3+ Months Before

• Talk to the bride to get a feel for what kind of shower she’d like.
• See if friends, family or bridesmaids would like to help.
• Consult with the bride to set the date and create the guest list.
• Call VIP guests (his mom and hers, the wedding party and grandparents) to see if there are any scheduling conflicts.
• Have coffee with co-hosts to brainstorm ideas, choose a theme and determine a budget.
• Make a to-do list, then divide and conquer.
• Make a list of all possible locations and call to check on availability.

2 Months Before

• Give guests (especially out-of-towners) a heads-up “save the date” e-mail or phone call.
• Confirm reservations for your location.
• Firm up your game plan for table linens, decorations, menu, favors and activities.
• Finalize addresses for the guest list.
• Order invites or purchase materials to make them.
• Have co-hosts over to sip wine and assemble invites (don’t forget the Club Wedd shower inserts).
• Remind the bride to make sure she has enough items on her registry.

1 Month Before

• Drop-dead date for mailing out invites.
• If guests have offered to bring something, call to confirm specifics.
• Order deli trays, cakes and specialty foods, and rent any necessary catering equipment.
• Go shopping for decorations, paper goods, party favors, prizes, etc.
• Make a mix CD or MP3 playlist of songs that match your theme to play during the shower.

2+ Weeks Before

• Order the flowers.
• While you’re picking up last-minute items at Target, purchase your shower gift for the bride.
• Make a shopping list for all the drinks, eats and treats you’ll need to get the week of the party. If you’re planning to use hard-to-find ingredients, get them now.
• Pick up any CDs, cake stands or serving platters that friends are graciously lending.

1 Week Before

• Confirm everything—who’s coming, who’s not, reservations, orders, deliveries, etc.
• Wrap your gift and game prizes.
• Assemble shower games and favors.
• Pick up shower groceries.
• Make sure you’ll have enough seats and tables.

1 DAY BEFORE

• Make any dishes you can in advance—or, at the very least, do the prep work.
• Set up tables and decorate.
• Check in with co-hosts. Confirm what they’re bringing and see if they can come early to help.
• While you’re out picking up the food and flowers you ordered, get any other last-minute must-haves.

THE DAY OF

• Cook and prepare all the food and drinks.
• Arrange your flowers and set out the food.
• If the shower is at another location, arrive early to take care of details and decorate.
• Assign people to take pictures, and make a list of who gave what gift to the bride.
• Pour yourself a drink and have some fun!