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The most important secret to have the best possible bridal shower party is careful planning. If your bridal shower party is carefully planned, it will be not only more organized but a lot of fun. Paying attention to details is what makes a wonderful bridal shower party. If you treat your bridal shower party just like any other project, you have a good chance of making it a success. Proper planning is the most important first step to take toward a great bridal shower party.

The following list can serve as a simple outline for your overall bridal shower party planning. Follow the outline to help plan the bridal shower party. Be sure to check or underline each completed task, so you can concentrate on the incomplete items. It is also helpful to use actual dates to meet your deadlines.

First steps

∑ The most important first step is to select the appropriate date and time. Be sure to check with the most important participants, and make sure the date works for everyone. Setting a conflicting time for a party is a bad start.

∑ Set your budget ñ do not purchase anything until you have set your budget.

∑ Select the place (A favorite restaurant is a great location, but a friends house works on a tight budget.)

∑ Prepare your guest list ñ your guest list is limited by your budget.

Five to six weeks prior the bridal shower party

∑ Select method of invitations (You can save money by sending e-invitations, your guests are Internet savvy.)

∑ Make a decision about the shower theme ñ a popular theme is beach party.

One month prior to the bridal shower party date

∑ Send out the bridal shower party invitations

∑ Decide on food (Select caterer or restaurant if you wish to use one)

∑ Research bridal shower party favors

Two weeks before the bridal shower party

∑ Based on RSVPs from the invited bridal shower party guests make final arrangements regarding food and other planned activities

Last minute preparations

∑ Contact caterer or restaurant (if you use one) to make sure they are ready for the bridal shower party

∑ Put together any accessories you plan to use for the bridal shower party

∑ Wrap gifts and prepare party favors

∑ Make sure a video recorder and cameras are available to record the bridal shower party

The bridal shower is the prewedding party organized by the bridesmaids or close female friends. Its purpose is to shower the bride with good wishes. Obviously, the bride is the center of attention at the bridal shower. Although it should not matter who is hosting organizing the event, traditionally, family was discouraged from hosting bridal showers, because it may look like they are digging for gifts.

There is no rule on who is to host the shower. The bridesmaids, friends, or family usually hosts it. The place of the party is usually someoneís house, but bridal showers can be held at restaurants. One of the most important aspect of planning a successful bridal shower is to only invite guest who will be invited to the wedding too. Anyone invited to the shower would have every right to be expecting an invitation to the wedding. To avoid embarrassing mistakes, always consult the bride and key decision makers about the guest list.

The bridal shower, just like your wedding, should be on a day that is easy to attend. Therefore, Saturday is probably the best day to have the party. It enables your guests to attend. The bridal shower should be close to the wedding day but not less than a couple of weeks before.

Bridal shower favors are an important part of the event. Some of the most popular bridal shower favors are personalized chocolates, or personalized bath gels. If you have a beach theme bridal shower, your favors can compliment it. For example, dolphin wine stoppers, or seashell candles are very popular beach bridal shower favor ideas.

Written invitations are not mandatory. Most people have an e-mail address, so einvitations may be the most cost effective option.

If the party is at someoneís home, usually finger food is served. Pizza is another popular choice of food. Bridal showers are informal event, and you donít need to make a big fuss about the food.

A bridal shower is a great event leading up to the wedding where wedding attendants offer gifts and celebration to the bride and groom. There are lots of things you can bring to a bridal shower to have a wonderful time. The bridal shower invitations themselves are a huge part of the shower. But there are some traditional guidelines for invitations that should be followed. The bridal shower is typically thrown by the maid of honor, unless other arrangements have been made. Whoever the host may be, it is important to be familiar with the traditions.

Who should be invited to the bridal shower? A bridal shower can be just a womenís event or can be co-ed. It is up to the bride ultimately and whoever is hosting the shower should check with the bride. Typically the bride will invite all the women who are invited to the wedding, as well as the bridesmaids, mothers, and grandmothers.

