Congratulations! Planning your wedding is such an exciting but hectic time. I’m hoping you and your significant other benefit from this very cut-to-the-chase post bridal shower organization guide. May this be at least one wedding task made easier by yours truly.
Wash ALL New Linens
We received an assortment of decorative towels, bath sheets (side note: a MUST for your wedding registry) and a new bed sheet set for our guest room. Before they get put away you have to wash them. So, unpack all linen gifts first and throw them in one big washer load so they can clean while you work on the rest of your bridal shower organization.
Audit Your Bar Cart
Often times people register for whiskey glasses, champagne flutes or any number of other fun bar cart/cocktail bar accessories. Before adding new items to your stash, go through all liquor bottles, mixers, etc. and check for expiration. This will not only clear out room for new items, but keep you from drinking flat seltzer or stale margarita mix later.
Once you’ve identified what you’re keeping, organize glassware by cocktail type. Leave room for a few of each glass so you’re prepared for any drink request. We have close to 30 wine glasses, but only about 10 are on the main shelf, making room for our beer and martini glasses. Extras of everything are on the very top shelf in ‘storage’.
Organize ALL Pots, Pans and Baking Dishes
Before putting anything new away, Kevin and I sat on the floor and completely emptied our cabinet. All our large pans, baking dishes, trays and mixing bowls were out and up for audit. We actually didn’t get rid of much, but we reorganized the cabinet entirely. Now, our bowls are stacked, pans are nested together by size and everything is MUCH more accessible. This is a serious game changer. Don’t throw new items into an old mess!
Always be asking yourself, can anything go? If so, do you have a younger sibling/cousin going to college or any friends who is just starting out? Anything in good shape can be donated versus being tossed. If no friends or family are in need I get a donation bag together for Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Audit Tumblers, Mugs and Reusable Bottles
Mugs are the biggest offenders in my house. Everyone gifts them at office exchanges, Secret Santas and every event when you’re stumped on gift ideas. All of a sudden two young adults own 57 mugs between the two of them. Take this time to audit what you want to keep, what is sentimental, etc. and which ones you can donate. Maybe you have a young family member just starting out who could use some perfectly good mugs/tumblers, etc. or you can donate them to someone else in need via a local drop off.
Organize Small Kitchen Appliances
Before we even got back to our condo, Kevin’s brother claimed dibs on our old coffee maker – we received a Ninja Coffee Bar at the bridal shower. I couldn’t have been more thrilled because the last thing I wanted to do was pitch a perfectly good coffee maker. Did you get a new blender, mixer or toaster? Anyone need those? Shoot a group text to the fam or offer it up on Instagram or a resale app, like Mercari.
Always think of who might be able to benefit from gently used appliances. A blender might not seem like a big expense to you now, but think back to when you were in college and $25 was a small fortune.
General Advice
If you couldn’t guess, the theme of the entire process is out with the old, in with the new. With undertones of ‘who can use your perfectly good, slightly used items?’ Especially those items that are on the pricier end for someone just starting out. I’m a huge proponent of recycling and giving back where able. Any little bit might help someone out!
Did I miss any key tips? Let me know what bridal shower organization tips kept you clutter free in the comments!
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- Gorgeous Wedding Flowers on a Budget
- Wedding Venue Shopping Checklist
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