This one’s for the bridesmaids. Because who better to see the blushing bride off in style than her girl squad! Don’t get this confused with the bachelorette party - that’s the wild one. Bridal showers are not common in India yet, but which bride ever denied anything extra?
Picture Credits - Studio RDP
A bridal shower is an ideal time for close female family members and friends of the bride to present their wedding gifts, rather than have them lost among the mountain of presents on the big day. Make it personal, fun, formal, or casual, and get the excitement going for her destination wedding in Goa.
CELEBRATE HER
The bridal shower is all about girl time. Traditionally, it’s held to ‘shower’ the bride with love and gifts, while perhaps exchanging exciting conversations or reminiscing about pre-wedding moments from grandmothers, aunts, cousins, and friends.
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It’s usually hosted by the maid of honour or all the bridesmaids together, and includes themes and food that the bride is interested in and enjoys.
DECIDE A BUDGET
There’s no need to go overboard. Based on who’s pitching in, you can decide the theme, menu and number of guests. Sometimes, the maid of honour pays for the party, but it’s typically more reasonable for all of the bridesmaids to pitch in.
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SET A DATE & CHOOSE A VENUE
A date around two months before the destination wedding in Goa is ideal so it doesn’t come in the way of last-minute wedding preps. You can choose to surprise the bride or have her as involved as you like. Choose a venue that’s easy to access and fits your budget. You could have it at someone’s home to cut down on expenses or hire a small venue. Bridal showers are usually daytime events so make sure the venue is shaded.
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CREATE A GUEST LIST
You should only invite people the bride wants at her shower. Give her an approximate number that fits your budget and work around it. Usually, it is restricted to people who are invited to the wedding as well. The most basic list is usually the bride’s sisters, close cousins and friends, grandmothers, mother, mother-in-law-to-be, and aunties who are close to her.
Picture Credits - Destination Weddings by Rabiya Muzaver
PLAN THE MENU & GAMES
If you have a theme, you can cater accordingly. Menu ideas can range from brunches and high teas to specific themes such as Moroccan or chaat. Plan appropriate games such as trivia, scavenger hunts, ice breakers, mad libs, charades, etc to make your party exciting. You could host a bridal shower at a spa, wine tasting, cooking club, or even a bowling alley, in which case, the entertainment presents itself.
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SEND OUT INVITES
Remember to invite your guest list well in advance and get RSVPs to get a good idea of menu adjustments for anyone who has dietary restrictions. It also allows guests enough time to pick out gifts for the bride.
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HAVE FUN
On the day, go ahead and have fun. But make sure the bride is having a great time too. Remember to have an upbeat selection of music ready to get everyone in the mood for the upcoming destination wedding in Goa.
Picture Credits - A26