Where should be the location of the bridal shower? Typically the shower is held at the house of the maid of honor, or at a restaurant. Again, the host should check with the bride to see what is most convenient for guests and family. Some showers are long distance, where everyone meets without the guest of honor who may be in another location. The guests call the bride and describe the gifts and then wrap them up to await the brides arrival before the wedding. If the bridal shower is to be held at a restaurant, previous arrangements should be made with guests about payment, and with the restaurant for reservations.

Should you request an RSVP for the bridal shower? It depends on the type of party and type of setting. If it is important to have an accurate head count for the caterer, and RSVP is necessary. If it is more casual type of shower, RSVP may not be needed. This is completely up to the host.

When should the bridal shower be held? Bridal showers are typically held two weeks before the wedding. However, with people having to travel long distances, it is sometime more convenient to have the shower a day or two before the wedding so everyone is able to attend. Having the bridal shower sometime before the wedding gives the bride and bridesmaids more time to prepare the week before the wedding.

What is the theme? There are lots of themes for bridal showers. And invitations can be made to incorporate any of these themes. Whether it be lingerie, kitchen, hardware, there are invitations to coordinate with any theme. The theme of the invitation should also reflect the style and personality of the bride.

For the maid of honor, the bridal shower can be the biggest task before the wedding. All these factors are very important when choosing invitations for the bridal shower. Choosing the right bridal shower invitations that coordinate with the theme, and sending them at the right time is a great way to start a perfect bridal shower. And choosing all the right information to include in the invitation is just as important. And sending them to the right people will make the bride happy.

So, your marriage is on the cards? It is time for a Bridal Shower Party! At the bridal shower party, family and friends will give gifts and lots of blessings for you.

The origin of the bridal shower is quite interesting and can be traced back to Holland. It is an old story which states that a Dutch girl fell in love with a miller who was very poor. When she told her father, he forbade their marriage. So the young lady decided to marry the miller and stayed with him, despite his poverty. As the neighbors heard about the news of them nearly starving, they came with help. They showered gifts and money on the newly married couple. From the money and gifts showered to the couple, they set up a good home and a good life for themselves. Since then, this tradition of bridal showers has been in practice. Though, today the celebrations of bridal shower are grand and all full of gaiety.

No bridal shower celebration is complete without bridal shower games. These games will add life to your party and keep the guests entertained.

Bridal shower games really get the party going. You can even be creative while setting the games for your bridal shower party. In fact the more bridal shower games you play the better. With todayís tradition of inviting friends, work colleagues and family members to a bridal shower, games can be great way to break the ice for people who donít know each other.

Who Am I Bridal Shower Game
The game ìWho Am Iî adds smiles and vitality to the whole party with the added benefit of being a great first icebreaker.

To play this game, all you have to do is to prepare some index cards. On each card write a name of a famous personality. As soon as the guests arrive, attach a card to everyoneís back. Attach them in such a way that the guest is not able to see it, while the others can. Then start the real test. The guests have to ask each other for the clues, so that that they can know the name attached to their back. The first person to identify the correct name is the winner.

The Wedding Alphabet Game
The Wedding Alphabet Game is really fun. The game involves a combination of wit and intelligence. The game is simple; the host initiates the game by describing a wedding item, ritual or tradition starting from the letter ëAí. They will include in their sentence the item or the culture starting from ëAí. The next guest adds another item or anything after that sentence starting from ëBí. This game continues as the sentences keep on building. If a person is unable to add an item of the letter they get, they drop out. The guest who stays longest wins the game.

Caught In the Middle Game
The bridal shower game ìCaught in the Middleî promises to bring loads of laughter and activity to the party. The game is quite simple. Everybody is made to sit in a circle, then a bag is provided to one guest. As the music plays on, the guest has to pass it over to the other guest. This passing goes on till the music continues. As soon as the music stops, the one with the bag in their hand gets caught in the middle. As a penalty, they are asked to perform a dance, an imitation, a mono act or anything. This bridal shower game adds excitement to the party. It also brings out the latent talent of every guest that gets caught in the middle.

