Throwing a bridal shower for your beloved bestie can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. Traditionally, there were a number of events hosted by the bride’s parents or maid of honour in the lead-up to her big day, but the wedding landscape has changed! There are no rules to putting together a memorable and meaningful pre-wedding party — but if you’re looking for some guidance, follow our top tips for organizing a fab bridal shower your bestie will cherish for a lifetime.

First and foremost, start with the essentials by picking a date, time and location that’s suitable for your bride and her bridesmaids. The bride may be chock-full of planning appointments and dress fittings, so be sure to give her ample time to prepare for a party in her honour. Try to throw your bridal party at least two weeks before the wedding day to avoid adding to the bridal party’s busy schedule.

Once you’ve chosen your preferred date, time and location, you’re ready to choose a theme. For first-timers, the options for bridal party themes can be overwhelming — so be sure to pick something tailored to your bestie’s personality and interests! It’s important to ensure that the theme, games and decor are all reflective of your bride’s originality. Pro tip: try a “stock-the-bar”-themed party for a night to remember by swapping out traditional gifts in favour of barware and party drinks, like Vizzy Hard Seltzer or Green Tea AriZona Hard! You can also opt for a themed drink station, like a DIY margarita or mimosa bar.

Finally, create a personalized menu for a bridal shower to remember. Follow the overall theme of the bridal shower by tailoring your food to match; you can also create a menu that’s reflective of your bride’s best qualities or your favourite memories together (think a “that time we got lost in Europe” appetizer). Keep this handy guide close to celebrate your beloved bride in style — and don’t forget to have a ball and enjoy your hard work!