Planning and executing the perfect bridal shower can be both a difficult and a rewarding task. There are several details to consider when planning a bridal shower, including where to hold it, when, will it be a surprise, and who will be invited. One key element to remember when planning a bridal shower is that the guest of honor is the bride. She is the main one that must enjoy the bridal shower.

In the past, the maid of honor has been the one held solely responsible for planning and executing the bridal shower. This does not hold true today. Anyone who is close personal friend, or even a family member of the bride may choose to host the bridal shower. Whoever does should be familiar enough with the bride and her tastes to choose a venue that will be pleasing to the bride. Some bride's want to be pampered, so holding the bridal shower at a day spa might be the ideal location. Others are more sedate and would rather sip tea in a garden. Choose a location that fits the bride's personality and one where she can be happy and enjoy the party.

The timing of the shower is important on more than one level. Overall, it is important to schedule the bridal shower at a time when all of the invited guests can be available to attend. This may be a difficult task requiring some to make adjustments in their own schedules, so planning in advance is necessary. Timing relative to the wedding is also crucial. Normally, it is considered best to plan for the shower to occur within the six month period preceding the wedding. This is the time when anticipation is at its highest and is when the bride may be most in need of a break from worrying over the wedding details. A party in her honor may be just the ticket to relaxing her enough to focus on the many details she has yet to face in preparation for the wedding.

Would the bride be happier with a surprise shower, or would she rather have some input on the location and time to hold it? It is important to remember that this is her party and her wishes should carry some weight in the decision making process. Many brides choose the location for their own showers in today's world.

Another important decision involves who will be invited to attend. Obviously, everyone invited needs to be a friend of the bride if not a family member. Less obvious is the decision on whether to make this an all girl party or to make it a wedding shower and include the groom and some of his friends. This can be a critical detail to consider. Would the bride be happier having her own party and allowing the groom to have a bachelor party, or would she rather combine the two and have one big party for all her friends and family?