Photo Credit: D’Arcy Benincosa Photography via Style Me Pretty
Putting together a diligent and happy team of bridal shower planners can be about as overwhelming as planning the shower itself. But having help from friends and family members can ease a lot of stress and get the job done faster. If you’re the maid of honor or volunteered to organize the shower, here are some tips on how to work with others with ease.
1) A good team has a shared vision and a goal they want to achieve. Although the shared goal here is an epic bridal shower, it’s easy for everyone to put individual interests first. That could mean Amanda wants the theme to be a tea party because she’s always loved them or Linda doesn’t want to serve anything with peanuts because she’s allergic. Those are things to keep in mind, but the big picture comes first and on that big picture is what the bride wants. Her wants are the desired team outcome and should be the priority.
2) Share the responsibilities by divvying up the to-do items and having everyone take at least one item on the list. Contacting venues goes to one person, purchasing napkins to another, etc.
3) Keep each other informed by using organization and social tools like Google Drive and Facebook groups. Being able to share with the people helping you is invaluable, especially when everyone has their own busy schedules.
4) Ask for help compiling the guest list. Help can extend to the mother of the bride, close friends and even the groom. Just remember that anyone who is invited to the shower should also receive an invite to the wedding, so make the list and check it twice!
5) Invite over whomever is helping you plan the shower for a night of cocktails and conversation. The get-together can be a brainstorming session or include a few hours of crafting decorations and sealing envelopes.
6) As stated above, everyone has ideas and opinions and it’s important to listen to each one. That means when your shower planning mates are dishing on what a good theme would be, make eye contact, wait your turn to talk and ask questions for clarification. Being a good team member means respecting everyone’s opinions and taking turns sharing them.
7) Set target dates for different tasks to stay on track.
8) If things get sticky between people, instead of gossiping and possibly creating a lot more tension, sit down for a good ole heart-to-heart to hash out the problem.
