Hosting an Inexpensive Bridal Shower

Getting married and planning a wedding can be very stressful for the bride. So, a bridal shower is usually a nice gesture to pamper the bride and make her feel very special. In many cases the maid of honor or the bride's friends host the shower. Family member don't normally host the shower unless the maid of honor is the bride's sister. She could decide on having a traditional or a jack and Jill couple's shower involving the spouse. Find out what are the interest of both parties and what are their likes and dislikes.

With money being tight all around a budget friendly bridal shower is the smartest way to go. Choosing cost effective items and creative ideas will make the shower fun. Start with a list of all the things to incorporate in the event and all the guests to invite. It is not polite to invite anyone not on the wedding guest list, keep the shower to people that have been close to the bride.

Theme

When thinking of a cheap bridal shower, the theme of the event is important. This will determine the budget. It could be done at a home, where the cost would be minimal, at a restaurant or hall where there are certain costs involve. A creative idea is to have a beach bridal party by the beach, have everyone bring their chairs and beach towel, hand out little buckets with suntan lotion, sunglasses and bottled water. Have beach inspired games and competition to fill the time. Another great idea is a Victorian tea party; this is an opportunity to experience a bit of history and indulge in the elegant ambiance that would be created. It would be great to incorporate lace handkerchief, doilies, jewelery, fresh flowers and ribbons to bring in elegance. Classical music is the music of choice and since this is a inexpensive bridal shower downloading the music off the internet is the cheaper way to go. Using a floral designed tea set is an ideal choice for serving. Have guest dress the part.

Invitations

These can be purchase at the dollar store for a pack of twelve you'll pay $1. What's special is creating a personalized invitation by getting a photo of the bride or couple, copying it, glues it onto a blank card and writing a personalized note to the guests. Or, be even more creative and send the invitations out written on a folding hand fan.

Goodies and gift bags

For an inexpensive bridal shower the goodies and gift bags idea does not have to cost a fortune, they have to be practical and fun. For the goodies bags, the dollar store or Michael's have the cutest gift bags that will compliment any gift. Fill these bags with pastel shade bed slippers, mini foot scrub, mini foot lotion, pumice stone and a bottle of nail polish. Stuff bag with tissue and tie with a colored ribbon. Going to specialty stores and getting goodies such as chocolates or cookies to serve would add a bit of class and the cost would be minimal. Other goodies could be mini scented candles, sachets of potpourri or pretty handkerchiefs. For party favors for a Victorian Tea Party, Michael's has a wide variety of mini gift bags with what looks like a lace overlay that would be very nice filled with specialty teas bought at the supermarket, cookies, Victorian fans, or little Victorian inspired momentums.

Games

For a budget friendly bridal shower, games will keep it exciting and fun. Choose games befitting to the occasion and keep everyone involve. Many times some guests are not familiar with the others and it's good to have an ice breaker game. The choices of games are numerous and there are several sites online that provide several lists of game. http://www.bridalshower.com/d-games/complete.html

Food

Finger foods are great to serve at a bridal party even though many opt for a more traditional sit down meal. Ensure that meals are prepared before hand so as not to send the whole time in the kitchen. A buffet style with tea sandwiches with the crust off such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoke salmon spread, egg salad, olive and cheese or other choices would be appropriate. Not to forget to serve sweet finger foods as mini cakes, petite fours, cookies, scones with an array of spreads and a tray of cheese and crackers.

Since this is a inexpensive bridal shower the need for a cater is null. Have help to prepare the food from family members if must. Remember you want to keep it a cheap bridal shower.

Sources

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/3250/Tea.html (Victorian tea party etiquette)

http://www.logicmgmt.com/1876/hostatea.htm (how to host your own Victorian tea party)

http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/hostingbridals_smzr.htm (tips on hosting a bridal shower)

(Purchasing party favors) http://www.beau-coup.com/summer-wedding-favors.htm