What's Considered a Traditional Bridal Shower?

Traditional wedding shower styles have paved the way to many other themed bridal shower ideas; however, if you want to stick to the tried and true, have a women-only shower.

This type of shower is usually thrown in a home and can range from serving brunch, lunch, or dinner. The bride will spend some time with her favorite lovely ladies as well as play a few games and open the generous bridal shower gifts the guests have given her.

Shower gifts should be opened in the presence of everyone. Have the bride sit where everyone can see her. Ask one of the bridesmaids to keep track of what she receives and who it's from. This will make her thank-you note writing easier.

Use the ribbons and bows from the gifts to make a "bouquet" that the bride can carry down the aisle at the wedding rehearsal. Simply make a small hole in a paper plate and pull the ribbon and bows through. Leave enough slack on the bottom so the bride can grasp the bouquet. If there's enough ribbon and bows left over after making the first bouquet, make another one for the bachelorette party, where the bride can get some practice on throwing her bouquet if she plans on having a bouquet toss.

Wedding shower games are a great way for guests to interact. Don’t wait for everyone to show up. Late arrivals can join in on the next game. Allow time for two games, but have a third one ready to go just in case you breeze through the first two. Don’t let the shower be the first time you’ve read the game instructions or send someone searching for pencils and paper. Be prepared!