Before the wedding there is the bridal shower. The task of throwing a bridal shower can stress a lot of people out, and when it’s a surprise party the stress can be even greater. However, we’re some of the millions of people out there that believe making the bridal shower a surprise bridal shower is what takes it to the next level. So we’ve got a few tips to help you pull it off with ease:

1.) Choose your date with care. Choosing the date is probably the most important part of this process, especially with all the extra work the bride will be doing in relation to her upcoming wedding. If she thought she was busy before, she’s definitely going to be busy now, so make sure you pick a date that she will absolutely be able to stick to.

A great way to ensure she’s coming is to make the party for someone else, then give her a small role. She has to bring cookies or something. Just that small commitment will usually be enough to make sure she comes no matter what. Plus, then if she catches wind of the “party”, she’ll still think it’s for a friend and your cover won’t be completely blown.

2.) Don’t forget about the groom! No matter how well you think you may know the bride, the groom is the one who is going to spend the rest of his life with her, so he probably knows her pretty well too. Keeping him in the loop will not only give you an inside edge into what she’s thinking during this crazed time, but will also help the groom bond a little bit with all of the bride’s favorite people.

3.) Plan to have guests there with plenty of time to spare. If you’re going to plan a surprise party, the guest of honor obviously needs to be the last one to arrive. Tell your guests at least an hour (maybe even two if you still need help with setting up and decorations) to ensure everyone will be there with plenty of time to spare. Besides, getting to see the look on her face when she realizes the party is for her is the highlight of the night, and who would want to miss that?

4.) Make it all about her. If she’s obsessed with everything French, make it a Parisian themed party. If she every Disney movie ever made, have the games revolve around this love of Disney movies. No matter what you do, make it something that she will absolutely love.

5.) Plan to keep it short but allow it to continue. Plan for a short party and then if she still has time it can be extended to include certain events. Don’t automatically expect her to be able to stay for six hours after she was just surprised with the idea 30 minutes ago. And if there is to be drinking involved, make sure she has a way to get home safe (insert fiancé’s name here).

Lily’s Bridal – Maryland’s Premier Bridal Boutique – Offering Wedding dresses up to size 30. Prom Dresses and Mother’s Dresses.

When it comes to wedding planning, everyone wants their own wedding to be entirely unique. You want people to think to themselves, “Aww, isn’t that cute! Oh man I wish we would’ve thought of that for our wedding!”

But with the birth of social media (Pinterest, specifically), it’s become pretty difficult to come up an idea entirely your own. However, while many of these ideas listed below are not entirely new, what you do with them can create a one-of-a-kind experience.

1.) Make your own photo booth. Photo booths have become increasingly more popular in the last few years, and many couples are bucking the trend, but we think you should give it a second thought. While there are definitely high priced options available (actual photo booths that you plug in and receive tiny slides of your photos), you can easily make your own. Simply grab some props (crazy hats, mustaches and giant drinking glasses) and something to frame it (a window without glass) and let your guests line up and take photos of each other. Watching them interact with each other and all the props also makes for a great addition to your wedding video.

2.) Unique guestbooks. Everyone has a guestbook at their wedding, but this is a great opportunity to really get creative! Instead of just having them sign a book, have them leave their thumbprint on a thumbprint tree. Have them add their favorite “recipe for happiness” and place it in a recipe box. The options are endless!

3.) Interesting place cards. Place cards are another way to add a unique twist to your wedding. By no means do you have to use actual place cards; you can use playing cards, keys, clothespins, or even make your own. I’ve seen a couple that laminated their guests seat information on dried leaves for their fall wedding. So beautiful!

4.) Expand your venue. Just because you have a specific site for the ceremony and reception does not mean you have to limit yourself to only decorating these areas. Decorating the place where you get ready makes for fantastic photos and videos. You won’t have to worry about taking pictures in a boring and nondescript hotel bathroom. No need to go overboard, just a few flowers, balloons or signs that match the theme of your wedding. And speaking of signs…

5.) Make some signs. Signs are a great way to put your own personal touch on your big day. Of course everyone knows who you and your soon-to-be spouse are, but why not add some fun signs? It’s a great (and inexpensive) way to bring your entire theme together. Plus, homemade signs create some of the best keepsakes around. You’ll be able to hang it in your bedroom for years to come.

Lily’s Bridal – Maryland’s Premier Bridal Boutique – Offering wedding gowns, prom dresses,  bridesmaids, mothers, and tuxedo rentals. We offer up to size 30 in all gowns.