Photo: Steven Stuts
It’s a party being thrown for you, where you receive gifts you’ve already picked out, and it officially kicks off your wedding season — what’s there to be stressed about when it comes to your bridal shower? For some brides — nothing. For other brides, quite a bit. But if you’re on the nervous side — relax — we’ve got you covered with these four things that may stress you out before your bridal shower, but shouldn’t.
The Element of Surprise
Traditionally bridal showers are a complete surprise for the bride-to-be, yet in modern times they can be anything but. It’s really up to the bride to communicate her preferred method of shower planning. While some may be totally shocked, other brides may want to know the date only, and others are fully involved in planning right down to the last detail. No matter which way you decide, if you select an element of surprise — keep it at just that. There are very few surprises in life, so if you opt to have a surprise bridal shower, do your best to relinquish control and anxiety about the details. Just know, and celebrate the fact that your bridal party, family, and friends will do their best to throw you a beautiful shower — and that should be enough.
The Guest List
Brides-to-be know that planning and deciding upon a guest list for their wedding day can be a huge headache. Determining who you’d like to celebrate your bridal shower day with can be equally overwhelming, but once you decide upon a guest-list, your work is done. Be certain your guest list is comprehensive, including full names and up-to date addresses. It also helps to put a side note of your relationship with the guest, so that your shower planners have a better, personalized idea of who will be invited and attending. Once your guests are invited — you can’t stress their RSVP. Rest assured that all whom are able to, will be there to celebrate your special day.
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Your Ensemble
Whether you’re being surprised by your shower or not, what you wear to your bridal shower often is the second most important outfit (next to your wedding dress of course.) The best plan to avoid outfit stress is to select your garments and accessories with plenty of time to spare. If your shower is a true surprise, hand off the outfit and all accessories you may need (yes, even undergarments!) to your bridesmaid, maid of honor, or mom for safekeeping. They can bring this outfit to the venue for you to change into after the big surprise. If not, it’s still best to shop early so that you’re prepared and relaxed going into party day.
Drama
As with any big event or soiree’ that combines large groups of friends and family, there may be a bit of drama that pops up along the way — no matter how big or small. Hopefully, your bridesmaids and family will do their best to keep any and all issues low-key and undercover so that it doesn’t impact you, or even enter your headspace as you’re in the throes of wedding planning. Should you find out about anything that may not thrill you, try to remember that these things happen, and often it’s totally out of your control. Trust that whomever is in charge of your celebration will handle it appropriately, and don’t let it bring down your excitement and happiness.