As thousands of women prepare for their spring or summer wedding, thousands of women who know them are asking themselves, "Why in the world did I offer to host the bridal shower?! In the midst of the excitement of hearing the news that there would be a wedding, women sometimes lose their mind. They quickly offer to host the party, knowing it would be so much fun but are now faced with the realization that they have no idea how to go about it! Some have never been to a shower and don't have a clue what goes on at one. Others have been to one or more and have found them to be about as fun as having their eyebrows plucked.

Who do I invite? Should I invite the men too? What food should I serve? How many should I invite? Where should we have it? What bridal shower games should we play? What will the shower cost? These are just some of the questions these panicking women ask.

Well, the first thing I usually suggest is to tell them to calm down. Take some deep breaths. Meditate if that helps. After all, it's just a party to celebrate one of the most important events in a person's life. Many may be coming from around the world to attend. There will be people from both sides of the family meeting for the first time, critiquing the "other side." Guests will remember it for the rest of their lives. So again, breathe deep. It's JUST a bridal shower!

Grab some paper and pencils and start brainstorming.

Here are some things to think about.

Who should be at the party? Friends, relatives, co-workers, youngsters? Often times, a bride will have 2 or even 3 showers, one for family, one at work, one with just girl friends. Talk to the bride to find out what she would prefer.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box. A bridal shower doesn't have to be like all the others. Have it at a park, at a wine cafe, on a boat, or on a beach.

How formal or informal does the bride want the party to be? Remember this is her party. While you may enjoy crystal glasses and china dishes, she might be one who is most comfortable with a picnic basket out in the backyard.

The food is always a major worry it seems, at least in this country. We seem to have an inborn fear of not having enough food at a party! The result is usually ending up with plates and plates of leftovers that you send home with smiling guests. Are you on a tight budget? There is no rule that says the guests need a full course meal. Many hosts serve just cookies or maybe a nice dessert. And then there are the Martha Stewart types who make beautiful cakes that when cut into, reveal the names of bride and groom surrounded by a heart. If you are one of those types, you have probably stopped reading this article by now. You have much more ideas that originated within your own creative mind.

Bridal shower games are always another source of anxiety among hosts. Should I do the old standards that everyone has played over and over or something new and unique? Should I order pre-made bridal shower games and have them shipped to me ready to play? Should I buy printable bridal shower games that can be instantly printed from my computer (If you are planning the shower the day before the party, choose this option!). Or are you going to prove that you can do it all yourself and design some wedding games on your own? There are lots of great bridal shower games out there. Remember your audience though. Keep the overall rating of the games at a level you think all the guests can handle without too much embarrassment. Typically 2 or 3 shower games are played at a shower but there is nothing that says games have to be played at all.

Finally, have fun at the party. If the host is relaxed and enjoying it, everyone else will too!