Charades
Charades is widely known and played all over the world. This game can be played anywhere and everywhere. The game involves intelligence and recognition power. There are two teams made out of the guests. One member of each team has to perform a mono act on the name of the actor or a movie given secretly to him. The guest only has to perform and not speak. The name of the character or the movie has to be guessed by his team. Within a time frame, if any team member guesses the correct name, his team gets a point. In the end the team with maximum points is declared as a winner.

These are just a few ideas for bridal shower games to help create a great mood for the bridal shower party. They can add excitement and joy to the whole party and are a good way to get everyone involved, as there will no doubt be guests who donít know each other. So, get your party started with lots of bridal shower games.

The most important first lesson about having the best possible bridal shower is careful party planning. If your bridal shower is carefully planned, it will be not only more organized but a world of fun. Paying attention to details is what makes a great bridal shower. If you treat your bridal shower just like any other project, you have a good chance of making it a success. Proper planning is the most important first step to take toward a great bridal shower.

The following list can serve as a simple outline for your overall bridal shower planning. Follow the outline to help plan the bridal shower. Be sure to check or underline each completed task, so you can concentrate on the incomplete items. It is also helpful to use actual dates to meet your deadlines.

First steps

∑ The most important first step is to select the appropriate date and time. Be sure to check with the most important participants, and make sure the date works for everyone.
∑ Set your budget
∑ Select the place (A favorite restaurant is a great location, but a friends house works on a limited budget.)
∑ Prepare your guest list

Five to six weeks prior the bridal shower

∑ Select method of invitations (You can save money by sending e-invitations.)
∑ Make a decision about the shower theme

One month prior to the bridal shower date

∑ Send out the shower invitations
∑ Decide on food (Select caterer or restaurant if you wish to use one)
∑ Research bridal shower keepsake favors

Two weeks before the bridal shower

∑ Based on RSVPs from the invited bridal shower guests make final arrangements regarding food and other planned activities

Last minute preparations

∑ Contact caterer or restaurant (if you use one) to make sure they are ready for the shower party
∑ Put together any accessories you plan to use for the bridal shower
∑ Wrap gifts
∑ Make sure a video recorder and cameras are available to record the bridal shower

If you have ever stood in front of your nicely stocked closet, had a number of discarded outfits beginning to pile up on the bed, and still had no clue what to wear to the occasion that you are already running late for, then you should know that you are not alone! As a matter of fact, there is not one woman alive who cannot boast the same difficulty at one point or another. Of course, the other reason why the outfits are piling up could be the fact that a well-meaning spouse or friend took one critical look at the ensemble you were wearing and simply remarked ìyouíre not wearing that, are you?î.

While this indecisiveness appears to be an epidemic for New Years Eve parties, the company holiday party, and other assorted celebrations of friends and families, thus far a bridal shower has not really ranked as an event that required a special kind of attire. Nonetheless, donít you wish somebody would have given you a hint as to what kind of dress would be appropriate? Perhaps it is time for this to change! After all, you have spent a lot of time coming up with the perfect bridal shower theme, so why not go all the way and choose your bridal shower attire accordingly?

For example, if you are planning a bridal shower for your friend who will be going to Hawaii on her honeymoon, why not make the theme, as well as the attire, a Hawaiian celebration? Guests could wear Hawaiian shirts, dresses, perhaps even grass skirts! On the other hand, if the bride will be going surfing, why not dress in the height of California surfer fashion, complete with bleached blond wig and cut out surf board? As you can see, the possibilities for bridal shower attire are truly endless and guests as well as the bride will be able to capitalize on the individuality of the bride, her planned honeymoon, or simply the interests her and the groom share. If you are more formally oriented, or if the shower will be held at a formal location, you may wish to stay with the conservative ensemble of a skirt and blouse, or perhaps a pair of dressy slacks and a nice blouse. Depending on the kind of bridal shower you are planning for the bride to be, it is imperative to communicate the propriety of attire to the shower guests. As a matter of fact, there are actually some commonly understood ìbuzz wordsî that get the point across without getting into too much detail.

