How to Host a Bridal Shower

Planning and hosting a bridal shower is a great way to show your support for the bride-to-be. But it can be a lot to take on, and nobody wants a frazzled host the day of the event. (You've heard of bridezilla? Hostzilla is just as ferocious!) You've worked hard to create a fun and memorable day for the bride, and you should enjoy it, too.

Organizing a bridal shower isn't a cake walk (although cake should probably be involved), but following these five simple steps will make the celebration extra special and let you relax and enjoy your time with the bride-to-be.

Choose a color scheme

The first thing to do is decide on a color scheme for the event. This can be based on the bride's favorite color or inspired by the wedding colors — just make sure it's what the bride wants. (That's a good rule to follow for all the planning, actually.) For this particular bridal shower, we went with a lavender and blush theme since it's a great end-of-summer color combo that can easily transition into fall. It's also a unique color palette that will make the bride feel like one of a kind — which, after all, she is.

Send out a gorgeous invitation

First impressions are everything, and when it comes to alerting the masses about a soiree, the invitation is of the utmost. Whether it be paper or electronic, the invite sets the tone for the rest of the event. Make sure your invitation flows with your theme and contains all the info your guests need to know: location, date, time, registry, even theme (if there is one).

Set your table

The table is the main attraction at a bridal shower, so you really want to shine here. Follow your color scheme and use pieces that complement it. I chose a lavender plate, gold flatware, an apricot-colored napkin, and simple glassware.

Once you have those key elements down, layer in the details. We added two gorgeous menus for food and wine, and beautiful place cards. These are the little details that your guests will remember.

Bring in the decor

Flowers instantly bring bright colors to every event. Add alluring blooms to your table and place them throughout the venue, like at the dessert table and bar, since those will be the most visited areas.

But don't stop at flowers! Balloon arches are a showstopper and bring a fun pop of color to your party while adding a festive flair.

Food and drink

Any host knows that keeping your guests happy means having a steady flow of delicious bites and beverages. Instead of serving a full multi-course meal, I made these personal charcuterie cones and a delectable grazing board full of fine meats and cheeses for guests to nibble on while drinking an amazing selection of wines. This type of menu allows for more socializing.

We also offered mouthwatering desserts for guests to simply grab. I love doing the desserts this way, as it allows your guests to share and mingle throughout the party. Sometimes we add a cake, but we always love to have small bites for guests to easily enjoy.