How to Plan the Perfect Bridal Shower

Whether you’re the maid of honor, a bridesmaid, friend or family member of the bride, figuring out how to plan a bridal shower can be a bit stressful. There’s no sugar coating that. But, it really doesn’t have to be.

Luckily, we’ve laid out the ultimate bridal shower to-do list to help get you started on the right track. From choosing bridal shower favors to bridal shower drinks, you can sit back and relax (and maybe enjoy a mimosa, or two) knowing that we’ve got your back with this handy guide.

Bridal Shower Planning FAQs

What is a bridal shower?

Bridal showers celebrate the bride before her big day. Traditionally, it’s an event where the closest women in the bride’s life get together to shower the bride with bridal shower gifts and well wishes. They usually consist of an afternoon of games, snacks and gift opening. Bridal showers are typically three months before the wedding and last for about 2 to 4 hours.

Who throws the bridal shower?

Traditionally, it was frowned up for the bride’s family to plan the bride’s shower. It was seen as “gift grabby.”  Now, there aren’t as many rules for who wants to host. Whoever wants to host the shower, can! Well everyone expect the bride, of course. This is her time to sit back and relax. Most commonly the bride’s mother, her future mother-in-law, her bridesmaids, family members or friends usually step in to party plan.

Whom should I invite?

There is one rule you must abide by for invites: you cannot invite anyone who is not also invited to the wedding. This is a big bridal shower no-no. Only exception is for coworker bridal showers. But, everyone else is fair game!

Depending on what you think your bride would prefer, some showers are now co-ed. Coined a wedding shower, these large co-ed parties are typically in the late afternoon compared to a bridal shower which is thrown during the day. Bridal showers can range from an intimate gathering of eight people to a co-ed “wedding shower” of 50+ people, so it’s really up to what the bride would prefer.

Where should the bridal shower be?

You can hosts bridal showers anywhere. Truly, anywhere. From a destination bridal shower to one in the bride’s backyard. The venue, in addition to the decor, food and drinks choices, are typically based off of a bridal shower theme. If you’re hosting a rustic themed bridal shower, a beautiful barn venue would be the stunning. Or is your bride a huuuge brunch lover? Try a bridal shower brunch at a fancy brunch spot instead. The options are endless!

What food do I serve at a bridal shower?

Now, here’s the fun part. Showers always have the best snacks and drinks. Usually bridal showers serve small plates or appetizers, in addition to some fun alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) drinks and some beautiful bridal shower desserts, of course. Another to keep in mind is that the food and drink menus are typically based off of the bridal shower theme.

Bridal Shower Planning Checklist

Early Planning:

• Chat with bride about expectations and wishes for the party (unless it’s a surprise shower!)
• Pick shower theme
• Compile guest list
• Set date and time of shower
• Make reservations for venue or rented equipment (if necessary)

Month of:

• Send out invitations
• Purchase or create DIY decorations and bridal shower favors
• Select food and drink menu and purchase nonperishables
• Plan games and activities for shower

Week of:

• Confirm guest list, reservations and any delivery items
• Buy last minute food, drinks or decorations
• Assemble favors and DIY decorations
• Compile the perfect bridal shower playlist

Day of:

• Set up shower’s gift, food and drink stations
• Organize a surprise visit from her fiancée (with flower in tow, of course)
• Lead the day with games, activities and of course, a toast to the bride!

Make Theses Bridal Shower Recipes

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Vanilla Bean Cupcakes My 3-year-old son loves these vanilla bean cupcakes! Vanilla bean flecks give the moist, tender cupcakes special-occasion status. Make them for a bridal shower, birthday party or holiday gathering.  —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario Go to Recipe

Crab Wonton CupsThese tasty little crab tarts make excellent appetizers served warm and crispy from the oven. You can add them to your list of holiday finger food as well. They're true crowd-pleasers. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware

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Discover more of our favorite vintage recipes for an old-fashioned ladies luncheon.

