Vanessa Minnillo has "intimate" bridal shower

Vanessa Minnillo has attended an "intimate" bridal shower in anticipation of her forthcoming wedding to fiancé Nick Lachey.

The couple, who announced their engagement in November 2010, recently held a private shower at West Hollywood's London Hotel have decided to throw additional bashes prior to exchanging vows.

Minnillo and 16 of her closest friends joined the actress at her Beverly Hills home on Saturday to mark the occasion with a sit-down dinner, reports US Weekly.

"[Vanessa] gave a speech saying her friends represented the 'United States of Vanessa'. Then she teared up, sharing something about each person," a source told the publication.

Lachey recently confessed that he is "fearful" for his upcoming bachelor party but is looking forward to spending time with old friends.

He has revealed that he feels ready to start a family with Minnillo and would like to begin having children in the near future.