Bridal showers bring wedding flowers. Okay, that's not how the expression goes. But bridal showers do represent a wonderful, exciting season of love for couples nearing their wedding day. Celebrity wedding planner David Tutera and Omaha event stylist Nina Roumpf share tips for putting together a shower that will be as special for the bride as it is memorable for her guests.

David Tutera
Celebrity event planner and designer; host of WE tv's “My Fair Wedding”

Tutera approaches party planning like a theater production. He sets the stage, then builds around the unexpected. In short, Tutera knows how to throw a really, really good party. His masterful approach has won him celebrity clients such as Elton John, Matthew McConaughey, Barbara Walters and Jennifer Lopez. His own celebrity has made him a highly sought guest on CNN, Oprah, the Style Network and Good Morning America. But you don't have to be a celebrity or wealthy socialite to host an affair to remember. Tutera's ideas are easily adapted and can be applied to any budget.

The guest list
Limit the size of the shower to allow the bride to spend quality time with her guests. “A more intimate number is always nicer.”

The time frame
Decide on a time frame for the shower and announce it on the invitation. One of the biggest missteps a hostess can make is letting a shower run too long. “It should have a specific start and end time.”

The theme
Don't be predictable in your theme and decor. “Instead of using the bride's wedding colors,” Tutera says, “I like to embrace the season, background or hobbies of the bride and groom to design something fresh and new.”
“New” means a willingness to break with tradition and away from such old standards as bathroom-, kitchen- and bedroom-themed showers. Many brides are established in their careers and don't necessarily need hand towels, spatulas or pillowcases.
Tutera's suggestion: Go beyond the usual gift-focused theme party. Host a spa day or a cooking or flower-arranging class. Throw a shower in a bowling alley. “Allow your guests to experience something new and fun,” Tutera says. “The major thing to remember is to make sure it's something that truly matches the personality of the bride and is unique to her and her lifestyle.”

The final element
While he likes inventing ways to celebrate, there is one shower tradition Tutera advises keeping. “I like to have guests share bits of wisdom for a happy marriage, which makes for a fun and sometimes funny bonding experience.”

Nina Roumpf
Party stylist; owner of Uniquely Nina, based in Omaha

Nina Roumpf has wowed local clients for nearly two decades with her interior and exterior design skills. Like David Tutera, she loves the unexpected.
When it comes to bridal showers, she says you don't have to play by the rules. Instead, she suggests looking to the bride for inspiration. “We are individuals, and a shower should be all about that person.”

The theme
Once you have your theme, carry it through from the invitations to the party favors. “If someone has a passion for hearts, then gear the theme around that,” says Roumpf. “If the bride loves glitz, then have fun with the whole glitz theme.”

The invitations
Set your shower apart before it even happens — through the invitation.
For example, for a kitchen shower Roumpf printed the invitations on hot pads and tucked recipe cards inside oven mitts. She tied both together and tucked them into a large, glossy envelope.
“Who wouldn't rush to open the mail that day?”

The table
Consider where your food will be served. “Think overscale, not underscale when creating a table.”
For a buffet, books and blocks under tablecloths create a variety of serving heights. Layer cloths and runners, mix colors and patterns and use candles in different shapes and sizes.
Go for drama. “It creates excitement for the guests,” says Roumpf.
The planner's pet peeve? Plastic tablecloths. Paper is a better choice. You'll find a good selection of sizes, textures, colors and patterns. White butcher paper, brown Kraft paper or gray bogus paper (100 percent recycled) are other options. For table runners and place mats, you can fringe the edges and then stamp or paint a pretty design. Even easier: Sprinkle with confetti.

The time factor
Allow ample time to pull everything together. “A timeline and checklist are very important,” Roumpf says. “You may consider hiring out part of it if you can't do it all. If you feel you can't do this, hire a professional or recruit a friend to relieve the stress.

Kim Carpenter is a freelance writer based in Omaha. She has a doctorate in social history with an emphasis in culinary arts.

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