It’s become an essential part of the wedding activities: Prior to any formal wedding, the maid of honor will customarily host a bridal shower party for the bride. In some rare occasions, some other person besides the maid of honor will host the event…Perhaps a close friend or her mother. Regardless of who hosts it, there are some other important people who will be attending the event besides the host and the bride herself. We’re talking, of course, about the guests. A wedding shower cannot be truly successful if the bride’s closest friends and family are not there. Therefore, to make these guests feel that they’re truly appreciated, proper etiquette demands that you provide them with memorable wedding shower party favors.

So just what sorts of things are we talking about for bridal shower party favors? The ideas are virtually limitless. Some items that are typically offered include candy, key rings, candles, flowers, cookies, gift bags, and more. Basically anything inexpensive that can somehow convey a message reminding guests about the wedding can be turned into wedding shower party favors. That’s the key: Somehow make the gifts remind the guest in years to come about the wedding and couple that they honored. And if possible, try to make these wedding shower party favors also coordinate with the shower theme.

How then are the wedding shower party favors given away? How do you decide who gets them and when? There are many ways of doing this. Many shower hosts have a series of games and offer the favors as prizes during those games. Other people want to make sure that every guest gets a favor, so they’ll perhaps hand them out either as the guests are arriving or when they’re about to leave. Probably the most common approach is to make sure everyone gets something, but saving a couple of really nice bridal shower party favors as game prizes.

Next, let’s discuss the price. If you’re spending more than a few dollars per person, you’re probably over-spending. The best sources for wedding shower party favors can offer you something fairly attractive for the ladies at no more than a couple of dollars apiece. You’ll be surprised at what you can get for your guests at that price, if you visit the right websites.

Finally, how do you decide what sorts of gifts to get? What will work best with your particular setting, people and budget? One suggestion is to ask anyone who’s ever attended a bridal shower what kinds of favors were offered. While this doesn’t mean you have to be a copycat, this will at least provide you with some inspiration that you can customize to your own situation. And of course, do an Internet search and you’ll be overwhelmed with suggestions.

The Internet can also be a great place to order your bridal shower party favors. Just remember, as always, shop around and don’t be afraid to be a penny pincher.