How to Plan a Destination Bridal Shower from Home

Bridal showers are in general amazing ideas and celebration occasions, but when it comes to destination bridal showers, you really need a plan ahead in order to make it epic.

If you’re the adventurous kind, it can be the perfect moment to start looking into the facts and try to plan one for yourself or your bride-to-be best friend.

How to Plan a Destination Bridal Shower

1. Set a Budget

This should be the first thing you do because you will want to keep adding more and more things to the list. You need to know where to stop and have an overview of what you can afford. Consider everything from transportation to accommodations right down to the favors.

For example, can you afford to fly everyone to your destination or will they need to get themselves there? Does your budget allow you to hand out bridal shower gift baskets to all attendees or just small single favors? Decide your budget from the start and plan accordingly.

2. Choose the Date

Now that you know your budget, it’s time to choose the dates. The closest friends and family must be able to attend those dates, so stay flexible. Make sure you discuss potential dates with the most important people and consider their schedules.

A destination bridal shower is usually two to three months before the actual wedding, so you and your guests have enough time to plan everything.

3. Create a Guest List

After all your close ones confirm their attendance, it’s time to put together the final and full guest list. A wedding shower usually holds between 30 and 50 guests, and most times, the ones you invite here will also be invited to the wedding.

Make sure to include their physical and email addresses so you can send out invites.

4. Choose Your Location

When it comes to destination bridal showers, it can be difficult to find a location that has all your requirements. You will need to make sure all your guests have accommodation during the weekend.

Whether you choose an exotic resort or an incredible adventure park, make sure there’s a good hotel nearby to hold everyone. Try to choose one that lets you reserve a block of rooms together.

5. Pick a Theme

Choosing a theme for your bridal shower is not mandatory, but it’s definitely cool to create something unique and add some personality to it.

You can customize everything from your invitations and decorations to the menu and the way the food will look. Try to go with a theme that fits your destination. For example, if you’re heading to a beach, go with a “Fun in the Sun” theme. 

6. Visit the Venue

Of course, after you have most things settled, you will need to visit the venue and make sure everything is just as it looks. You don’t want any surprises on the big day, so you need to make sure all your requirements will be met.

If that venue is far away, then ask for a virtual tour. Either way, make sure you talk over all the details with the venue planner and keep each other updated with any changes.

7. Send the Invitations

You should start sending out the invitations at least eight weeks before the bridal shower. Some of your guests may not be able to make it, and you will need to plan around them.

Make sure to ask for a confirmation in your invites, so the guests will be able to confirm their presence.

8. Create the Menu

Since we’re talking about a destination wedding, you need to make sure the menu for the day is set. Communicate your choice to the venue and they should make sure that everything is ready for when you arrive. Don’t forget about any special diets that your friends and family may follow. You don’t want your vegan best friend to starve, after all.

9. Plan the Games

There are quite a few game ideas you can use for your bridal shower, and you can choose them according to your location and theme. You can get almost everything customized and it would be an amazing experience for anyone.

10. Set Up the Gift Station

Your guests will need a place to leave the gifts, and a customized gift station will definitely make an impact on your party. However, you definitely want to consider your travel method. If you’re flying to your destination, for example, you don’t want to lug heavy gifts home with you. In that case, ask your maid of honor to let people know that you prefer gift cards.

A beautiful idea would be to leave a small present for all the incoming guests. They will definitely remember the moment and it will be truly unique.

After everything is set, all there’s left for you to do is have an amazing day at the destination bridal shower. As long as you have everything planned in advance, you can avoid any problems, and the show will go on beautifully.

Guest post by Nicole Etolen, all photos from Unsplash

Find out more wedding inspirations in our Ellwed magazine!

#covidupdate: While planning your destination wedding or bridal shower, please consider the health and safety instructions to make your event as safe as possible. Read more here