Quick Tips For Planning A Bridal Shower

Your first task is to gather the troops. No one expects you to go it alone.

Spreading the responsibility helps lighten the load and the costs. Plus, it gives you the chance to spend some preshower social time with the other women in the bride's life.

Even if you think you can pull off this gathering on your own, it's a nice gesture to give others the opportunity to help. Keep your sights on the leading lady. Let the bride be involved as much -- or as little -- as she'd like.

Some brides want to be part of every decision. Others put their confidence in a close relative or bridesmaid and remain hands-off.

Either way, respect her wishes. At the very least, though, choose an available date and location and let her supply or approve the guest list.

If you're planning a surprise party, you'll want to enlist the help of a trusted friend, sister, or mother of the bride, since they can assist with the date, guest list, and ploy for getting the bride to the surprise shower on time.

Shower day will be all about pampering the guest of honor. Make her laugh, make her blush -- and capture it all on film. Assign a close friend to stay by her side when opening gifts -- to jot down each gift and who it is from.

Follow these easy tips to make your bridal shower planning a huge success:

1. The Wow: Start off an invitation with something clever to grab invitees' attention. Use a catchy phrase, image, or special paper that sets the tone or reveals the theme of the event and makes them want to RSVP right away. If the party is a surprise, be sure to note this prominently on the invitation and follow up right away with a phone call to explain the details.

2. The Who: State who is hosting the event and the name of the guest of honour. Be clear about the RSVP date, and include a phone number and e-mail address so invitees can easily let you know whether or not they can attend.

3. The What: Give the purpose of the event (in this case, a bridal shower).

4. The Where: Supply details about the event location, including specific directions and a map if possible. Give instructions for parking, too.

5. The When: Be specific about the date and time of the gathering. It's a good idea to include the day of the week as well as a start and end time if applicable.

6. The Theme: Planning a kitchen, lingerie, or other themed shower? Let guests know so their gifts and gift wraps add to the party ambience.

7. The Wear: Put invitees at ease by cluing them in to the expected attire. If this is a casual event held outdoors in a park, you don't want anyone showing up in a little black dress and stilettos. If the party is more formal, the guests should know not to show up wearing shorts.

8. The Wrap: It is often appropriate to include a note about gifts and bridal registry information with shower invitations. While some guests may disapprove, others will welcome the help in selecting an appropriate (and desired) gift.

Themed decorations are wonderful conversation starters and can make for a memorable occasion.

Go with a creative theme for the shower, or borrow a theme or colour scheme from the wedding plans -- a nice preview for the big day.