Bridal Shower

The shower can be hosted by a close friend of the bride. It is considered improper for a family member of the bride to host because bridal showers are primarily a gift-giving event. However, family members can certainly help. Traditionally, the maid of honor hosts the shower, so if you want to help in planning, be sure to check with the maid of honor first. Commonly the maid of honor is a sister of the bride. In these cases, it has become acceptable in most regions for a family member to host the shower.
A good time for the shower would be 1-2 months before the wedding. This may be a very busy time for the bride, so be sure to consult the bride when setting the date. It can be held earlier, but it can be more exciting if held closer to the wedding date because everyone has marriage on their mind. If at all possible, avoid holding the shower too close to the wedding. It's a stressful time and the bride's schedule is likely to be jam-packed
The bride will want to be able to choose who is invited and you will need to consult her schedule to find a date. Many brides may assume they will have a shower and may approach you with the idea. If you do decide to host a surprise shower, be sure to contact the bride & groom's mother to find out what family members to invite. You may choose to surprise the bride with a second shower with only her closest of friends. Perhaps the wedding party and family.
There are many variations on showers, but here is a general schedule of a traditional shower.
Greet Guests - serve light appetizers
After all or almost all guests have arrived, go around the room and have each guest introduce themselves and identify how they know the bride.
Play 2-4 Shower Games. It is good to play games at the beginning as ice-breakers. Remember some guests may not know *anyone* but the bride.
Let everyone go get whatever food may be available and then once everyone has been served, the bride can begin to open her gifts. Be sure to have someone write down each gift and who it is from. It will make sending thank-you notes a lot easier.
People chat and usually leave a few at a time. Make sure the bride gets to say goodbye to everyone and the hostess thanks the person for attending. If the hostess has shower favors, they should give this to the guest now
Shower favors are not a tradition in all areas. In some regions, it is unheard of give favors (they came to shower the bride, not vice-versa). Yet in other regions, it is a must (it is rude not to acknowledge their presence with a favor). It's best to base your decision on what you have experienced at showers you have attended locally or ask close friends and find out what they think. If you do have favors, some ideas are potpourri satchel, scented candles, or candies wrapped in tulle.