Toast & Tally

Guides

How to plan a bridal shower

A simple bridal shower plan: who hosts and pays, the guest list, a menu and supply list, games and timing, and a gift log so thank-you notes are easy.

A bridal shower is usually hosted by friends or family two to three months before the wedding. The plan is simple once you settle who is hosting and who is invited.

1. Hosts, budget and date

If several people host, agree what each one covers and how shared costs are split. Check the date with the guest of honour.

2. Guest list

Only invite people who are also invited to the wedding. Collect RSVPs and any diets in one list.

3. Menu, decorations and supplies

Size the food and drinks to the confirmed head count and keep a checklist of supplies.

4. A running order for the day

Ask one person to log each gift and who gave it during gift opening. Thank-you notes are far easier with that list.

Planners that do this for you

Updated 2026-10-17.