Honey Champagne FondueThis special champagne fondue has wonderful flavor from Swiss cheese and a hint of sweetness from honey. It clings well to any kind of dipper. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio

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Strawberry Wedding Bell CookiesTo ring in a joyous occasion like a bridal shower or wedding, I'm often asked to make these festive cookies. You can use different flavors of jam to suit your tastes. —Laurie Messer, Bonifay, Florida

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Hearty MuffulettaFamous in Louisiana, muffulettas are cold cuts, cheese and olive salad layered into an Italian bread shell. I was happy when a friend and co-worker gave me this recipe so I could make them myself. More than a meal, it’s a dining experience! —Ruth Hayward, Lake Charles, Louisiana

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Pomegranate Magic BarsPomegranates make dessert festive and bright with a burst of juicy sweetness. These pomegranate bars are no exception. —Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

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Tuna CroquettesThis tuna croquettes recipe is one of our favorites. My husband and I grow our own cucumbers and dill, which makes the dish taste extra fresh. Reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream can be used in place of full-fat versions. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

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After the couple's big day, send over these tasty anniversary food ideas.

Hot Italian Party SandwichesIt doesn’t get much easier, or more delicious, than this hot Italian sandwich recipe. These sandwiches are the perfect appetizer for parties, gatherings or a hungry family. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Caramelized Fennel TartsFennel is a favorite of mine, no matter how it’s cooked, but I think it is really amazing sauteed until rich and golden, then baked on delicious puff pastry. I’ve served these as a side dish and as an appetizer.—Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Raspberry SauceGrilling the prosciutto with the asparagus gives this dish a salty crunch that's perfect for dipping into a sweet glaze. When a delicious appetizer is this easy to prepare, you owe it to yourself to try it! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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Taste of Home

Champagne SipperThis is a terrific cocktail for any celebration. And because you make it by the pitcher, feel free to mingle with your guests instead of tending bar. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York

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Taste of Home

Smashed OlivesMy best friend and I came up with this recipe to bring back the wonderful tastes of Spain with us. When you are finished with the olives, use the flavored olive oil for a chicken or shrimp marinade. —Tiffani Warner, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

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Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot SauceTangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California

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Cream Cheese DaintiesCream cheese makes these tender treats melt in your mouth. —Lynne Stewart, Julian, Pennsylvania

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Cranberry-Fig Goat Cheese CrostiniThe blend of flavors in the crostini makes an absolutely scrumptious appetizer. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

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Turkey, Gouda & Apple Tea SandwichesCut into triangles or quarters, these fun mini sandwiches are a tasty addition to an afternoon tea gathering. The cranberry mayo lends an original flavor twist, and the apples give them a sweet-tart crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Peachy-Keen Halloumi FrittersUse up the season's juicy, sun-ripened peaches in this corn fritter recipe filled with gooey Halloumi cheese and sweet onions. These fritters are decadent and slightly sweet, and homegrown herbs add a fresh taste. The addition of prosciutto makes this recipe feel fancy with little effort. —Chainey Kuykendall, Richmond, Virginia

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Taste of Home

Dill Vegetable DipA friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama

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Chocolate Meringue StarsThese light, delicate chocolate meringue cookies are always a hit. Their big chocolate flavor makes it difficult to keep the kids away before they're on the cookie tray! —Edna F. Lee, Greeley, Colorado

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TMB Studio

Mamma’s CaponataThis is fabulous as an appetizer, but you can easily turn it into a meal. Instead of having it on bread, serve it over warm pasta. —Georgette Stubin, Canton, Michigan

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Sparkling Cider SangriaAdding orange and cranberry juices transforms apple cider into a pretty holiday drink. This quick and easy alcohol-free beverage is absolutely delicious. A friend shared the recipe with me years ago, and I made a few changes. It's a huge hit at holiday brunches! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Mango Jalapeno Sloppy Joe SlidersI've loved sloppy joes since I can remember. In an attempt to give them a makeover, I thought of this idea, which was a big hit with my family, friends and co-workers! If you can't find a mango, chopped pineapple should work just as well. —Shea Goldstein, Royal Palm Beach, Florida

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Taste of Home

Almond-Bacon Cheese CrostiniFor a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida

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Berry Pinwheel CakePerfect for special meals, this lovely chiffon cake is a nice change from strawberry pie or shortcake. Don't be afraid t try this jelly-roll-style dessert...it's easy to make. Plus, the waxed paper-lined pan helps make cleanup a breeze! —Becky Ruff, McGregor, Iowa

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Shrimp TartletsFill mini tart shells with a cream cheese mixture, then top with seafood sauce and shrimp for a picture-perfect look and delightful taste. This recipe makes a fantastic appetizer, and several make a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri

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Taste of Home

Lemon Blueberry Drop SconesI enjoy serving these fruity scones for baby and bridal showers. They're a bit lower in fat than most other scones, so you can indulge with little guilt. —Jacqueline Hendershot, Orange, California

