When to Have Your Bridal Shower? The Ultimate Planning Checklist

Planning a bridal shower is one of the most fun parts of wedding planning. It’s the moment where the bride to be gets to pause, celebrate with her closest friends and family, and soak up all the good wishes ahead of the big day. If you’re wondering when to schedule this special pre wedding event, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down when most bridal showers take place, how to pick the right date, and how to make sure your bridal party, family members, and friends gather for an unforgettable day.

The Ultimate Bridal Shower Planning Checklist

Click To Download Our Bridal Shower Checklist To Keep Everything In Check!

Start With the Essentials

• Pick your date (aim for 1–3 months before the wedding)

• Decide who’s hosting (maid of honor, bridesmaids, family members, close friends)

• Set a budget (venue, food, decor, small gifts, extras)

• Choose the bridal shower venue (home, café, local restaurant, event space)

• Finalise the guest list (bride’s nearest and dearest, bridal party, family friends, partner's family)

Set the Vibe

• Choose a bridal shower theme that reflects the bride’s style (examples below)

• Select a colour scheme to match your theme or wedding colours

• Decide on small bridal shower gifts or game prizes that fit the theme

Bridal Shower Theme Ideas

• Italian themed bridal shower - rustic charm, sprigs of rosemary, olive oil favours, and that warm, relaxed atmosphere

• Floral and pastels - soft colours, fresh blooms, and an airy, light setting that feels effortlessly pretty

• Minimalist - clean lines, simple settings, neutral palette, and understated elegance

• Black and white party - timeless, striking, and easy for guests to coordinate with

• Dress to impress: glitz and glamour - all-out sparkle, chic styling, and a chance for guests to shine

• Fashion - Vogue, Sex and the City, Kate Moss, and high-fashion vibes; think sleek silhouettes, bold looks, and chic energy

• Instagrammable and on-trend - big balloon energy, lush flower arrangements, bold makeup, big hair, and statement backdrops made for the camera

Dress Code

• Decide if the shower will have a set dress code

• Share dress code details on the invitations so guests know what to expect

• Think about how the dress code ties into your bridal shower theme and venue

Send the Word Out

• Design and send bridal shower invitations (digital or printed) 6–8 weeks in advance

• Include the date, time, venue, dress code, theme, registry details, and RSVP instructions

• Follow up with guests who haven’t responded two weeks before the shower

Plan the Fun Stuff

• Organise food and drinks to suit your vibe (brunch, afternoon tea, dessert bar)

• Choose bridal shower games or activities (bingo, guess the gift, trivia, advice cards)

• Decide on when and how to handle gift opening

• Buy small gifts or prizes for game winners

Think of the Extras

• Set up a photo area or backdrop

• Create personalised touches (name signs, custom favours, memory book)

• Plan music or a playlist that matches the theme

• Arrange for a toast or speech from the maid of honor or close relative

Final Checks

• Confirm bookings for the venue, food, and any hired suppliers

• Review the guest list and RSVPs

• Prepare decorations, prizes, and game materials

What’s a Bridal Shower (and How Is It Different from a Wedding Shower or Bachelorette Party)?

A bridal shower is a pre wedding celebration focused on the bride. It’s usually hosted by the maid of honor, bridesmaids, or close relatives like the bride’s nearest family members. The shower gives everyone on the guest list the chance to come together, share small gifts, play bridal shower games, and enjoy good food and great company. While a wedding shower can sometimes include both halves of the couple to be, a bridal shower traditionally focuses on the bride.

A bachelorette party is usually more of a fun night or weekend out, while a bridal shower leans into daytime charm, think relaxed food, cute decorations, gift opening, and maybe even a particular theme.

When’s the Sweet Spot for Hosting a Bridal Shower?

Most bridal showers happen around one to three months before the wedding day. This gives guests enough time to purchase gifts from the wedding registry, avoids clashing with other events like fittings or travel, and keeps the wedding excitement going without adding extra pressure during the final countdown.

If you’re planning a destination wedding or have lots of out-of-town family friends, you might choose a date further out to help avoid scheduling conflicts. The sweet spot is really about finding what works best for the bride, bridal party, and all the guests.

How to Pick the Right Date Without the Stress

Start with the season, a bridal shower fall date might pair perfectly with rich colours and warm treats, while a summer shower could mean bright florals and cool desserts at a local restaurant or sweet venue.

Consider the guest list. Will the same people be invited to the wedding? Are there other pre wedding events or family commitments to work around? Getting input from the bride, maid of honor, and future mother in law can help you avoid last-minute changes.

And of course, make sure you give yourself enough time for bridal shower planning, from choosing a venue and theme to sending out bridal shower invitations and lining up games or activities.

When to Send Out Invitations

Bridal shower invitations usually go out six to eight weeks before the date. That gives everyone plenty of notice to save the date, especially if they’ll need to travel or fit it into a busy season. Whether you go for printed invites or digital, this is a fun way to share your bridal shower theme and get guests excited.

Budget Tips

• Focus your budget on what matters most - the venue, food, decor, or entertainment

• Split costs between bridal party members or family members when possible

• Combine DIY touches with professional help to balance cost and effort

Category	Low-key (DIY/home)	Mid-range (café/private room)	High-end (event space, full catering)
Venue	$0–$75	$150–$400	$600+
Food + drinks	$7–$12 per guest	$20–$40 per guest	$45+ per guest
Decorations + favors	$40–$100	$125–$250	$350+
Invitations	Free–$40	$40–$100	$120+
Games + prizes	$25–$60	$60–$120	$125+
Cake/desserts	$30–$70	$75–$180	$225+
Estimated total	$150–$300	$500–$900	$1,200+

Common Timing Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

One of the biggest mistakes? Booking your shower too close to the big day. With wedding planning in full swing, the bride might find it hard to relax if there’s too much happening at once. On the other hand, scheduling it too far out can make it feel disconnected from the wedding excitement.

It’s also easy to overlook other events or commitments. Make sure to check in with close friends, family members, and the bridal party so you don’t run into scheduling conflicts.

Seasonal Shower Inspiration

Spring showers bring soft colours, fresh flowers, and light menus. Summer showers are great for bright colours, outdoor spaces, and chilled treats.A bridal shower fall date can mean warm tones, comforting food, and cosy decorations.Winter showers suit twinkly lights, hot drinks, and snug indoor venues.

One Last Thought

Your bridal shower is all about celebrating this special moment with the people who mean the most - from the bridal party and family friends to your partners family and close friends. When you pick a date that feels right for you and your guests, everything else will fall into place.

If you’re after more inspiration on choosing a sweet, cosy venue, check out our guide on finding the perfect bridal shower venue in NJ.