Summer marks the start of wedding season, and preceding every wedding is usually a bridal shower. Bridal shower hosts and hostesses will want to make sure that the bride has a memorable bridal shower without digging too deep into their own pockets. Save time and money hosting your next bridal shower by following a few simple guidelines. These tips apply nicely to baby showers and birthday parties as well.

Start a list of everything you will need-from food to decorations. This way you can jot down ideas as you get closer to the bridal shower and you won't be as likely to forget something important. Stick to the list when shopping to avoid purchasing unnecessary extras.

Make your own invitations or use free printable bridal shower invitations found on the Internet. Cute bridal shower invitations found at a specialty party stores can cost anywhere from $5-$10 for just 10 invites. Save money by making your own invitations. Use colored card stock and rubber stamps to create personalized initiations that the bride will be sure to appreciate more than store bought invitations. Not crafty? Choose from a variety of free printable invitations that can be found on the Internet.

Create a simple yet elegant menu for the bridal shower. For example, a menu of chicken salad with croissants, cucumber sandwiches, fruit salad, cupcakes, mints and peanuts would be appropriate. Having an early morning bridal shower? Serve brunch items such as cinnamon rolls, breakfast casserole, or a buffet of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and toast. Aim to serve recipes that can be prepared the day or two before the bridal shower to save time the day of the bridal shower.

Don't go overboard with decorations-this can get costly! Look around your home and garden for decorations for the bridal shower. Fresh flowers placed around the house in pretty vases or a bowl with floating candles are really all of the decor that you will need. Set a romantic mood by playing love songs or classical music during the bridal shower.

Use free printable bridal shower games that you can find on the Internet, instead of purchasing expensive bridal shower games from a party supplies store.

Scour your local dollar store for door prize and bridal shower game winner prizes. Some inexpensive gift ideas include: facial and pedicure supplies, an assortment of candles, cookbooks, or kitchen supplies.

Above all, make sure that the bride feels special during her bridal shower. It doesn't take a lot of money to show a friend your heartfelt congratulations for her upcoming wedding.