So, the Bridesmaids have offered to assist with the Bridal Shower. Whew, HUGH relief!!! They're supposed to be contacting me pretty soon so that we can co-ordinate the party. So my question to all of you is how should we share the responsibility of the party? I know I'm the Matron of Honor and I'm not trying to push my duties & responsibilities off on to them. However, they DID volunteer. I was thinking of maybe seeing what they would like to be in charge of? Maybe one person wants to be in charge of the entertainment, another in charge of decorations, another in charge of party favors (if we're doing any??). OR, is it easier to just do it all together as a joint effort and then split the costs? Problem is I'm not sure what their financial status is so I don't want to outright ask for $. So how should I word this to them when they contact me here soon? Help! I know some of you must have been in a similar situation :0)
Thank you!!!!
One gets the cake. One makes up the list of games. One does the party favors. One does the decorations. One or two makes the food. Try and keep the financial responsibilities balanced. So much easier. Unless, you are the control type who likes to do all/most those things, (like me who prefers everything match and coordinate) then it's much easier to ask them to pitch in financially.
If you can't all meet in person. I would either do a conference call and then follow-up email confirming what everyone agreed to. I've planned many events and I used Excel to list everything out and shared with the co-hostesses via email. That way no one can say they weren't clear on the expectations etc....good luck...I've had many bridal/baby showers at my house. :)
Are you sure they want to "hostess" or "assist"? In my opinion there is a huge difference. If you are a hostess, then you are responsible financially to help PAY for it. If you have offered your help to assist, then that is what you are doing, helping to plan, organize and make it happen, not necessarily pay for it. So if I were you, I would clarify on what they actually offered to do. If they are willing to help split the cost, then you need to find out the max they are willing to pay (set the budget) so you know how much to spend. then have a list of what all needs to be bought and set up and ask each one what they would like to do. Like some may like to cook or be good at it and some may not be and would rather decorate. You get the idea. And I would email everyone and make sure to say for everyone to "reply to everyone" so they are all on the same page and everyone knows what is going on. Good luck!
I would give everyone something, cake, drinks, decorations and plates, etc.When all is said and done have everyone submit to you the bill. Total
everything up and divide evenly. Very simple way and very fair.
Outright ask for money. Certain things are going to be more $$ and you want to keep it fair.
Personally, I would say to talk to them all about a budget (i.e. how much each is comfortable pitching in) then split up the functions and give a budget for each task (obviously, the food will be the largest slice).
I agreed to "pitch in" for a friends shower right out of college, the MOH had something at the home of the grandmother, for about 20-25 people and we each (5 of us) ended up pitching in $200! (And this was back in the 80's!) You don't want to begin without getting a feel for what everyone thinks is realistic. I'd get a basic cost for the food--unless that will be your gift for the shower...which IS a possibility.
Exactly what Lucky said! Tons of "just checking in" emails will save you headaches and arguments in the end!
I would suggest that you all get together and brainstorm for what you want to do....date, time, location, theme/colors, menu, invitations. Then, split up the tasks/responsibilities. Then converse later to see what else you have all thought of, see if anyone needs extra help, etc. That is how we did my sister's baby shower (her friends handled the wedding shower).
