Hey there! Planning a bridal shower on a budget?
Whether you’re the bride, a friend, or a family member, I’ve got your back. In this post, I’ll be sharing my top tips and ideas for hosting a bridal shower without breaking the bank.
From setting a budget to choosing themes and activities, I’ve got everything covered.
Shall we start?
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1. Tips for Budgeting
Let’s talk money for your bridal shower. Whether you’re the bride or the one organizing, handling the budget might need different approaches.
If You’re the Bride: You’ve saved some of your wedding money for this day. Make sure it fits your plans and what you’re okay spending.
If You’re Organizing: Have a good chat with the bride about the budget. Know where the money’s coming from, be it friends, family, or some other plan. Stay on the same page.
Budget Helper: Use Google Sheets. Make tabs for the venue, decorations, food, gifts, and more. It’s an easy way to track what you’re spending.
2. Picking the Right Date and Venue
Now, let’s talk about when and where. The bridal shower should happen a few weeks to a couple of months before the wedding. This gives enough time to prepare and keeps the bride free from last-minute wedding stress.
Plan Ahead: Don’t leave planning to the last minute. It takes time to organize invites, decorations, and activities. Starting early makes things smoother and ensures every detail is thought out.
Dream Venues on a Budget: Now for the fun part – choosing the perfect venue. You’ve got options like your home, the bride’s parents’ house, a poolside brunch, a restaurant, or a park picnic. Pick what fits the bride’s style and your vision for the celebration.
3. Managing Your Guest List
A bridal shower is usually a more intimate celebration, not everyone invited to the wedding needs to attend. Making a guest list is key.
If you’re the bride, choose the friends and family who will make your day special – your mom, sisters, cousins, and best friends. If you are organizing, talk to the bride first. Don’t risk leaving out someone she would like to be there.
Use online tools like Canva or Adobe Express for digital invites and keep track of who’s coming with Google Sheets.
4. Simple Themes and Decor
Making things look nice doesn’t have to cost a lot.
A theme adds fun to the celebration and helps in choosing the decor and activities. Choose a theme that matches the bride’s style.
Think about simple decorations within a theme like balloons, banners, and flowers.
For more ideas, check our post on 7 Affordable Bridal Shower Themes to Impress the Bride.
5. Budget-Friendly Food and Drinks
Let’s talk about what snacks and drinks to have.
Brunch is a good choice, but if you want something different, consider setting up stations where guests can make their own food, like tacos or ice cream.
Another idea is to ask guests to bring a dish to share.
For drinks, keep it easy with options like sangria, sparkling lemonade, or fruit-infused water.
6. Fun & Affordable Activities
Let’s keep the party fun without spending too much.
Have craft stations where guests can make their own stuff, like painting candles or wine glasses, or making friendship bracelets. Guests can take home these creations as favors.
Adding a scrapbook as a gift for the bride is a sweet idea, capturing memories from the day.
Also, set up a photo booth for silly instant pictures.
For more exciting ideas, check out 8 Affordable and Fun Bridal Shower Games, Workshops, and Ideas post.
7. Meaningful Gifts for the Bride
Complete the bridal shower with heartfelt gifts for the bride.
Consider personalized keepsakes like monogrammed towels or a custom-made necklace.
Additionally, think about experience gifts, like a spa day or cooking class, that create memorable moments for the bride.
If she’s into cooking, a recipe book filled with favorite recipes from family and friends is also a thoughtful idea.
Encouraging guests to write handwritten letters to the bride, offering words of wisdom and love, can be a touching addition to the gifts.
There You Have It!
As we wrap up, you’ve got all you need to plan a memorable and budget-friendly bridal shower. Stick to what the bride loves, keep an eye on spending, and you’re good to go!
With careful planning, fun ideas, and lots of love, your bridal shower will be a day the bride will treasure forever.
Ready to make your bride-to-be’s day extra special? Let’s do it!
