A fancy bridal shower

The closest equivalent to a bridal shower in the Indian context is the Mehendi ceremony which is a sort of rite of passage for the bride .

Bridal showers are becoming fairly popular in India, with the brides friends throwing that one last party to their bachelorette friend .There is the fun element of games , music and dancing which gives everyone a chance to bond and unwind a few days before the marriage ceremony.There is also the custom of all the friends and women relatives bringing over gifts for the bride -they could either get anything they want or it could be something relating to a theme- for e.g ,gifts could center around the fact that the bride loves to be a perfect hostess - it could include things like decorative jars for preserves and sauces , wine racks , punch bowl , candy dishes, wine glasses, ice bucket , elegant coasters, candles/holders, flatware etc.

Here are some pointers for throwing bridal showers -

• Who throws a bridal shower - it's usually the bride's friends/family who plan the shower - the bride , her mother and the groom's mother are all consulted about the guest list - it could be a women's only or a couple's only shower also.
• Once the bride's friends decide on the budget , they can either informally invite people over phone or send formal printed invitations or in the case of an informal party - they can send whacky or unusual invitations ( invitation in a bottle - for say a " Beach" theme party)
• A suitable venue has to be fixed keeping in mind the number of guests , the convenience etc.See here for a list of party venues in Hyderabad.
• Engage a caterer to supply the food - they typically charge around Rs 270/- per plate.
  
• If there is a theme , the party venue has to be decorated accordingly - the gifts and the bridal favours could correspond to it.The music , games etc can also correspond to the theme.
  For e.g for a "Romance" theme - pink could be colour of choice for the decoration( balloons, streamers, banners , flowers ,lamps, bride's childhood pictures etc) , soft love songs could play in the background ,candles and flowers will add to the ambience. Going with the theme , a "Flying Wishes" experience will touch a chord in everyone- Ask each of the guests to write a wish /promise to the bride in a piece of paper- allow enough time to the bride to read each one of them- slip these papers inside empty balloons , fill them with helium and tie with a ribbon - let go together.
• By segmenting your shower into three stages, you can keep the party flowing.Don't let it get stale or your guests will get restless. For a three hour party, allow about 45 minutes to an hour per phase.

• First Stage - Introductions, games, setting the mood. As people arrive, introduce them to everyone, serve beverages and hors d'oeuvres. Get one person to conduct easy ice breaking games to get the people mixing.

• Second Stage - Dinner and dessert.

• Third Stage - Play any games or other activities you have planned. The bride then opens her presents. As the guests leave give them the party favours.