Bridal showers are still relatively new to the UK. Still, they can become one of the most important big events in someone's life and as such, need to be properly hosted. At a bridal shower guests can give gifts, celebrate, and discuss the upcoming nuptials, sharing upcoming wedding tips at intimate gatherings with loved ones, and help the bride-to-be think about the place, event venue, and wedding reception location of the upcoming wedding. Plus, who knows - perhaps the next event will be a baby shower.
Tradition
Bridal showers are actually a much older
tradition than you might think. Dating from Victorian times, gifts were
generally presented in a lady’s parasol, which is where the idea of ‘showering’
the bride-to-be comes from. It could be argued that this type of celebration is
even older, with women who didn’t have a dowry being given gifts by friends,
family, and neighbours to help her set up her new home. Nowadays, we mostly associate
the bridal shower with our friends in the US, although in fact there are many
countries who have this tradition. It is generally either the Maid of Honour,
or the bride’s family that hosts a bridal shower, although brides can have more
than one, with different groups of people, including one for work friends.
Gifts
The whole point of a bridal shower was
traditionally to give gifts to the bride. When it’s a work colleague, you’ll
have to decide what you are doing as a group. Perhaps everyone will go in
together to buy a big-ticket item from the gift registry, or each buy your own
individual gifts for her. A cash gift has become more and more common – this can
go towards the happy couple’s honeymoon It is particularly appropriate when the
couple already lives together and don’t need any of the traditional household
items usually bought.
Venue + Location (Mayfair? Soho?)
The venue you choose will decide the whole feel of the bridal shower. Of course, you can have it in an office or meeting rooms and treat it like a corporate event, but what bride-to-be really wants this? Instead, first think about the location (Knightsbridge? Southwark? Fulham? Kensington?), and then begin looking at the venues themselves. You will need to consider the style of celebration, and whether or not the bride-to-be would prefer intimate events (held at an afternoon tea room, for example), or something larger held across restaurants and bars.
Decorating The Rooms
Decoration for a bridal shower can be as much or as little as you desire. Think about what type of person the bride is and stick to that. For example, a floral theme or completely pink might be exactly what she’ll love, but others would want a more subdued look. Make sure you spend some time truly thinking about the bride-to-be and what she'd like - and if you don't know, ask!
Food
Whether you go for a cake of not, having some form of food at the shower is a must (as it is at most parties). Consider the time of day that you’re having it at and research into reliable catering companies in the area. You don’t need to have a sit-down meal, but some form of buffet will keep hungry guests happy. Note that while alcohol is perfectly acceptable, it’s not going to be a major focus of the event.
Games
Games aren’t a must either, but a sometimes a good idea if you want to break the tension and get everyone relaxed. They should be light-hearted and fun like Mr and Mrs. It’s also a great excuse to ‘shower’ the bride with even more surprise gifts.
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