We all know how stressful planning a wedding can be, making wedding planning burnout a very real possibility. Whether you’re trying not to pull out your hair as wedding costs skyrocket or you’re obsessing over every little detail to ensure that everything goes the way you’ve pictured it, feeling overwhelmed is guaranteed to happen if you’re not careful.
Thankfully, this isn’t something new and there are endless resources to help the modern bridal couple looking to keep costs and anxiety low.
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Bridal showers are a way for all the women in the bride’s life to come together, get to know each other, and celebrate the bride-to-be. Games at a bridal party keeps things light and ensure that there are no awkward silences.
Another reason to offer games at a bridal shower is to prevent the occasion from centering around gift-receiving. A common problem, however, is that the old-school, traditional bridal shower games are a bit played out.
Here are five fun bridal shower games we know you’ll want to try:
1. The Gossip Game
The bride and the host team up to write a light-hearted, gossipy question about each attendee on little pieces of paper, fold them up, and put them in a bowl. Questions can include things like “who was Sarah’s first kiss?” or “When last has the bride’s mom bought lingerie?”.
As the guests come in, have them take a question out of the bowl. They then have to play detective, and in the process mingle and get to know each other to find out the answer to the question.
The rules are that they are not allowed to ask the question directly and there should be a set time limit of about 30 minutes to investigate.
2. Achieve the Look
This one is simple and it’s relevant. The bride probably knows exactly what she wants her bridal make-up to look like. But it’s always good to have some options… right?
Print out multiple copies of a photo of the bride with no makeup. Each player should receive a copy of the photo and a cheap set of makeup. Have them fill in the brides makeup on the photo.
For an added twist, you could blindfold the players too. This is sure to have you cry-laughing at the end results.
3. Creating Cocktails
Provide guests with various cocktail ingredients, set a time limit, and have them create a signature drink for the bride. Let the bride be the judge of the competition.
This one is sure to have everyone feeling merry, and the bride will have her own signature mixture to remember her bridal party by!
4. Dream Date
Each guest should write down her dream celebrity date. On the other side of the page, they should write their nightmare date.
The bride should draw each one, one at a time, and as a group the guests should try to figure out which card belongs to who. To make it trickier, have the guests guess which side is the dream date and which is the nightmare.
5. Cold feet
Fill a bucket with ice and place toy rings at the bottom. Each player needs to retrieve as many rings as possible in 1 minute…with their toes!
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Feature image: Pexels
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Finalising your guest list is where wedding planning starts to feel very real (and very personal). Between budgets, venue limits and family expectations, deciding who gets a plus-one can quickly become one of the trickiest parts of the process.
The good news? There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. With a clear approach (and a little confidence), you can make decisions that feel fair, thoughtful and aligned with your vision for the day.
What is a wedding plus-one, really?
A “plus-one” simply means a guest is invited to bring someone along — usually a partner, but sometimes a date or companion. It’s a lovely gesture, but not a requirement for every guest.
Start with your non-negotiables
Before diving into individual decisions, get clear on your limitations:
- Budget: Every extra guest affects catering, seating and rentals
- Venue capacity: Space will naturally cap your numbers
- Wedding style: A large, lively celebration vs an intimate gathering
Once you know your boundaries, it becomes much easier to make consistent calls.
Who should get a plus-one?
While every wedding is different, there are a few widely accepted guidelines that help keep things fair and respectful.
Couples in committed relationships
If a guest is married, engaged or in a long-term relationship, it’s generally expected to include their partner, even if you’ve never met them. It acknowledges their relationship as a meaningful part of their life.
Your bridal party
Your inner circle has likely shown up for every fitting, plan and pre-wedding moment. Offering them a plus-one is a simple but meaningful way to say thank you.
Guests travelling or coming solo
If someone is travelling far or won’t know many people at your wedding, allowing them to bring a guest can make the experience far more comfortable and enjoyable.
Close friends and immediate family
For your nearest and dearest, a plus-one can feel like a natural extension of their invite, even if they’re not in a serious relationship.
Who doesn’t necessarily need one?
This is where it gets a little more flexible and where your discretion comes in.
Guests in casual or new relationships
If someone has only recently started dating, you’re not obligated to extend a plus-one. You can always reassess closer to the wedding if things become more serious.
Singles who know plenty of guests
If your friend group overlaps or your family is tight-knit, solo guests are unlikely to feel alone — meaning a plus-one isn’t essential.
Coworkers or distant connections
If you’re inviting colleagues or acquaintances, it’s perfectly acceptable to keep the invite limited. Just make sure you’re consistent across the group.
The golden rule: be consistent
If there’s one thing that avoids awkward conversations, it’s consistency.
For example:
- All married and cohabiting couples get a plus-one
- Only the bridal party receives one regardless of relationship status
- Or, no plus-ones beyond serious relationships
Whatever you decide, apply it across the board. It makes your choices easier to explain and easier for guests to accept.
How to make it clear on your invitations
Your invitation should do the talking for you.
- Named guest only? That person is invited solo
- “And Guest”? They have a plus-one
- Both names listed? You’re inviting a specific couple
You can also clarify your policy on your wedding website to avoid any confusion (or last-minute requests).
When you can’t offer everyone a plus-one
If your guest list is tight, don’t feel guilty. It’s completely acceptable to limit plus-ones, especially if you’re prioritising intimacy or working within a strict budget.
If guests ask, a kind and honest response goes a long way: “We would have loved to include everyone, but due to venue limitations, we’ve had to keep things quite intimate.”
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Feature image: Pexels
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