If you will be having a fancy party at a luxury restaurant, please be sure to include on the invitation that the dress should be ìcocktail attire.î This signals to the invitee that this is the equivalent of a black tie affair, and she will know to get the little black dress off the hanger and pressed. This is especially appropriate for exclusive restaurants or hotels.

If the party is not held at the ritziest place in town but a close second runner up, please be sure to specify ìevening resort attire.î This simply means an alternative to the little black dress, such as a nice conservative yet festive dress or skirt and blouse.

Once step down from this occasion would be ìbusiness casualî or ìresort attire.î This is most appropriate if the party is held at the local country club. Shorts, skorts, and even short skirts are appropriate, if they are properly cut and fit well. This is not the time for the bargain basement mini skirt!

As you can see, questions of fashionable attire are entirely appropriate when considering attending or hosting a bridal shower. If you are fortunate enough to be hosting one, please take the guestsí guess work out of the equation, and instead let them know how to dress for the occasion! On the other hand, if you are on the guest list of a bridal shower, be sure to ask if there will be a dress code. Most often you will be able to glean this bit of information when taking a look at the location of the event, but in case you are unfamiliar with the venue, a quick phone call to the hostess will clear up any questions and prevent embarrassing misunderstandings.

Planning a bridal shower is an intensive procedure, but getting the right combination of events will lead to a happy memory.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing; the more you understand about bridal showers, the more you will be able to share with others.

For many brides the hairstyle they choose for their wedding day is almost as important as the dress they choose. While every bride wants her hair to look great on her wedding day, there are also many factors to consider in choosing a style. Women with longer hair often have an especially difficult time deciding on a hairstyle.

Designing wedding updos takes a great deal of planning. An updo is essentially a hairstyle that involves pinning the hair up so that is off the neck. There are many different styles of updos available and the bride may find choosing the perfect one to be a challenging task. The bride has a lot of factors to consider when choosing a hairstyle. This article will outline some of the factors to consider when deciding on wedding updos.

The shape of the face is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing wedding updos. This is important because certain styles of updos are more appealing on faces of a particular shape while other styles may create an unappealing look. For example some hairstyles may make a round face appear even rounder while other hairstyles may create a slenderizing illusion.

The veil or headpiece which will be worn should also be considered when choosing wedding updos. While the shape of the face is very important, the headpiece is equally important because it will influence the types of styles which can be used. Once the headpiece is chosen, the bride to be can start choosing a hairstyle.

The process of choosing wedding updos usually begins with paging through wedding magazines or scrolling through websites. Most soon to be brides get their inspiration from magazines and websites which focus on weddings. Seeing models with hairstyles you like can give you the general idea of what type of hairstyle you will choose.

When looking through these magazines and websites it is important to consider the shaper of the face of the models in the hairstyles you like. If they have face shapes which are similar to your own, these styles will likely be flattering. However, if the models have faces which are shaped drastically different from your own, you may find the style to be unflattering.

The next step in the process of choosing wedding updos is to visit a salon to experiment with different styles. If you already have a hairstylist you trust or have recommendations from other friends you can choose this stylist to complete your wedding day look. Otherwise you might need to visit a few salons to see pictures of their previous work before deciding on a stylist. Once you have chosen a stylist you can do a trial run to see how the hairstyle looks with the headpiece.

Preferably the trial run to experiment with different wedding updos should take place close to the date of the wedding. This will ensure the hair is relatively similar to how it will be on the wedding day. You may experiment with different hairstyles a few months in advance only to find that the weather or other factors have changed to texture of your hair making the style that was so appealing a few months ago to not be as attractive. The trial run is very important because it is when the bride to be will really see how the updo will look on her and with her headpiece.

Bridal bouquets are the most popular accessories for brides to walk down the aisle. But what if you want to be a bit different? Here are 5 alternative ideas that will work for both brides and bridesmaids:

1) Wrist Corsage

This is a small arrangement of flowers that is secured to the wrist. Roses, orchids and other small-headed flowers work best.

The great thing about a wrist corsage is that both of your hands are free – ideal if you’re going to be hugging lots of guests.

Bianca Jagger looked very chic having chosen a wrist corsage instead of a bouquet when she married Mick Jagger.

