So, your best friend is getting married & what does that mean? Bridal shower time! Lauren here & today we are talking all about how to throw a bridal shower that is fun, classy, one your bestie will love, and most importantly, won’t break the bank. Don’t worry, we know hosting a shower is a big deal & we will make sure you’ve got everything you need to throw the most coveted bridal shower for blocks.  Step aside Pinterest, we’ve got a party to plan!

STEP ONE: LOGISTICS

Most people get all bogged down with party planning logistics, but not you. You know that it basically boils down to three things – invitations, guest list, & location. Knock these three out of the park & you’re setting yourself up for massive shower success.

First up, invitations. The vibe of the wedding & the couple will help you determine whether to send out a formal paper invite or an e-vite. If it’s a formal wedding, and thus, a formal shower, paper invites are the way to go. For something more friends & family centric, or time sensitive, e-vites all the way. Select a design that highlights your best friends personality & don’t worry about incorporating the wedding colors. Most bridal showers are bride-centric anyway, so this gives you liberty to have a little fun. After all, you’re the best friend.

Secondly, guest list! Now, it’s always best to check with the bride for a list of the must-have attendees. No one wants to accidentally leave the grooms aunt or brother’s new girlfriend out, so it’s always best to double-check. Outside of the family & bridal party gals, a bridal shower can be a fun way to include members of the house party, groomsmen’s wives or serious girlfriends. Don’t stress about inviting all of the female wedding guests, just stick to close friends, family, and people in the wedding & you’ll be set.

Look at you! You’ve knocked two big things off the list. Nail down the location & you’ve got the biggest chunk taken care of. Choosing the location of a shower is arguably as important as the guest list, but don’t worry, you’ve got this. If you’ve got the space & feel good about it, host it at your place! If not, choose someplace where she will be comfortable. Choose a place that it intimate, private, and easy to get to – like the back room of a favorite restaurant or the home of someone involved. Having her be comfortable is key, so go with your gut!

STEP TWO: PLAN THE MENU

Now is where it starts to get fun! Maybe this isn’t so surprising if you’ve read any of our previous entertaining pieces, but over at LaurenKelp.com we are firm believers that a party isn’t a party without great food & wine. So, logically, it would make sense that a bridal shower isn’t a bridal shower without some fun libations!

We are sharing our favorite bridal shower pairing – Mini Chocolate Mousse Cakes & Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – over at LaurenKelp.com along with the most delicious recipe and menu planning tips. Don’t stress, we know you’ve got a lot going on – planning a shower is a big deal – so we’ve mad it easy and delicious for you. Everyone will be very impressed.

STEP THREE: DECORATE AND CELEBRATE

Hooray! It’s shower day. Everyone loved the invitations, the menu is perfect, the guests are about to arrive and you’re feeling like a total pro.You should be, this shower is going to be fantastic! Next up on our fool-proof list, decorate & celebrate. I am a big fan of decorating with florals and thing it adds a really classy touch to an event and allows for an easy way to bring in something personal. Use her favorite flower in the centerpieces, get her bridal party to come over early and help make the arrangements, or rent a bunch of bud vases and scatter those around for a sweet look. No need for streamers and posters, a few great floral arrangements can go a long way.

Now it’s time to celebrate! Get a good playlist going, re-fill everyone’s wine glass, and open some fun presents. You’ve worked hard and she feels so showered with love by her friends and family. Give yourself a high-five because you just nailed that bridal shower like a total pro!

For food and wine pairing tips, visit the Entertaining section of our website.

photography by constance higley