The purpose of a wedding shower is to help the couple equip their new home or for the bride. Not only that, but they are a great excuse for the bride to get together with her family and friends to play hilarious games and to enjoy some food and wine.

A trend has started for 'couples showers' which is really cool and even more fun. This is sometimes termed as the 'Jack' and 'Jill' shower where you shower both the bride and groom with gifts and have fun. Either way, if you are having a traditional shower party for just the bride, or opt to have a couples shower, then the planning and the checklist will invariably be the same.

Here is an outline of a wedding shower checklist which will help make planning your wedding shower much easier:
* Traditionally the maid of honor plans the shower festivities. But today, anything goes and it is perfectly acceptable for both family and friends to work together to organize, host and share the cost of the wedding shower.

* Because of the busy schedule the bride and her family will have during the days before a wedding, it is best to hold the shower about four to six weeks before the wedding.

* Many people are aware that wedding showers are no longer a surprise, therefore it is essential to include the bride in the planning when it comes to setting a date and time.

* A traditional 'girl-only' party could be a Sunday brunch, a lunch or an afternoon tea garden party.

* Couples wedding showers are best held on a weekend. If you are having a shower party with work colleagues, then a great time would be in your lunch hour or straight after work.

* Aside from inviting your family members, the host should invite people you know well whether it be friends, relatives or work colleagues.

* A comfortable shower should involve about 8-20 people.

* You don't have to buy expensive shower invitations. You can print some online and are printed directly from your own printer.

* As with the actual wedding, it is wise to pick a theme before sending out the invitations. The theme can then be used throughout the shower and incorporated in with the invitations, decorations, favors and refreshments.

* The most popular shower theme is the 'kitchen' theme as there are endless pieces of equipment and accessories you can buy for the kitchen.

* One good idea for a couples shower is a wine tasting theme. This is ideal for a Saturday night party.

* Food: It depends on the theme of the shower and location for which type of food to prepare. For example, if you are holding a 'wine tasting theme', then a finger buffet with crackers, nuts, cheeses and other nibbles goes down well with wine.

* Give something small and useful like a scented candle for shower favors. A potpourri satchel is another welcome and practical idea.

* Everyone should be included in the shower games. Shower party games are a great ice-breaker for people to get to know each other. Games can include bridal shower bingo as this is always a big hit as is 'what's in the bag. Trivia questions about the bride and groom or making a wedding dress with toilet paper are all fun games to be had.

* A personal note is the only way to ensure that sincere appreciation is expressed.

Picking the right person to act as wedding MC is a critical decision whether you go for a pro or ask a family member or friend. Discover more:
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