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Taste of Home

Orange LemonadeThis juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario

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Tiramisu Cheesecake DessertTiramisu didn't do it for me until I tried this recipe with its luscious layers of cheesecake. It's one of my favorite desserts to make this time of year. —Christie Nelson, Taylorville, Illinois

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Taste of Home

Chicken Salad Party SandwichesMy famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a plastic container. When it’s time to set out the food, I stir in the pecans and assemble the sandwiches. They’re a hit at buffet-style potlucks. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Cucumber CanapesI always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts

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TMB Studio

Makeover Fruit PizzaThere’s nothing better than a guilt-free dessert, especially when it’s topped with refreshing and colorful fruit. We skimmed the calories and fat from a traditional fruit pizza to create one with about half the calories, fat and cholesterol. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Taste of Home

Baked Crab DipWe enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri

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Cream WafersMy sons used to help me make these cookies, and now my oldest granddaughter helps. When the smaller grandchildren are home, they help, too. The cute little sandwich cookies are tender, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth good! —Linda Clinkenbeard, Vincennes, Indiana

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Pea Soup ShootersAppetizers really don’t get any easier than this. These shooters can be made ahead, they’re colorful, and they won’t weigh you down. Top with a small dollop of yogurt for a little more tang. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California

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Taste of Home

Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers with Sun-Dried Tomato SauceThese fresh skewers and tasty sauce will have guests nibbling all night! —Cacie Biddle, Bridgeport, West Virginia

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Taste of Home

Bubbly Champagne PunchThis champagne punch, served at my wedding, continues to this day to be the elegant drink we serve at special events. —Anita Geoghagan, Woodstock, Georgia

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Taste of Home

Roasted Grape CrostiniA trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They're amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

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Refrigerator Lime CheesecakeI made this for a Father's Day party, and it was a hit! I guarantee compliments when you serve this fantastic dessert. —Cher Anjema, Kleinburg, Ontario

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Taste of Home

Strawberry-Basil CocktailThis cocktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

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Mango Getaway BarsI’ve always enjoyed the flavor of mango, so I created this recipe to feature the sweet tropical fruit. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

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Italian Sausage and Provolone SkewersMy husband made sausage and veggie kabobs when we didn't have buns to make classic sausage bombers. Grill ‘em up, then add cheese cubes. —Cindy Hilliard, Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Lovely Lemon CheesecakeWait for the oohs and aahs when you present this luxurious lemon cheesecake recipe. The lemon flavor gives it a bright, tangy flavor. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia

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Taste of Home

Mini Rosemary-Roast Beef SandwichesRoast beef sandwiches never last long at a party, especially if you dollop them with mayo, mustard, horseradish and pickled giardiniera relish. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

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Quick Focaccia BreadGreen olives complement this quick focaccia recipe for an easy pizza-like bread. With very few ingredients, it’s still packed with flavor. Serve the focaccia as an appetizer or alongside pasta, soup or salad for a mouthwatering meal.—Ivy J Laffoon, Ceres, California

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Strawberry-Lime BarsOur family loves fresh strawberries, so I look for different ways to use them. This tempting, yummy dessert has sweet strawberries, tart lime and salty pretzels. —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia

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Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita ChipsNot your ordinary layer dip, the bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt will be a new most-requested recipe at your next baby shower or gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado

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Taste of Home

Mimosa FloatsEveryone needs a little treat at brunch! I wanted to kick things up a notch, so I added a scoop of ice cream to my mimosas. Sometimes I add chocolate, too.—Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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Taste of Home

Pancetta, Pear & Pecan PuffsI was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here’s my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They're the perfect combo of savory and sweet. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

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Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke DipWhenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience—I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and cleanup are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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Lavender CookiesI am a wedding and event planner and one of my brides served these unusual cookies at her reception, so I had to have this lavender butter cookies recipe. You can guess what her wedding color was! —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho

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Bacon Pea SaladMy husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn't the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So, I combined the two, and it was perfect! This pea salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecue. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue RosesEat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California

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Colorful Brunch FrittataA friend called and asked me for a special recipe that he could serve at his daughter's wedding brunch. I created this brunch frittata recipe for the special day. —Kristin Arnett, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

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Pina Colada Fruit DipA taste of the tropics will be welcomed by your holiday guests. The cool and creamy dip can be served as an appetizer or a dessert. —Shelly Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon

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