Bridal shower checklist: what to arrange and when

A bridal shower is easier to organise when you settle the guest list, venue and theme before ordering food or decorations. This checklist takes you from the first decisions to the final setup, including invitations, dietary requirements, gifts, games and table layout. Leave enough time to confirm attendance and check what you already have. The last few hours are for chilling drinks, preparing snacks and setting out the cake, flowers and serving equipment.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Compile guest list
Choose theme and colors
2 people
Finalize the venue
Design invitations
Send invitations
Collect gift wishes
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Compile program
2 people
Select games
2 people
Take inventory of supplies
2 people
Determine the catering menu
2 people
Order cake
Order flowers
Purchase activity supplies
2 people
Book catering
Create music and playlist
Create final guest list
Confirm registrations
Arrange the table layout
Prepare the gift list
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Lay out game materials
2 people
Clean the venue
2 people
Set up furniture
3 people
Set the tables
3 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Place floral arrangements
2 people
Build the photo wall
2 people
Set up the gift table
2 people
Set up the buffet
3 people
Present the cake
Test sound system
2 people
Brief reception team
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
Collect gifts
2 people
Take group photo
2 people
Lead the first game
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Supervise the second game
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Cut the cake
2 people
Serve cake
3 people
Unwrap gifts
2 people
Register gifts
2 people
Open the dinner buffet
3 people
Serve dinner
3 people
Provide music
Say goodbye to guests
2 people

Aftercare

Clear away food and drinks
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Distribute leftover food
2 people
Sort materials
2 people
Return rental items
2 people
Hand over the gift registry
Send thank-you cards
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Buffet tablesqty 2
Gift table
Tableclothsqty 6
Table skirtsqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 45
Cake platesqty 45
Coffee cupsqty 40
Water glassesqty 45
Wine glassesqty 40
Champagne glassesqty 40
Dinner cutleryqty 45
Pastry forksqty 45
Serving spoonsqty 8
Scissorsqty 3

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettle
Food warmersqty 3
Bluetooth speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon arch set
Garlandqty 4
Confetti cannonsqty 4
Vasesqty 8
Artificial flowersqty 30
Photo backdrop
Photo wall stand
Photo propsqty 20
Table numbersqty 6
Place cardsqty 40
Gift tagsqty 40

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED candlesqty 20

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Cake knife
Cake stand
Thermos flasksqty 3
Drink dispensersqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the guest list and venue before designing invitations. Send them early enough to collect registrations, dietary requirements and gift wishes before you confirm catering quantities.
Order the cake and flowers as soon as the date and guest count are stable. Keep the final guest list and confirmed registrations together so you can update the caterer without guessing.
Check the room layout before the event day. Allow space for dining tables, a buffet table, a gift table and chairs, then add a clear route to the drinks and food.
Count tableware for every confirmed guest, plus a small buffer. Check dinner plates, cake plates, cups, glasses, cutlery and serving spoons instead of assuming the venue has enough.
Finish practical setup before guests arrive: chill drinks, prepare snacks, test the speaker or microphone and check extension cords and power strips at least 60 minutes beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send bridal shower invitations?: Send invitations about 6 to 8 weeks before the bridal shower. Set the RSVP deadline 2 to 3 weeks before the event so you can confirm catering, seating and dietary requirements.
How many drinks do I need for a bridal shower?: Plan around 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Include water, coffee and tea, and chill the drinks before guests arrive.
When should I order a bridal shower cake?: Order the cake once the date, venue and expected guest count are known, ideally 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Confirm the final number with the baker when registrations close.
What should I prepare the day before a bridal shower?: Complete shopping, confirm registrations, prepare the gift list, arrange decorations and set out the tableware the day before. Leave only chilling drinks, preparing snacks and final room setup for the event day.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.