The parties before the party

Bridal Shower

For whoever is hosting: what to set out, games that work with guests who have never met, a mimosa bar, favors, and a few gifts the bride will actually keep using.

22 products, each chosen by I Do with a note on why.

Prices are approximate and can change. Check the shop for today's price.

Hosting5

  • Bride-to-Be Sash and Crown (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Bride-to-Be Sash, Crown and Headband Set

    The one shower and bachelorette accessory almost everyone buys, so buy a good one.

    ~$10 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Bride-to-Be Sash and Crown (opens in a new tab)
  • Shower Card Box (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: White and Gold Paperboard Card Box

    Somewhere for the cards at a shower.

    ~$5 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Shower Card Box (opens in a new tab)
  • Advice Cards and Box (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: STOFINITY Advice Cards with Wooden Box

    A card at every seat gets far more written than a station does, and the box collects them for later.

    ~$15 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Advice Cards and Box (opens in a new tab)
  • Guest Book and Pen (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Gold Foil Guest Book with Pen and Sign

    Put it somewhere guests pass on the way in, not tucked in a corner.

    ~$15 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Guest Book and Pen (opens in a new tab)
  • Another option

    Personalized Guest Book (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Linen Photo Guest Book with Names and Year

    The guest book is the thing you keep forever, so this is the one to personalize: linen.

    With your names and date

    ~$25 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Personalized Guest Book (opens in a new tab)

Some product links may earn I Do a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Don't forget, nothing to buy

  • Ask the bride about games first; some would rather not be the center of attention.
  • Every paper game needs a pencil for each guest.
  • Start the gift list as gifts are opened: who gave what, for the thank-you cards.

Games4

  • Bridal Shower Games (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Printed Party Bridal Shower Game Set, 50 Guests

    Five printed games that give a shower a bit of structure, with enough cards for fifty guests.

    ~$25 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Bridal Shower Games (opens in a new tab)
  • He Said She Said Game (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Printed Party He Said She Said Game, 50 Guests

    The shower game that works with guests who have never met: who said it, the bride or the groom?

    ~$15 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: He Said She Said Game (opens in a new tab)
  • Mini Pencils, 50 (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Mini Game Pencils, 50

    Every paper shower game needs a pencil per guest, and nobody has fifty.

    ~$10 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Mini Pencils, 50 (opens in a new tab)
  • Wedding Mad Libs Cards (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Kate Aspen Mad Libs Cards, Set of 50

    The dinner-hour problem is strangers at a table; a fill-in-the-blank card gives everyone a script.

    ~$15 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Wedding Mad Libs Cards (opens in a new tab)

Brunch and mimosas4

Favors3

  • Hand Cream and Lip Balm Favors (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Hand Cream and Lip Balm Sets in Organza Bags, 30

    A shower favor that gets used: a hand cream and a lip balm, already bagged.

    ~$20 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Hand Cream and Lip Balm Favors (opens in a new tab)
  • Mr and Mrs M&M's (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: M&M's Mr. and Mrs. Milk Chocolate, 2 lb

    Edible favors are the ones that go home.

    ~$45 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Mr and Mrs M&M's (opens in a new tab)
  • Personalized Candle Favors (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Our pick: Personalized Scented Candle Favors

    Small scented candles with your names and date.

    With your names and date

    ~$50 (approximate)

    View on Amazon: Personalized Candle Favors (opens in a new tab)

Activities1

Gifts for the bride5

Plan the rest in I Do

A checklist that tells you when you need each of these, plus your guest list, RSVPs, website and registry. Free to start.

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