2) Pomander

A pomander (also called a kissing ball) is a round ball shape of flowers that has a delicate ribbon handle. This is easy to carry as the ribbon just slips over the wrist. Roses are the most popular choice for pomanders but you could also use gerberas or carnations.

Pomanders are often carried by bridesmaids and flowergirls, but can look spectacular for the bride herself.

3) Hair Decoration

Hair decorations can be both elegant and stylish. You can choose one large flower such as a lily to form the focal point of your arrangement. This type of arrangement is worn on the side of the head.

Alternatively you could go for a circular ‘halo’ arrangement, such as Audrey Hepburn wore at her wedding. She had a halo arrangement of white roses that was worn on top of the head.

In addition to flowers, you can incorporate beads, jewels and feathers into your hair decoration. Have a quick chat with your florist and you could come up with a unique design that suits your personality and complements your bridegroom’s boutonniere.

4) Prayer Book

Another choice instead of holding a bridal bouquet is to hold a prayer book or bible. Some brides like to decorate the prayer book with a small arrangement of flowers and/or ribbons.

You could use a cherished bible that was given to you as gift, or you could buy a new one as a symbol of your new life and how you plan to lead it.

5) Lantern or Candle Holder

These are great for church weddings, especially if it is an evening ceremony. Candles are very romantic and will add to the ceremony. Use non-drip candles and a lantern design that fully encloses the naked flame to reduce the risk of an accident.

The base of the lantern or candleholder can be decorated with a small arrangement of flowers to match the colors of your wedding theme.

Planning a wedding is not easy! When you first begin planning a wedding, there are so many forks in the road, a multitude of decisions to make, and so many ways to go astray. At this amazing and crazy time in your life, take a minute to step back, relax and organize your thoughts. Get a grip on the project you have just undertaken, follow some seemingly simple steps, and planning a wedding can be a wonderful and memorable experience.
Establish a budget, stick to it and donít deviate.
This is often a neglected characteristic of planning a wedding. It is essential to get your budget in order before making any financial decisions. Too often, many couples book a reception location or a wedding day professionals without solid financials in hand, only to find out they have overspent and are now bound by a contract.
Big tip: Use a number for the budget that is 10-15% less than what you actually plan on spending, so you essentially have a buffer when additional expenses arise, because they will. The great thing is that if you donít use your entire buffer, you will have some extra spending money for your honeymoon.

Hire Wedding Professionals.
When your best friendís second cousin volunteers to do be your wedding photographer, and promises a nice discount, it might be tempting to take advantage of the offer. However, a big word of caution ñ hiring friends and some cased family can often backfire. Expectations may not be met on the wedding day and friendships can become estranged. Additionally, these friends may not have all the necessary experience or equipment to complete the task effectively. You should hire wedding professionals for their experience, expertise, and resources. True professionals will assist in making your day hassle free. You hire them, you can direct them, and the relationship is not personal.

Compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges
Many times, when a bride begins a search for a reception location or for wedding vendors, she simply compares prices, not services or characteristics of the services. It is rare that you will find two locations offering the exact same ìpackage,î or two videographers that offer the same quality of service (time and style) and amount of product (prints and albums). You need to carefully evaluate each aspect of the potential venue or vendor. What seems too expensive at first glance may actually be a better deal when you realize what it offers compares to others in the same category.

Be different – cookie cutter weddings are out of style.
Brides and groom continue to look for new ways to add personal flavor to their wedding day. Giving your wedding personal style does not mean doing the same thing your best friend did, or what you watched on Entertainment Tonight about Nicole Kidmanís wedding. Think out of the box. Hiring a wedding planner or event designer, even for a few hours, can help you be inspired and lead to amazing results. Instead of a guest book, have guests sign a coffee table book on a subject that is of interest to you. Learn an unexpected choreographed first dance, like the tango, and wow the crowd.

