It’s become a bit more common these days to host wedding showers at restaurants or event spaces, but one of my favorite trends for these parties is hosting them at home! These celebrations are typically more personable and affordable, and they can still be upscale and classy with some careful planning and attention. Using this guide, you create a memorable wedding shower experience for the couple and all those guests.

The Basics

There are quite a few elements to consider when planning a special event like a wedding shower in your backyard. First off, consider where people will park – can your neighborhood handle the influx of cars for a day? Will your neighborhood association be cool with it, or do they require any permits? How big is your yard and how many people can fit comfortably? Here are a few other things to consider: 

Time of Year

This is the big one! If you’re living in a climate that has year-round temperate weather, this may not be a concern for you. But here in Las Vegas, it’s nearly impossible to exist comfortably outside in the summer. Most couples throw their wedding showers about two months ahead of the wedding date, but in this day and age, you can really throw these parties at anytime. Considering the weather in regard to your location will be hugely important to ensure your guests’ comfort.

Have a Plan B

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding shower, it’s important to have a backup plan. In the event of rain or excessive heat or wind, can your home accommodate guests for the party, or do you have a location on standby? Another option is renting an outdoor tent, and some even have roll-up sides, which can help protect your guests from the elements. Being prepared with a backup plan will prevent any unnecessary stress! 

Schedule

Having a schedule for your party will keep guests engaged and entertained. Make sure you have time for arrival and mingling, a meal, opening gifts, and playing games. I would recommend setting an end time for your event, while also setting aside an hour at the end of the schedule to account for stragglers mingling with each other before heading out.

Guest List

This article is largely centering on having a joint wedding shower for both members of the wedding couple. Depending on the size of your venue and what you have planned, you’ll want to consider how many family members and friends will be invited, and how many will actually attend. Typically, most people invite family members, the wedding party, and close friends.

Budget

Though you’ll be saving money by hosting the event at home, you’ll still have to make some sort of investment. Things to consider in your budget are the food, drinks, dessert, tables and chairs, and decorations. Will you need to rent anything? Are you gonna be extra bougie and hire a caterer? The possibilities are endless! But definitely make sure you plan for each component of the shower, and always have a little extra set aside for any unexpected add-ons.

Bugs

We don’t typically have this issue in Las Vegas, considering how hard it is for most nuisance bugs to live here, but if you’re in an area with a heavy bug population, this will be a huge factor to consider. It may be worth it to have your yard sprayed before the event to repel on these pests. However, there are also more eco-friendly options you can consider. Citronella candles, as well as pots of lavender, marigolds, or lemongrass can naturally deter insects.

Neighborhood Noise

Consider your guest count! Depending on how many people you’re involving and the time of day, you may end up creating a bit more noise than usual. Talk to your neighbors before you host your event to let them know your plans, especially if you have live or recorded music. And frankly, if my neighbor gave me notice that they were hosting a backyard party but they also gave me a plate of brownies, I’d be more than okay with it.

Spatial Flow

Think about the design of your party. How does your backyard flow? Where will guests enter and be seated? Does it make sense to have a space near the entrance for guests to put their gifts? Then maybe they can grab a plate of food before heading to the tables. Is there an open area for games? The layout will help you keep your party well organized and easy for guests to enjoy.

Speaking of games, here are some fun options that get everyone involved:

Games

Games are an integral part of these wedding showers, as it’s a great way to introduce all of your favorite people to each other and build new friendships. Be sure to have prizes for winners, as I’m sure people will get competitive. Some common games that guests play at wedding showers include:

• Ring toss

• Wedding shower bingo

• Wedding jeopardy

• The Newlywed Game

• The Shoe Game

• Who Said It

• Wedding Movie Charades

Entertainment and Activities

If games aren’t your thing, plan some activities for your guests! This can be something as new and different as arranging floral bouquets, painting pottery or canvases, or even hosting a wine tasting!

Gift Table

Ideally, the gift table is one of the first stops as people flow through your party. Guests will likely be bringing gifts of all different sizes, including some cards. Giving your guests a place to put their gift down before they pick up drinks or their food is highly important to ensure the flow of your party. If you’re expecting high winds on the day of your shower, make sure this table is weighted down.

