Bridal Shower ·

Bridal Shower To-Do List: Everything You Need to Plan the Perfect Celebration

by Bethany Wysolmerski

Planning a bridal shower can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling multiple details, people, and timelines. Whether you're the maid of honor, a bridesmaid, a family member, or a close friend of the bride, this ultimate bridal shower to-do list will guide you step-by-step so nothing gets missed—and the bride has a day to remember.

Bridal Shower Planning Timeline

Here's a general planning timeline to help you stay on track. Adjust based on how elaborate the shower will be and how far in advance you're starting.

8–10 Weeks Before

Confirm who is hosting (bridesmaids, friends, family)
Set a budget and divide responsibilities
Choose the date (typically 4–8 weeks before the wedding)
Book the venue or decide on a home gathering
Decide on a theme and color palette
Draft the guest list with the bride's input

6 Weeks Before

Order and send out bridal shower invitations (printed or digital)
Plan the menu (catering, potluck, restaurant, or DIY)
Organize entertainment: games, speeches, photo ops
Order custom party decor like personalized napkins, bride-themed cups, and can coolers

4 Weeks Before

Confirm food and drink orders
Buy or create shower favors
Plan gift display or gift-opening setup
Order a welcome sign and any signage
Confirm RSVP counts as they come in

2 Weeks Before

Buy decorations and tableware
Print out games, signage, and bride trivia
Prepare the playlist or assign a DJ (Spotify works!)
Follow up on any missing RSVPs

1 Week Before

Touch base with everyone helping host
Confirm setup and arrival times
Wrap the gift if you're giving one
Assemble party favors and set aside decor

Day Before

Decorate the space if possible
Pick up cake, food, flowers, or rentals
Prep drinks and coolers
Create a checklist of what to bring

Bridal Shower Checklist by Category

Breaking down your to-do list by category makes it easier to tackle tasks and assign responsibilities among co-hosts. Here's everything you'll need to consider:

Invitations

Choose printed or digital format
Include RSVP info and deadline
Link to the bride's registry
Match design to the shower theme

Decor

Personalized napkins and cups
Custom signage and banners
Floral arrangements or greenery
Table runners, linens, and centerpieces
Themed photo backdrop

Food & Drinks

Brunch buffet, charcuterie, or finger foods
Signature cocktail and mocktail
Champagne or mimosa bar
Dessert station or cake

Entertainment

Games like "He Said, She Said" or "Guess the Dress"
Advice cards or memory jars
Photo booth with props
Gift opening time

Favors

Mini candles, bath salts, or lip balms
Personalized drinkware like can coolers
Custom cookies or sweet treats

What to Do at the Bridal Shower Itself

When the day arrives, here's how to keep everything running smoothly:

Welcome guests and introduce them (especially if they don't all know each other)
Have the bride's chair/gift area clearly marked
Kick off with a drink or toast
Start the first game once everyone has arrived
Time the gift opening toward the middle or end
Make sure someone is writing down who gave what
Keep food replenished and music playing

Pro Tips for a Smooth Event:

Assign roles ahead of time so everyone knows their responsibilities. Designate one person to manage the timeline, another to handle food and drinks, and someone to coordinate games and entertainment. Having a point person for each area prevents confusion and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Create a backup plan for weather if you're hosting outdoors, and always order or prepare 10 to 15 percent more food and drinks than your RSVP count to account for surprises. Keep the bride's comfort in mind throughout, and don't over-schedule activities. Sometimes the best moments happen during unstructured conversation time.

Make Your Planning Even Easier

Once you've got your checklist in hand, the next step is bringing your vision to life with coordinated decor. Our bridal shower decor collection makes it simple to create a cohesive, polished look without the stress. From welcome signs that greet guests at the door to personalized napkins and custom cups that tie your theme together, we've got everything you need to make the bride's day unforgettable.

Conclusion

Planning a bridal shower doesn't have to be stressful when you have a solid checklist and timeline to follow. By breaking tasks into manageable categories and spreading them out over several weeks, you'll create a beautiful, memorable celebration that honors the bride without overwhelming yourself. Remember, the most important thing is that the bride feels loved and celebrated, so don't sweat the small stuff. With good planning, a little help from friends, and the right decor touches, you'll pull off an amazing event.