An Introduction to Bridal Showers

An Introduction Bridal Showers

What is a bridal shower? When a friend gets married, you’d think the wedding and reception would be enough of a party. But in the months leading up to the big day, there’s the engagement party, the bachelorette party, and the bridal shower to plan for.

It is the responsibility of the bridesmaids to organize and execute the bridal shower. Basically, it’s a “congratulations on becoming a wife” party for your betrothed friend.

The Venue

Traditionally, bridal showers are very female-centric events. They often take place at Victorian tearooms or similarly girly locations. However, if the bride isn’t the lace-doily type, you might consider something more modern, like a wine bar or the garden restaurant of a museum. And of course, a nice living room is always a safe and inexpensive alternative.

The Guest List

Again, this event is generally limited to women (though gay guy friends would probably be a welcome exception). Though the bride’s mother is not involved in planning the bridal shower, she should be invited and consulted about the guest list beforehand. Everyone who’s invited to the bridal shower should also be on the wedding guest list, so you might want to double-check with the bride before inviting too many college friends or distant cousins.

The Gifts

Bridal shower gifts are typically things the woman will need to start her married life. In some cases, this means stand mixers and nice sheets. In others, it means saucy negligee and sex toys. Other gift ideas include champagne or wine glasses, vases, and cookbooks.

The Activities

Once everyone has arrived, it’s time to get the fun stuff started! Traditional bridal shower games include Toilet Paper Dress (divide into teams and use toilet paper to create a couture wedding gown on a team member), wedding-related trivia, “Finish that saying” (read the first half of a proverb and have guests shout out the second half), and others. Guests also can toast the couple, roast the bride with funny stories about her single days, and give advice on happy marriages.