If you are planning a bridal shower party for the bride-to-be, there are several steps that must be followed.

First, it’s necessary to prepare a guest list—be sure to contact the bride about whom she’d like to go. Next, decide on a date for the event, keeping in mind which guests may be able to make it. Finally, choose a location that will take into account the size of the guest list. However, most importantly, it is essential to keep the bride informed at all times during each step—after all, this party is for her!

Choosing a Guest List It may be expected that many of the people on the bridal shower’s guest list will be attending the party. The exceptions here are the bride’s colleagues; while the bride may invite some of her closest coworkers to the wedding, most brides tend not to invite the entire office, boss included. Thus, it is okay to invite coworkers of the bride to the bridal shower without their expecting to attend the wedding. You might want to check with the bride, though, because many offices throw bridal showers of their own for the bride.

It’s good to keep the guest list fairly small, so that the bride doesn’t feel overwhelmed (she’s busy and stressed enough) and so that she may interact with every single guest. Include the bride’s close friends, close female relatives (try contacting the mothers of the bride and groom for other relatives to invite), or have a couple’s shower, and include the groom and his friends also.

Finding a Date Choose a date that will take into consideration any guests traveling long distances or guests who work long hours. Usually, bridal showers are set on weekend dates, and thrown in the afternoon or evening. If your event is outdoors, be sure to check ahead to ensure that it will not rain; in such a case, keep a rain date prepared. When picking a date, it is most important to consult constantly with the bride, making sure that she will not be too stressed for the party. Remember—the party is all for the bride, so make sure she’ll have fun!

Picking a Location Finally, you must pick a location for your bridal shower. Is it to be inside or outside? What are the surroundings like? Do you want a soft, gentle party with soothing music and quiet conversation, or a loud party with guests laughing uproariously? Be sure to ask the bride her preferences, and consider throwing the party in a park or in the yard if the number of guests is greater than twenty-five. Remember to order enough food for the amount of guests, and be sure to set up tents if the party is outside, in case of rain. You may also have some sort of activity, such as hiking or cycling, so plan accordingly. Be sure to rent places far in advance (but after notifying the bride)!

Everything will work out fine as long as the bride is kept informed—guests will usually have fun regardless of activities planned. So be sure to remain organized, and keep in mind that you’re throwing the party for the bride.