How to Plan the Perfect Shower

It has been a busy year for me. I have recently planned my first bridal shower in March for my friend Sam, a baby shower in May for my sister Lauren, and another bridal shower in July for my friend Jessica. I love decorating and throwing parties. So I knew this was right up my alley. I thought I would share a few tips that I think make the process a little easier. First buy a planner/notebook dedicated to the event so you can jot down notes and set dates.

1. Prepare a group meeting-this should include the people that are hosting the event. Consult with your bride/mom-to-be. They may want to be included or completely surprised.

2. Pick a date- Showers are usually held between 1-2 months before the Wedding or before the Baby is due.

3. Complete a guest list- determine if the shower will be all women or coed

4. Choose a location- Depending on the time of the year it is, you may like to have the shower outside at a park or a specific indoor venue. Either way Don't Forget to RESERVE the place. It's good to do this asap so that your favorite location doesn't get booked up.

5. Choose a theme- This may be a color scheme/ or more specific for a baby shower you could have a nautical theme or a country theme. For a wedding shower you could have a glitter/glitz theme or a rustic theme.

6. Utilize Pinterest- It is an amazing app.

7. Pick out an invitation- You could buy pre-made invites or create your own. I selected and edited my invitations on Vistaprint they almost always have deals going on such as 20% off.

8. Gather addresses of everyone who is invited- This is one of the hard parts. Make a separate list of all guest, then fill out each of your envelopes, marking them off as you go. Include an RSVP date on invitations. (Pick up a book of stamps/a floral design always looks nice) I also included inserts with my invitations that matched. For a wedding shower you may include a blank recipe card for guest to fill out instead of buying a card. For a baby shower you may include an insert saying Bring a Book instead of a card.(Both Optional)

9. Mail out invitations 4-6 weeks out from shower

10. Take a shopping trip with anyone who is helping and willing, do research as you shop to get the best prices, and always check for coupons!

11. Decide on games/prizes-It keeps people occupied to give you a few minutes rest.

12. Have a brief meeting-go over what you and the other hostesses are each providing for the shower. A team effort is the best and communication is key. If you have to, use a Facebook event or a group text so everyone is on the same page.

13. Shop & prepare food/beverages-the week of the shower

14. Buy or make a gift- I made a Margarita Themed Basket for one shower, it was a hit.

15. The day of shower- Arrive as early as possible to start setting up. Setting up takes longer than you'd think. One thing that saved me was my moms collapsible wagon. It saved me multiple trips to my car. If you make a checklist of all the things your bringing specifically it will help you the day of.

16. Last- Don't Forget To Breath & Have Fun! It will all be worth it in the end. ♥