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In Style, February 2004

Make it a Bridal Shower

Have a friend who's getting married soon? Turn the party into a shower. If you want to move the fete from early evening to afternoon, play up the ladylike theme and add tea and scones to the menu.

Bridal Showers are usually hosted by the maid of honor a month or two before a wedding, according to Kate Chynoweth, author of the Bridesmaid Guide: Etiquette, Parties, and Being Fabulous ($15, Chronicle Books). The host underwrites the party, but bridesmaids, or the mother of the bride, can chip in.

Invite close friends and female members of the bride's and groom's families, and make sure all guests have also been invited to the wedding. Spread registry information by word of mouth, not on the invitation.

Decorate the gift table with the flowers brought by guests (place extra arrangements on a coffee table or other surfaces).

After eating at the dining table, move to another area for sweets and gift opening. Assign someone to sit by the bride and keep track of every gift she unwraps (have a notebook and pen handy).

If you're the bride, thank the hostess by sending champagne, a frame (left, Love Knots 5" x 7" silver-plate frame, Vera Wang, $65; 888-747-0475).