Plan Wedding Showers Like a Pro...

So far we have discussed the advantages and necessities of bridal shower planning and a few key components that will aid in our goal of bridal shower success.

By creating a schedule and organizing all the information you might need to plan a bridal shower, you have laid the foundation for constructing your plan. Here are a few more key components to make the bridal shower planning process less stressful.

Be a Bridal Shower Expert

Research is an invaluable tool for bridal shower planning. Any questions you have or anything you might want to get, do some research. Use resources such as the Internet, bridal shops, or magazines to gain information and compare prices. Become an expert on all things bridal shower related, from the best type of invitations to where to get the most affordable decorations. Research is the best way to get exactly what you want and perhaps even save money on the bridal shower as well.

Work With Others

If you find that bridal shower planning is too big of a job for one person, or you need help executing your well thought-out plan, feel free to enlist the help of others. The obvious choices for bridal shower collaborators are the members of the bridal party.

Divide the duties yourself, or let each one pick what task they want to do. Get their input on ideas for the shower because, they too know the bride and can offer suggestions regarding what the bride may want.

For your Consideration

What the bride wants should be the final word in every decision made about the bridal shower. Part of planning a successful shower involves meeting with the bride to discuss what she would like the shower to include. Take into consideration the bride's ideas for her ideal shower then fill in the details and make appropriate arrangements. It is very important that the bride enjoy her own shower. The best way to be sure that she will, is by including her in the bridal shower planning process.

Project Bridal Shower

The first step in bridal shower planning is constructing a plan. The second step for a successful bridal shower is adhering to the plan. Managing your time and the amount of time it will take to prepare for the bridal shower are both necessary factors to include in your plan.

Organization and research are essential for a plan to be effective, as these components will make the overall preparations easier.

Collaboration and consideration are both key factors because they will help alleviate many pressures and the stress of bridal shower planning. The most important factor that supercedes all other components of planning a bridal shower is what the bride wants. Involve the bride in decisions pertaining to the bridal shower.

By using these helpful tips and key components, you will find that bridal shower planning success is an achievable goal after all.

Posted by Patti at 2:53 PM | Permalink

Bridal shower planning can sometimes seem like a daunting task. With so many details involved, it's difficult to know where to start. As the host of a wedding shower, it falls to you, to throw an event that the bride will love and the guests will enjoy too.

Sounds like a lot to accomplish, right? Sure, it does, but that doesn't mean it is impossible to do. Here are some great tips to help you throw a successful bridal shower.

Planning Makes Perfect

If you are hosting a bridal shower, then chances are the bride is your friend or a family member, and is probably the last person you want to disappoint. Hosting any social event comes with an enormous amount of stress and anxiety. One of the main keys to bridal shower success is planning. There is truly something to say for a well thought out plan.

After all, name one thing in a wedding that doesn't involve some degree of planning...

Exactly; everything needs a plan where weddings are concerned. Bridal shower planning will make your bridal shower hosting duties significantly less stressful. When it comes to throwing a wedding shower, the more predictability there is the better. The way to obtain some level of event predictability is by planning.

Keys to Bridal Shower Planning Success

Similar to war, planning and strategizing are necessary components when seeking bridal shower victory. However, there are some very important things to consider that will assist you in bridal shower planning.

Spend Time Wisely

Timing is everything. When planning a bridal shower, time is an important element. You should be certain that you allow enough time for everything. A great way to practice effective time management is to create an organized schedule of dates, times and deadlines. Set dates of completion and stick to the schedule. This will help you to complete any bridal shower preparations without the shower-planning taking over your life. Another good practice is to create a buffer, so that should anything unexpected happen, there will still be time to fix the problem.

Cut "Search Time" in Half

Organization is a key component to any well thought out plan. Do not be afraid to make notes, print things off the Internet, use a calendar or day planner, and follow guides or make lists. Then put everything in ONE folder or file container. If you are using a computer to keep information for the bridal shower, put all the files you have in ONE accurately marked folder. Such practices are encouraged, not only for keeping your own sanity, but also for cutting down on "search time".

"Search time" is the time you spend searching for some bit of information, important phone number, or website, which you are certain that you either, "just had", "just saw" or "remember seeing or reading," but have no idea as to the important items current whereabouts. Practicing organization can potentially eliminate "search time," since all the important things you need are in one place.

The Art of Bridal Showers

"The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory and few calculations to defeat... It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to Win or lose."

-Sun Tzu "The Art of War"

The first chapter of, The Art of War is entitled, "laying plans." It suggests victory comes to those who plan and strategize while defeat comes to those who do not prepare in advance. The art of bridal showers, also subscribes to this belief. Plans and strategies pave the way to victory. So ask yourself, which General are you?

Part two of this article contains more bridal shower planning essentials to help you towards bridal shower success.

Posted by Patti at 2:39 PM | Permalink