Beverage Station

Once the gifts are out of their hands, guests are ready for a beverage! As you set up your backyard for the shower, choose a space where guests can help themselves to drinks like coffee, iced tea, punch, or cocktails if you’re serving them. Make sure there are plenty of glasses, napkins, sugar packets, and extra ice at this drink station, too.

 Wedding Shower Favors

People love souvenirs, especially personal ones related to some of their favorite people – AKA you! I definitely recommend matching your party favors to the shower theme, as it’s something that will bring your shower back to your guests’ memory. Don’t be afraid to offer favors that are more unique, like sunglasses, miniature plants, wine glasses, or hand-poured soaps!

The Meal

Thinking about your menu from a convenience point of view will be the biggest help when it comes to planning your menu. Some foods are easier to eat indoors than outdoors. You’ll also want to ensure food safety, especially depending on the temperature. Keeping hot food hot and cold food cold will not only make the meal more enjoyable, but it’ll also crucial to making sure no one gets sick after your party. This is where you can be super creative with one of the main events of the wedding shower. Do you have any family recipes that are super well-loved? Do you have a favorite local restaurant you want to support? Having the event catered will also give you one less thing to worry about.

For an added challenge, you can also pair your menu with your wedding shower theme (see below for some theme ideas). Buffets are typically an easier option, while plated meals are a bit more classy. You’ll also need to have enough silverware and serving utensils, plus extras, just in case some hit the ground. Don’t forget to ask your guests if they have any dietary restrictions, too, so that all of your guests can enjoy every part of your wedding shower.

Invitations

Your invitations are the perfect way to set the tone for your wedding party theme. It’s very important that your invitations highlight that the event will be held outdoors, so they can dress accordingly. Including that lunch, beverages, and games will be provided will give your guests a good idea of what’s to come. Make it clear that you want guests to RSVP so you can get an accurate headcount, which is essential in preparing the amount of food, beverages, and favors. You can either offer a mailed RSVP, or an online version, depending on how you prefer to receive responses.

Decor Basics and Themes

This is the fun part! This is where you get to decide your theme for the wedding shower. You’ll likely want to have cohesive tablecloths and tableware for each table, as well as a centerpiece. If your event is scheduled during the daytime, you shouldn’t need any extra lighting, but if your wedding shower happens during the evening, you may want to set up string lights and lanterns.

When picking the theme, it makes sense to complement the theme of the wedding in some way. Of course, some weddings don’t have a theme, but they do have a color scheme, so keep this in mind as you plan the event. Otherwise, have fun with it! Treat it with the same importance as a bachelor or bachelorette party. Some popular wedding shower themes include:  

Tropical Pool Party

If you have a swimming pool available in your yard or neighborhood, your entertainment is built-in! Enjoy a relaxing pool party with snacks and pool-themed favors. Make it a tropical event by including fruity drinks, tiki torches, and lots of bright florals!

Haute Couture

Glitz, glamour, and (eco-friendly) glitter! Make it an upscale event, and ask your guests to dress on-theme. Giving them a color palette and textures to choose from will ensure your photos look absolutely perfect. Just make sure the glitter you use won’t hurt the environment, since you’ll be outside!

Sustainable and Earth-Friendly

Speaking of sustainability, why not make that your theme! You can have an earthy theme for your wedding shower with biodegradable decorations and locally-sourced organic food. Take it one step further and use all recycled items, and don’t forget to recycle when you’re finished!

Vintage

It is the roaring ‘20s, after all! Create a vintage-style wedding shower with Gatsby-inspired headbands, flapper-style dresses, and suits. Take it one step further by applying this theme to your menu with jazz music and era-appropriate cocktails!

Retro

With the 80s making a perpetual comeback (thanks, Stranger Things), why not host a retro wedding shower with bold colors, big hair, and oldies on repeat! You can even give guests a certain decade to dress as based on the first letter of their last name. I call dibs on the 90s, by the way.

Hosting a wedding shower is a huge, important task, but it’s definitely one of the most memorable events that you can host for the wedding couple. Focus on having great food, a relaxing atmosphere, and time to mingle with family and friends. Lean on both sides of the wedding party to help plan it, and above all, have fun!

If you’re loving these tips and want to hire your new favorite photographer to document your wedding shower, hit that button below, and let’s boogie!