WEDDING SHOWER PLANNING GUIDE
A wedding shower is one of the most cherished pre-wedding events, offering an opportunity to celebrate the couple with close friends and family members before the big day. Thoughtful planning and careful consideration go a long way in creating a successful wedding shower that reflects the honouree’s vision and makes them feel truly special. Whether you're a close friend, sibling, or family member tasked with hosting, our wedding shower planning guide will provide advice and helpful tips to ensure a seamless planning experience.
From the to-do list to the wedding shower budget, every aspect of planning should reflect the honoree’s personality and preferences. With our tips, you will be well on your way to creating a memorable pre-wedding event that sets the stage for the upcoming celebration in the most beautiful way.
wedding shower planning: where to begin
The very first thing to consider when planning a wedding shower is the size of your guest list. This is the most important detail that will impact all other decisions made for the event. It will determine the perfect venue, whether it’s an intimate celebration at a local restaurant, a private room in a chic event space, or a charming backyard garden party. Be sure to consult the honouree about their preferred theme, colour palette, and the type of shower they envision—is it classic and elegant? Whimsical and fun? Would they like a couples shower to celebrate both partners together?
Once the guest list is finalized, sending out wedding shower invitations is the next step. Whether you go with eco-friendly paperless invitations or choose to send traditional paper invitations, the overall aesthetic should complement the honouree’s preferences and the chosen wedding shower theme.
wedding shower etiquette
The best way to ensure a smooth wedding shower planning process is to follow traditional etiquette while also adding your own personal touch. Typically, the wedding shower host is a close friend or family member, but anyone close to the honouree can take on the role. The mother of the honouree or another key family member often assists with planning and ensuring that important guests are included on the invite list.
One common faux pas to avoid is planning the wedding shower too close to the wedding day. Giving ample time between events allows the couple to relax and enjoy each pre-wedding celebration without overwhelm. The sweet spot for a wedding shower is typically one to three months before the wedding.
choosing a wedding shower theme
A carefully curated wedding shower theme sets the tone for the entire event. Incorporating the honouree’s interests is the perfect jumping off point to choosing a theme. Would they love all things floral with a garden party, an elegant vibe with sleek and modern decor, a wine tasting experience, or even a gift-specific theme like a kitchen utensil shower?
Table settings, decor and floral arrangements should align with the overall colour scheme and theme. For example, if you are throwing a garden party, fresh florals and pastel hues make for a dreamy atmosphere, while a chic indoor event can feature elegant centrepieces and refined details.
the perfect wedding shower menu
Food and drinks are key to any successful wedding shower. Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a decadent brunch, or an elegant afternoon tea, considering dietary restrictions is essential to accommodate all guests in attendance. For the best experience, the time of day the event will be held is a consideration for creating your menu.
wedding shower registry and gift giving
Guests often appreciate guidance when selecting gifts, so including a gift registry in the invitation is a great rule of thumb. During the gift opening portion of the shower, to help the honouree keep track of gifts, designate a trusted friend or family member to record who gave what, making it easier for them to send thank-you notes later. Traditionally, the honouree will open gifts at the end of the wedding shower, but for a more modern take, some opt to skip this in favour of mingling with guests.
VENDOR CREDITS
Interested in connecting with one of the wedding professionals that was part of this day? Connect with them below.
Capitol 33 Bridal Shower Inspiration:
Photography: Blackbird Photography
Planning and Styling: NuLink Media Event Design
Venue: Capitol 33
Florist: Mimosa Floral Boutique
Hairstylist: Amy Visser
Makeup Artist: Anita Belanger
Dessert Company: Ritzy Cakes
Gown Company: Six Pence & Sage
Decor Company: Special Events Rentals
Balloon Decor: We Baloonz
Rental Company: Detailz Furniture Rentals
Fashion Accessories Company: Sfara Designs
Stationery Company: Gray Paper Co.
Mobile Bar: Happiest Hour Cocktail Cart
Gregory Fast Private Property Wedding Shower:
Photography: Lisa Marie Photography
Planning and Styling: Anna McCusker + Lindsey Fast
Decor Company: Forget Me Not Flowers
Rentals: Special Event Rentals
Dessert: Laila's Cheesecake
Catering: Bread Bar Pearle Weddings