Surround yourself with the positive people.
When selecting a wedding party and asking other friends to be involved in the wedding, select people who have positive attitudes and those who, as Bill OíReilly says are, ìlookout for youî. Single girlfriends, your older single sister, even your brother may feel a tad envious of your engagement. For the most part, this is a passing phase, but that does not make it any easier for you to deal with. These people may often criticize your decisions, attempt to have attention diverted away from you with their own theatrics, or simply try to make themselves the focus of many decisions (the style of the bridesmaids dresses, what foods they like or dislike for the meal, or which date for the wedding is ìbetterî for her schedule). If and when this situation arises, try your best to walk away from it and ignore it. Realize their behavior is not your fault, and if they must be included in the celebrations, have your mother or a trusted friend intercept the stressful dealings with these people.

Make your ceremony mean something.
The best way to do this is to write your own vows and/or select special poems, readings or Biblical verses. Even though the ceremony is really the only event that needs to take place on the wedding day, so many couples put little focus on the actual planning of the service itself. Is there a special song for you and your fiancÈ, perhaps the one that was playing the night you or he proposed? Why not walk the aisle to it and surprise your fiancÈ? Have you ever written a poem or love letter to your fiancÈ? Read it during the ceremony, or if nerves wonít allow you to read it yourself, have the Officiant read it for you. Look into your fiancÈs eyes during the ceremony and focus on the two of you and the life you are preparing together.

Create a timeline for the wedding day.
If you are not working with a wedding planner, it is your job to create a realistic timeline for everyone to follow. Detail and document all key elements and activities that are to take place on the day. Include addresses of locations and who needs to be where and when. If you do not do this, you take the risk of all the wedding vendors establishing their own agendas. Of course, consult with the ceremony and reception venue, as well as key vendors regarding the timeline, but ultimately most all of the timeline decisions are up to you.

Ask for help when you need it.
It is not uncommon for a bride or groom to become overwhelmed with wedding planning. It takes a lot of time, dedication and work. Typically there are many people knocking at your door anxious to helpóyour future mother in law, your mother, your sister, his sister, your best friend, your single best friendÖthe list can go on forever. When asking for help from friends or family members, give them specific instructions and deadlines. Also, make sure they know you still have final say.

When wedding planning consumers every aspect of your life, take a breather.
Schedule a date with your fiancÈ and go to dinner, take a walk, or just go for ice cream. There is only one ruleóno wedding talk. Reconnect with the ones you love and then get back to the planning with your mind and heart focused on the right things.
Of course these are not the only steps to planning a wedding, but these are very important aspects of planning that will help you keep your sanity and your focus on the reason for this whole crazy thing, love.

According to a recent survey entitled “American Wedding Study 2006,” conducted by The Conde Nast Bridal Group, concludes that the average amount spent on weddings has increased to almost $28,000.

It is predicted that 2.3 million Americans will get married this year, and there will be more than 44,000 weddings each weekend with 380 million wedding guests attending.

With an average age of 27, brides are becoming more mature than ever. About 70 percent are paying, at least partially, for their own weddings. Unexpected costs are common as over one third of couples are spending more than planned.

“This authoritative survey shows that the wedding industry is not only vital but is in fact thriving,” says Daniel Lagani, vice president and publisher of The Conde Nast Bridal Group. “Couples are entering this ‘Wedding Lifecycle’ from the engagement to the reception right up to the honeymoon in ever growing numbers flush with happiness and optimism,” Lagani says.

Approximately 16 of all weddings are destination-weddings. Destination-weddings are still expensive, but, on average, cost a couple of thousand dollars less than traditional weddings.

Destination-weddings are expected to have an average of 63 guests while traditional weddings are estimated to have 165 guests.

The most popular time for engagements are still the winter holidays with December being the busiest month of engagement. The time frame between engagement and marriage is 14 months.

In light of significant cost increases and a considerable delay in getting married, expect “The Echo Boom,” children of the Baby Boomer generation who make up 71 million men and women to emerge. “They are the next big generation to move into the ‘engagement zone,’ as the oldest in the group will reach the marriage age of 27 in 2006,” Lagani says.

The top three growth categories in wedding spending are wedding photography, attendantsí gifts, and wedding rings.