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Bridal Shower Planning Checklist
A timeline of what to book, send and set up, from three months out to the day itself.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Every source starts the clock early: Bella Bridesmaids says at least three months ahead, Paperlust says about 12 weeks, MILK Books also starts at three months, and Oh So Fancy Party says most showers are planned 6 to 12 weeks in advance. The sources differ on invitations, with Bella at 60 days and MILK at four to six weeks. This list follows that timeline from host and budget through the day itself. It assumes a shower hosted by the maid of honor or friends, and it leaves out the bachelorette party and the wedding.
Why these items are on the list
- Decide who is hosting. Bella says it is often the maid of honor; Oh So Fancy says agree how costs are shared.
- Set a budget. Bella says the host typically pays, though non-hosting bridesmaids may chip in.
- Pick a date with the bride. Paperlust suggests 2 to 6 weeks before the wedding; Oh So Fancy says avoid fittings and wedding events.
- Draft the guest list. MILK says everyone attending should also be invited to the wedding.
- Choose a theme with the bride. Bella and MILK both say to reflect her tastes.
- Book the venue. Bella says at least three months before; Paperlust says book at 8 to 12 weeks.
- Confirm the couple's registry. Bella says to include registry details on invitations.
- Send invitations with RSVP date. Bella says at least 60 days ahead; Paperlust says 6 to 8 weeks.
- Ask guests about dietary needs. Bella says to put a reminder on the invitation.
- Plan the menu. Oh So Fancy says brunch menus, dessert spreads or light lunches are common.
- Order decor and favors. Bella says to shop after invitations go out; Paperlust warns shipping delays are real.
- Choose games and activities. MILK mentions scavenger hunts, vow mad libs and the shoe game.
- Write a toast. Bella lists it among the tasks for about four weeks before.
- Buy or pool for a gift. MILK says attendance is enough, and a shared contribution is an option.
- Track RSVPs and final headcount. Bella says your venue and caterer will need an exact count about a week before.
- Assign a gift tracker. Bella says usually the maid of honor or another bridesmaid writes down gifts as they are opened.
- Make a playlist. Bella and MILK both suggest music, with the bride's favorites.
- Set up the day before. Oh So Fancy says early setup lets you focus on the bride the next day.
- Arrive early on the day. MILK says to arrive early to oversee setup; Paperlust says 90 minutes.
- Set up gift and favor tables. Bella lists a gift table and a table of favors among day-of tasks.
Bridal shower guides run long and each uses a different timeline, so it is hard to know what to do this week. A tickable list lets co-hosts share one set of tasks and see who has ticked what. You can work through it in order and leave the later items for the final month.
When to use it
Use it as soon as the shower is agreed, ideally about three months before the date.