Planning a Great Wedding Shower at Any Time of Year
The bride’s shower takes place when it’s most convenient for everyone involved. That might be a few days before the wedding, or months in advance. Depending on the guest list, you might need to have your shower close to the big day, as that’s the only time guests will be able to attend. If most of the guests are local, go ahead and plan it early on, so as not to interfere with other activities closer to the wedding.
Some reminders: everyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding. Whether Moms are invited is up to you, and don’t forget to ask his female side of the family. Traditionally, the Maid Of Honor hosts the shower, but she should get financial help and assistance from everyone involved.
A shower can be a surprise, or every detail can be known to the bride.
If the idea of sitting around you big sister’s kitchen and playing party games doesn’t float your boat, here are a couple of seasonable shower ideas:
Summer: Barbecue. Either hold the shower in someone’s backyard or haul it off to the nearest park (if you try the latter, call the park about permits and restrictions). You’ll also need a rain-date location. You can live it up with hot dogs and hamburgers, lemonade and iced tea (Long Island or otherwise). Have each guest bring a dish: Cole slaw, potato salad, sandwiches, pasta, even apple pie. Other great ideas? Have a fabulous pool party or, if the weather’s warm enough, outdoor sleepover.
Fall: Halloween is Fall’s best excuse to dress up, so why not incorporate a costume party into your shower? It’s also a great excuse to eat sweets you wouldn’t dare touch the rest of the year. If you live in a rural area, organize a hayride for the gals, then get plopped off somewhere that’s green. Winery’s are a huge hit this time of year, and make for a much more sophisticated theme. Finally, give the boys a run for their money, and organize a touch-football shower. It’s easy to organize, inexpensive, and an absolute ball.
Winter: Snow bunnies head for the ski resorts, for time away from the guys and gossip around the fireplace at night. If the last thing you want is more exposure, this is the time to book a cozy restaurant for an intimate cocktail party, or have it at a friend’s country home with the amazing fireplace set-up. Since cold weather is harder on the skin, spa days are popular winter shower ideas, and will bring bright, smiling facials on all the girls.
Spring: An outdoor café among the blossoms is a wonderful idea for a Spring shower, as is a boat cruise, a day at your nearest theme park, or a trip to a museum (ask about reserving a table outside for lunch). Depending on how rugged the girls are, this is the time to go on a nature hike or bird-watching. Then again, that warm weather coming means skimpier clothes, so you might want to try something really daring: personal training sessions for all the girls, followed by massages and good old-fashioned gift-giving once you get back home.