or put your flower skills to work by making your own arrangement. Plan a couple of bridal shower games that don't require too many props, and you'll be ready to host in no time.

Planning a Last Minute Bridal Shower at a Public Venue

If hosting a last minute bridal shower party in your home isn't possible, consider choosing the bride's favorite restaurant and ask if they would organize a special menu for your bridal shower party. Make sure the menu offers two or three simple choices, such as soup or salad plus an entre, and then order a cake for dessert. Choosing a restaurant with a private room will enable you to play games and open gifts without being the focus of the lunch crowd.

You could also organize a bridal shower party picnic, especially for an outdoors-loving bride who wants a carefree couples bridal shower party. You could reserve a picnic pavilion at her favorite park and grill a delicious lunch. In lieu of traditional bridal shower games, the group could go horseback riding (if available), play volleyball or horseshoe, or even go swimming if the weather is warm and a swimming lake is present.

The real secret to planning a successful last minute bridal shower is to be creative and flexible. You can either host one in your home or choose another venue where certain aspects of the planning will be handled by the venue and take pressure off you. Either way, the bride is sure to have an unforgettable bridal shower party.