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Who.
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Shower hostess is in the honor attendant's job description -- but she should ask for help from the other idesmaids, the ide's sis, even the ide's mom. Emily Post types might tell you moms shouldn't plan a shower because it looks like she's trying to get gifts for the ide, but lots of mothers are very involved in helping with this party -- especialy when her daughter is the host. Enlist anyone with the time and energy.
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Everyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding. Ask the ide to help out with the shower guest list. If it's a surprise, consult with her mom, groom, or sister. If it's a idal shower (just the girls), make sure the ide's and groom's close female relatives are invited, as well as all the women in the wedding party and the ide's close girlfriends. If it's a couple shower, make it a coed guest list.
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Does the groom attend the idal shower?
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A: Grooms usually don't attend showers -- unless it's a coed shower (sometimes called "couple" or "Jack and Jill" shower), which is for both sexes. Many women love the "girls only" shower aspects (tea, lace, girl talk). But if you want your sweetie there, make it known you'd prefer to have a couple shower -- a party for both of you with a coed guest list. If you want a traditional idal shower but would like your groom to make an appearance, nothing says he can't -- he can even carry all the presents home. Just be sure he's comfortable with the cameo.
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Read more: Bridal Shower Etiquette: Invite Q&A - Bridesmaids Mother of the Bride - Bridal Shower Ideas http://wedding.theknot.com/ idesmaids-mother-of-the- ide/ idal-shower-ideas/articles/ idal-shower-invite-etiquette.aspx#ixzz1x1hYeNXE
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What.
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The Invitations
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Don't feel like you have to go nuts with the invites. They should reflect the formality (or informality) and theme of the shower, but they can be as simple as those cute ready-made cards available at any card store. Make sure guests RSVP to someone (the MOH, the ide's sister) by a date that's at least a few weeks before the shower. If many guests will be coming from out of town, mail the invitations at least two months before the party -- if not earlier -- so those who need to can make travel arrangements. If it's an in-town thing, four to six weeks should be enough time.
Make a Menu
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If you're having an at-home shower, think about having the party catered -- food can be anything from a five-foot hero to fried chicken and potato salad to dim sum. If you're doing a theme shower, make the food match. Are the ide and groom honeymooning in Venice? Do an Italian theme with a full-on pasta bar. Don't forget hors d'oeuvres -- be it bowls of pretzels and chips, crudites (raw vegetables and dip), or the ide's mom's famous mini-pizza rounds! For dessert, serve cake, and/or pastries, cookies, pie, ice cream -- either homemade or supplied from the yummiest bakery in town. If you're having the shower in a banquet hall or restaurant, work with the manager/host to come up with a delicious menu. Keep in mind the ide's taste and any special guest needs such as vegetarian or kosher dishes.
The Entertainment
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Primary activities at any shower: eating, laughing, and gift-opening. One idesmaid (often the MOH) should keep track of which guest gave which present, and another should make sure cards stay with the right boxes -- then thank-you notes won't be a nightmare for the ide. Background music (in keeping with the theme, if it lends itself) is a good idea and some planned activities will keep the party moving at a nice pace.
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Where.
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The Location
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You can be as creative as you want about where to have the shower. A list of options: a picnic in a park or at the beach; a backyard barbecue; an Italian restaurant; a hotel salon; a botanic garden; a bakery. Keep in mind that party spaces get booked early in busy seasons, like during the holidays. Call about availability before you get your heart set on something. And obviously, prices may be a factor.
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When.
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Pick the Right Date
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A shower can take place six months before the wedding or it can be the week before. It can be a surprise for the ide -- or not. Up to you. Depending on where most of the guests live, you may need to schedule it far in advance so everyone can make their travel plans. If most people are local, you'll have more options. Once you've picked a date, set up a planning schedule. Brainstorm as a team about the party -- themes, locations, and entertainment -- early on. Divvy up tasks such as getting/sending the invitations, making the decorations, and coordinating the menu.
