During the months leading up to the wedding, it’s only right that the bride-to-be gets showered with an elegant party, gifts, and cherished memories with her nearest and dearest.
Your best friend, your sister, your cherished cousin—she’s found the love of her life, and you have the honour of crafting a day that celebrates her journey to “happily ever after.” The bridal shower, a cherished tradition, is your canvas, and we are your willing accomplices in painting a masterpiece of joy and love.
In this article, we’ll unveil the art of how to throw a bridal shower, sprinkled with the magic of our downtown Toronto event venue. Nestled amid the hustle and bustle of the city, with its elegant interiors, picturesque views, and the promise of an unforgettable experience, The Loft on King is the ideal backdrop for love and celebration.
Let’s break down how to throw a great bridal shower, including expert tips and the do’s and don’ts of crafting a perfect celebration.
From picking a venue to planning some fun activities, let’s dive into what you need to keep in mind prior to figuring out how to throw a great bridal shower:
A bridal shower may be smaller-scale than a wedding, but you still need to allot enough time to the planning stage to ensure a smooth celebration. Aim to start planning at least six weeks in advance—this includes choosing your venue.
The Loft on King, located in the heart of downtown, gives you a taste of old-world luxury with modern style. It’s perfect for private events of all sizes and can accommodate up to 200 standing guests in a cocktail setting or 80 seated guests for a sit-down dining celebration.
Remember: it’s about her. This means choosing a bridal shower theme she’ll find fun, curating a menu she’ll love, and planning activities she’ll be comfortable with. Pleasing the entire bridal party doesn’t matter if the VIP doesn’t have a good time!
Back to that topic of a bridal shower theme—choose one that resonates with the bride. You want something that speaks to the bride’s personality and style! Go above and beyond by tailoring the theme to the event venue. For example, a historical building with exposed brick is the perfect backdrop for a vintage-inspired bridal shower.
As you figure out how to throw a bridal shower, don’t underestimate the power of incorporating a delicious menu. Whether it’s simple dishes or a multi-course meal, what matters is that the taste buds are showered with great dishes as well.
Bridal shower games and activities are a must if you want to plan an unforgettable night. Choosing the right activities can help break the ice, create memorable moments, and ensure everyone has a fantastic time. Here are some ideas:
Bridal shower favours are a heartfelt way to express gratitude to the guests for joining in the celebration of the bride-to-be. These small tokens of appreciation serve as keepsakes to memorialize the day!
Choose party favours that are personalized, integrated into the theme, useful, or even created by yours truly. You can even consider attaching a handwritten thank-you note to each one for a more personal touch.
No bridal shower is complete without capturing the precious moments that unfold throughout the day! Photography and videography play an essential role in preserving these cherished memories. You can either hire a professional photographer and videographer, hire a photo booth, or scatter Polaroid cameras around the venue for the guests to use at their leisure.
This is the other side of our “how to throw a bridal shower” checklist—the things you shouldn’t do if you want this pre-wedding event to be a hit. You’ve been warned!
Wedding showers that are too close to the big day are stressful for both the bride and her guests. You might end up overlapping with other important wedding preparations, or find that guests can’t free up their schedule twice within a short period of time.
It’s basic bridal shower etiquette to ensure that everyone who’s at the bridal shower is also invited to the wedding. This would be really awkward. If you’re looking to learn how to throw the bridal shower, don’t overlook this point!
Make sure you’re providing food options that everyone can eat. This might mean catering to vegans or those on a keto diet, or ensuring your desserts are free from common allergens.
A classic bridal shower program typically features time for opening presents, taking photos, eating, activities, and fun games. It’s essential to create a flow that dedicates just enough time to each of these elements without taking over the event entirely.
Bridal showers usually have people of all ages in attendance; don’t mistake it for a bachelorette party or incorporate too many activities that end up dragging the event on for hours. You may tire guests, especially older ones, and the bride.
Be mindful of the budget when planning a bridal shower. Avoid extravagant expenses that may strain the bride or her loved ones. Plan within your means, and consider cost-effective options that still make for a memorable event.
Now that you know how to throw the perfect bridal shower, it’s time to start planning. If you read through the list, then you know one of the first steps is securing an amazing venue—enter The Loft on King.
While we’ve earned a name for ourselves as Toronto’s most unique wedding venue, we’re also the perfect setting to host your shower. Our private event space is endlessly customizable and sure to be a place where you can make everlasting memories.
Contact our team today for more information on how to throw a bridal shower!
The maid of honour traditionally takes on this responsibility. They’ll ensure the event runs smoothly and that everyone’s having a great time (with the help of the bridal party, of course).
There isn’t any set rule as to when a bridal shower should be held, but the average timeline is around two weeks to two months before the wedding.
Guests typically include the bride-to-be’s close female friends and relatives, as well as the groom-to-be’s close female relatives. You’re usually looking at around 30 attendees, but feel free to expand on that number as you see fit!