The custom of the Bridal Shower is said to have stemmed from early dowry practices, when a poor woman’s family might not have had the money to provide a dowry for her. If this happened, friends of the bride-to-be would gather and bring gifts that would compensate for the dowry and allow her to marry the man of her choice.
A more recent custom charged the Mother of the Bride, Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids with organizing and executing the Bridal Shower. More recently, Bridal Showers have evolved into “Couple’s Showers” that include guys and gals … even the groom! So, whether it is you (or your friend) getting hitched, take a look at these tips for a memorable Bridal Shower.
Set the Mood
- Display a ceramic plate for guests to sign, which can be displayed in the newlyweds’ home.
- Number the guest tables with the bride’s favorite sayings and quotes that can serve as conversation-starters.
- If the shower is a surprise for the bride, create an Instagram-worthy reveal by having guests hold up signs that read, “Surprise!”
- Save money for the big day and recycle commonplace objects for decorations: flowers in china tea pots, whimsical paper garlands and paper lanterns.
- Glittery or shimmery tablecloths give the room some sparkle!
- Balloon chandeliers can give the room a pop of color.
- Pamper guests with beauty goodies like nail polish, body lotion and lip gloss.
Play Some Games
- Display a collage board with photos of the bride throughout the years and have guests guess how old
she was in each photo. - Play “Bridal Bingo” with Ring Pop candies as card-markers.
- In a twist on the classic Clothespin Game, each guest will receive a Ring Pop candy and forfeits it when they say the bride’s name.
- Build your own “Jeopardy” board with categories that relate to the bride and groom’s interests.
If it’s a couple’s shower, play the “Newlywed Game!”
Play the Toilet Paper Game. How it works:
Divide the guests into a few teams and have each choose a “model” who is then dressed by the team in a gown created with rolls of toilet paper (no scissors or tape allowed). The bride awards her pick for best-dressed!
Have a Panty Raid! Ask guests to decorate plain skivvies, and have the bride try to guess who created each design.
Change It Up
Ask guests to write their favorite memory of the bride on a piece of pretty card stock.
Write the number of days until the wedding on a chalkboard and take a photo of the bride with it.
Instead of the typical tea party, organize an activity for all the guests to participate in:
- Painting Lessons
- Dance Lessons
- Wine Tasting
- Cooking lesson for quick and delicious appetizers
- Hire a spa technician to give manicures or neck massages.
Shower Do’s & Don’ts
- Do ask the bride for a guest list.
- Don’t invite anyone who isn’t invited to the wedding.
- Do keep the schedule “loose.”
- Don’t make it too detailed or strict.
- Do organize a theme or group activity.
- Don’t choose a less-than-classy theme or have an activity that excludes some guests.
