CHOOSING A THEME

There are many kinds of different themes out there to choose from, and most people go overboard in their bridal shower planning. Just because you have been asked to host a bridal shower or bachelorette party does not mean you have to break the bank or do something absolutely spectacular. It can be done on a budget and be classy, memorable, and fun without wearing you out or breaking the bank.

Here are some important things to remember when choosing a theme:

BASE IT AROUND THE BRIDE

What is the bride like? 

Does she prefer smaller, more intimate gatherings or larger ones?

Knowing this will help you to decide how many people to invite. Smaller gatherings are often better and more intimate, so ask her for a short list of people she would love to have there, and make sure to include them. If her mother, grandmother, or older friends will be attending, base your plans around activities that all ages would enjoy.

Does she like the great outdoors or enjoy remaining indoors? 

If she likes the great outdoors, set up tables in the backyard under the trees or have a picnic on a blanket on the lawn, with chairs for the older guests. Keep in mind the time of year, how warm it will be, and whether or not it will be bug season. If she's more of an indoor girl, make the room as comfortable as possible, ascertain if there's enough seating for everyone, and remove small items of furniture if necessary in order to add a few more chairs, or a side table for gifts.

What is her personality? Is it outrageous, mild mannered, shy? 

More outgoing personalities like bigger gatherings and more excitement; demure girls prefer smaller parties, with a less-emphasized attention on her. The former will love giving little speeches or being the center of attention, and the latter will prefer more quiet, close quarters with a subdued theme and colors.

What are her favorite colors?

You can go an inexpensive but fun route by purchasing napkins and paper plates in her favorite color, or you can go a bit more dressy and purchase flowers from Hobby Lobby or other craft stores to decorate the table with.

Asking her to fill out and return this brief questionnaire will help you a great deal:

Favorite dessert: (if you cannot make it, find something similar)

Favorite fruit flavor: (for mixed non-alcoholic drinks*)

Favorite color: (try and incorporate it if you can)

Favorite flower: (again, use them as a centerpiece and give it to her at the end of the party)

Favorite chick flick: (this can tell you a lot -- as well as give you a movie to fall back on at the end of the evening)

* Some Christians believe social drinking is all right, but I would not recommend it for a bridal shower in mixed company. You would not want to alienate any of your guests or make them feel uncomfortable if they don't approve.

KEEP IT CLASSY & SIMPLE

It is really easy to go overboard and plan too much for the evening, or spend too much trying to make it perfect. The simpler it is, the more you will enjoy it as hostess. It should be about her and her dreams for the future, but also not be so overwhelming that it distracts everyone from the reason they have come -- to celebrate her upcoming marriage.

Ways you can keep it simple:

+ Serve light foods rather than a full meal

It's much easier to fix tea sandwiches and mix up a big bowl of punch than it is to plan a menu with a lot of items on it, or anything that requires an entire afternoon or more of cooking. Make the desert the most important food item if you can, and even that doesn't have to be complicated. A box of brownie mix, some iced or whipped cream, and a few cherries will satisfy everyone's chocolate craving and won't be too messy. Take into consideration that the bride might be on a diet, and try to have some healthy foods (deviled eggs, veggie trays) as well as sugary ones.

+ Only plan one or two games/activities

There is such a thing as over-planning. Figure out something fun that will generate laughs and encourage conversation, but doesn't require too much early participation. Twister can be fun if your guests are not in skirts. There are also a variety of fun activities that you can find online.

+ Involve your guests -- they won't mind helping

Most of you might think that everything sits on your shoulders. It doesn't. Make your guests feel useful by asking them to organize the gifts, help you set out food trays, or even come over an hour before the bride is set to arrive to decorate the table or make sandwiches. 

USE YOUR IMAGINATION

Don't be tempted to get stuck in a rut. This can be a lot of fun if you really put some thought into who your friend is, what she loves most, and base the party around that. If she loves musicals, encourage your guests to dress in heels and skirts, have her favorite soundtrack playing in the background, or throw a party based around West Side Story, with a viewing of the film as the topper of the evening. If she likes Jane Austen, have your guests dress up, and serve high tea. Pin a name card to everyone's back and have them ask questions of other people until they figure out which of her book characters they are -- or have them choose which character they would like to be, and act like them all evening.

Get creative! Have fun!