GUEST POST: Hosting a Bridal Shower on a Budget.

I have a great Guest Post for you guys today. David has put together a great article on how to save money when planning for a bridal shower. And I imagine these same ideas could extend into ways to save money on other events and occasions as well.

Enjoy!

Money-saving Ideas for Hosting a Fabulous Bridal Shower

Hosting a bridal shower is an honor bestowed to many – and an expense you may not have been saving up for. But don’t fret; there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to throw a great celebration without sacrificing quality and style. With a little creative thinking – and creative wording on the bridal shower invites – you can throw the bridal shower of her dreams while keeping your wallet intact. From the location to catering and decorations, here are some economical ideas to get you started:

Say yes to the guests. More likely than not, someone will ask if they can help. If they don’t offer to assist with a specific task, like ordering the cake or creating centerpieces, assign them one. Even if it’s just as simple as supplying the party favors, taking this expense of your list frees up some of the budget for something else, or stays in your wallet.

Host a theme party. Whether a day at the races, a bridal tea, or a monochromatic color scheme, simply make note on the bridal shower invitations asking guests to play the part. With all the ladies wearing big hats or the same color, this is perhaps the easiest way to create a cohesive environment and lets you ease up on, or eliminate, decorations.

Keep the venue simple. Renting any type of venue can be costly. Instead, consider hosting the shower at someone’s house or at a local park or garden. However, if renting a venue is a must, select one that coordinates with the theme and requires little to no additional decorations.  

Involve the guests. In the most subtle of ways, ask guests to contribute. For example, on the bridal shower invite, request guests to bring a side dish to complement the main course. Alternatively, request that guests wrap gifts in a certain color – grouped together on tables with a single flower or a candle adds to the décor.

Be original with the timing. If the guest of honor loves coffee, host an early morning shower – coffee and pastries cost far less than catering a whole meal. On the other hand, if a cocktail party is in order, host the celebration at the bride-to-be’s favorite wine bar and take advantage of happy hour prices.

Eliminate. As future brides seek to create events as unique as they are, more and more are opting out of traditional elements. Listen to her wishes, and start eliminating where you can. With bridal shower games and party favors at the top of the list, most guests will appreciate not having to participate in “cutesy” games and often leave without taking party favors anyway.

Whether you incorporate just one or all of these budget-friendly tips, or find other ways to reduce the cost, the bottom line isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about creating memories with the bride-to-be and her closest friends and family as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.

Author Bio: Dave Santiago is a seasoned writer who enjoys connecting people with thoughtful products, services and ideas as they relate to crafting, photography, gift giving and personal expression.