Overview of a Spa Bridal Shower
A spa bridal shower is the perfect way to spend time together with close friends and to give the bridal entourage some indulgent pampering before the wedding day. It's also a time to soothe tired minds and bodies. A spa bridal shower can be held at home or in a spa if you have the budget.
Like other bridal showers, this should be hosted by the maid of honor with the help of the bridal entourage or a close female relative of the bride's. Typically, a bridal shower is held a few months before the wedding or the day before.
A Checklist of Things To-Do
Pre-planning: A month or two before the party
Planning for a spa bridal shower with lots of spare time is the best way to ensure that you'll have a successful event everyone will remember.
- Decide on the date. The ideal day would be over the weekend as this is when most people will be available. Consult the bride and make sure she's available on the day.
- Decide on the venue. If you choose to hold the shower at a spa you need to inquire with a spa near your location if they have bridal packages and what kind of services they offer. If you decide to have it at home, you need to check with home spa services.
- Plan your budget. Set a budget for the whole event and ask the other members of the bridal entourage to chip in. By doing this, you avoid over-spending and depleting your savings.
- Send your invitations. The moment you have the basic details like date, venue, and guest list, send out your bridal shower invitations. You can buy pre-made invitations, or you can order online.
Planning the Details: 4 to 6 weeks before the party
A significant event like this happens just once in a bride's life, so guarantee her special day by taking care of the important details of the party.
- Food – since having a spa is all about being healthy, the food should be healthy and simple as well. Try to serve salads, deli sandwiches, fruit salads, cheese and crackers, and veggies with dip. For your drinks, serve fruit juices or fruit punch with floating slices of fruits. Keep plenty of water on hand too.
- Guests – traditionally, the guests for the bridal shower include the bridal party, close female relatives of the bride and groom, as well as close female friends of the bride. However, be sure that all guests will be invited to the wedding as well.
- Spa set-up – if you're having the bridal shower with a small group, a trip to a spa that can accommodate your party is the best idea. Pre-arrange the packages that will be available to guests to avoid any unforeseen expenses. If you have a large group, you can set-up a spa station at your venue. Have a massage station, a facial center, and mani-pedi place. You can hire professionals for this type of set-up or make your own concoctions. Be sure to play some relaxing music and decorate your venue in soft colors to keep the soothing mood.
- Favors – consider bridal shower favors that fit your theme of a spa. Give aromatherapy oils, scented candles, or bath salts and package them nicely within a lovely favor box tied with some personalized ribbon.
Spa Bridal Shower Etiquette FAQs
Here are some common questions for hosting a spa bridal shower:
Who hosts the bridal shower?
Traditionally the maid of honor is responsible for hosting the bridal shower. However, nowadays it can be anyone, even the bride's co-workers. Just make sure that the same people won't get invited to another bridal shower because it can be too costly for them.
Who pays for the event?
The host shoulders the cost of the shower, which is in this case the maid or matron of honor. But, she can ask the other girls in the wedding party to share with the expenses.
Do brides-to-be really need a bridal shower?
It's up the host and the bridal entourage if they want to celebrate the wedding with a pre-event like a bridal shower. However, wedding events can be costly, so consider combining the bridal shower and bachelorette party to avoid duplicating costs. Just make sure that the theme is appropriate to all guests present.
What kind of gifts do you bring at a bridal shower?
If you have a theme going on, then a gift that fits the theme is great. Traditionally, bridal shower gifts include items to be used on the wedding night or any item that is specifically for the bride to be and not for the couple.