When a woman is planning to marry, it is traditional for one of her friends, normally the maid of honor, to throw her a bridal shower. Female friends of the bride and her female family members are normally the expected guests. In today's society, it is not at all uncommon for the majority of the bride's friends to be people she works with. That being said, would it be appropriate to have a bridal shower at the workplace?

Many companies have policies in place that allow for employees to host small celebrations in the workplace during lunch hours and immediately after work hours. Events such as a workplace bridal shower are usually welcome diversions as long as restraint is used when scheduling. Employers may allow a little extra freedom in the time line, but they will not tolerate losing an entire shift for a whole afternoon. The very first thing that must be done to have a workplace bridal shower is obtain permission from the boss.

In smaller businesses, it is possible to have everyone attend the shower. In larger corporate structures, the more likely scenario would be having people that work directly with the bride, or at least in her department as guests. How the guests are chosen is a function of both company size and the venue where the shower is to be held. It is important to allow for some extras as the bride's family will wish to attend as well.

With a normal bridal shower, it is customary to send out invitations that include RSVP cards. Workplace bridal showers are not as formal on the subject of invitations. When inviting guests to a workplace bridal shower, intra-office email and simple verbal invitations and acceptance are more the rule than the exception.

Choosing where to have a workplace bridal shower is usually not a very difficult decision. If the office is large enough, and the boss approves, holding it right in the office usually provides an excellent venue. If there is no office available, but the company does offer a space that would be appropriate, a lunch room or a conference room, by all means make use of that location. If the shower is scheduled during the lunch hour, it can even be moved to a convenient location nearby, such as a park or a restaurant.

Workplace bridal showers are usually only allowed to follow a rigid time frame. The company may allow some extra time for the event, but try to limit it to no more than an hour if the shower is during work hours. Some companies allow the shower to be held after normal working hours and remove the time constraints if it is desired that the shower last longer.

Refreshments at a workplace bridal shower are generally fairly easily handled. One of the best methods is to have a potluck luncheon with everyone signing up on a list with what they will bring so as to avoid having everyone show up with the same dish.

Decorations, gifts, and favors are all options that should be discussed with the boss before any definite steps are taken. None of these items are absolute requirements, but decorations and favors can add to the festive atmosphere and make it seem more like a party. Gift giving is typically a simple matter of taking up a collection within the company or department and buying one gift from everyone.