Many see the Bridal Shower as just another excuse for bestowing gifts upon the bride-to-be. And in all fairness, this is mostly true. But what bride wouldn't want more presents and what guest doesn't like a good party? Traditionally, the shower was held in order to prepare the bride for life as a wife and mother. Blenders and sewing kits and Tupperware, oh my! These days, however, since most women have lived on their own for quite some time before entering the world of wedded bliss, domesticated gifts and themes are less needed. This gives ample room for the host to get creative with the themes and details when planning the Bridal Shower.
Hostess with the Mostess
It is generally the responsibility of the Maid of Honor and fellow Bridesmaids to plan the shower, but it is acceptable for a close relative (outside the immediate family) or friend to play host.
Who's In?
Typically the Bridal Shower is meant for females only, but with a modern bride comes modern changes. Some showers include male friends of the bride. The themes for showers including men should reflect the choice to go co-ed. For instance, a lingerie bridal shower may not be the best idea for a group that includes guys.
Timing
The shower should be thrown about two months before the wedding day. The budget and theme will be determining factors for the time of day of the shower. If the host is working with a smaller budget, consider throwing a Tea Party at 3:00 pm on a Sunday and serve pastries and desserts. A Stock the Bar party thrown at 8:00 pm on a Saturday will warrant cocktails and hors d'oeuvres or even a full seated dinner, which will obviously hike up the price.
Location
Personally, I have found that holding a Bridal Shower in the comfort of someone's home is always special and intimate, but if this is not an option, the possibilities for the perfect venue are endless. Just a few ideas are below:
Who's In?
Typically the Bridal Shower is meant for females only, but with a modern bride comes modern changes. Some showers include male friends of the bride. The themes for showers including men should reflect the choice to go co-ed. For instance, a lingerie bridal shower may not be the best idea for a group that includes guys.
Timing
The shower should be thrown about two months before the wedding day. The budget and theme will be determining factors for the time of day of the shower. If the host is working with a smaller budget, consider throwing a Tea Party at 3:00 pm on a Sunday and serve pastries and desserts. A Stock the Bar party thrown at 8:00 pm on a Saturday will warrant cocktails and hors d'oeuvres or even a full seated dinner, which will obviously hike up the price.
Location
Personally, I have found that holding a Bridal Shower in the comfort of someone's home is always special and intimate, but if this is not an option, the possibilities for the perfect venue are endless. Just a few ideas are below:
- Restaurant (especially a banquet or private dining room)
- Country Club
- Boat
- Rooftop of an Apartment Building
- Garden
- Public Park
Themes
While a theme is not necessary, it can definitely streamline the planning process and give direction to the guests on what kind of gift to buy the Bride. Below is a list of possible options for the Bridal Shower theme:
While a theme is not necessary, it can definitely streamline the planning process and give direction to the guests on what kind of gift to buy the Bride. Below is a list of possible options for the Bridal Shower theme:
- FOUR SEASONS: Each guest is assigned a time of year and her gift reflects that particular season. For instance, a summer assignment may warrant a gift of a sangria pitcher and glasses. A guest with a winter season may offer a cozy, decorative throw blanket for those nights beside the fire.
- AROUND THE CLOCK: This party focuses on each hour of the day and the types of gifts reflect what the bride might be doing at that time. If a guest is assigned 8:00 am, he or she may bring a portable mp3 player so the bride can listen to her favorite songs on her commute to work (that is, if she lives in a city where she walks or takes public transportation). For a 7:00 pm guest, a martini shaker, glasses, and a book of cocktails would make the perfect gift for that after-work wind-down.
- LINGERIE PARTY: This party is exactly what it sounds like. Not every gift has to be risque, however. Perfectly acceptable gifts would also include bedroom slippers, bathrobes, nightgowns, sleeping masks, or flannel pajamas.
- ROOM TO GROW: This particular shower assigns a different room in the house to each guest. A kitchen gift could be a juicer. For the dining room, a timeless centerpiece would make a great gift. Egyptian cotton sheets for the bedroom are also a lovely choice.
- WORLD MATTERS: This can be a culturally aware party and let's the guests get creative with their assignment. Each guest is given a country, and their gift pays homage to a custom or fact relating to that particular part of the world. A sushi making kit and book would pair with Japan. A guest with France as her assignment can give a membership to a "wine of the month" club from the vineyards of the region. It's a gift that keeps on giving! An Italian gift could be a pasta maker.
- HONEYMOONER: For this party, the theme can focus on the destination of the honeymoon and all the details surrounding it. If the couple is going somewhere tropical, guests would bring beach towels, diving gear, or gift certificates for surfing lessons. If the newlyweds are hitting a romantic bed and breakfast in the country, guests could provide insect repellent, a smores-making kit, or cozy bathrobes to lounge around the cabin or room. Travel guides, luggage, and cameras are also good gifts for a Honeymoon Shower.
Stay tuned next week for the second installment of Bridal Showers where I will discuss games, host duties, special moments, and favors.
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