To-do list will help hosts plan event

The bridal party should know what is expected of them.

SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE

The bridal party is responsible for planning this typically all-female fete. Share this party planning list, then send them to TheKnot.com/bridesmaids to see what else falls in their domain.

UMake a party plan. If it’s not a surprise (which is totally up to you), ask the bride what kind of a shower she wants. If she’s not an English tea kind of girl, don’t put on a scones-and-crumpets gathering just because it sounds fun to you.

UDetermine your budget. Even if all the maids can’t attend, they must contribute to the shower fund. Be clear about what everyone owes from the beginning.

UDecide on a date. A shower can take place anytime between six months to a week before the wedding. Depending on where most of the guests live, you may need to schedule it far in advance so everyone can make travel plans.

UTalk to the bride’s mom. Even though she’s not the host of the event, she’ll probably want to pitch in or have siblings or family friends who would like contribute, whether it’s providing the cake or hosting at their house.

UGather the guest list. Ask the bride or her mom for names and mailing addresses. Everyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding.

UOrder and send invitations. They should go out between six and eight weeks before the event, depending on how many out-of-towners are on the list. Make sure guests RSVP to one person (the maid of honor, for example) to keep numbers organized.

UShare the couple’s registry info. Spread the word about where the bride is registered so that folks don’t get frustrated searching. It’s perfectly acceptable to include this information on the shower invite.

UBuy the bride a shower gift. Even though you’re paying for the party, it’s necessary. Consider going in on a group gift from all the bridesmaids — like a stand mixer or luxury bedding — to lessen the financial blow.

UHave a present plan. On the day-of, create a gift-opening assembly line. Here’s how it works: One person should bring the bride a gift to open (and take the already opened gift to a designated spot); another can dispose of the torn paper; someone can gather ribbons to create the traditional rehearsal bridal bouquet; and, most important, one bridesmaid needs to keep track of who gave what gift so the bride doesn’t have to rely on her memory when writing thank-yous.

UAttend all other showers. Many brides are showered twice to satisfy two groups of loved ones: one for their mother’s friends, and another for theirs. While you need host only one, you should show up at the other too.